Welcome to Nioh, a brutal action RPG set in Sengoku-era Japan. You'll play as a blonde-haired samurai, William, battling yokai and human foes alike. Mastering the game's deep combat system, especially Ki management and stance switching, is key to survival. Expect challenging boss fights and a dense world filled with secrets.
This guide is your ultimate companion, covering everything from fundamental combat techniques and character progression to detailed mission walkthroughs and collectible locations. We'll help you navigate the treacherous paths, defeat formidable enemies like the Seven Spears of Sōma, and achieve the best possible outcomes in this demanding adventure.
Part 1
Nioh Part 1 walkthrough covering The Man with the Guardian Spirit, Isle of Demons, and Deep in the Shadows missions for PS4 version 1.10.
- 1Begin the main mission 'The Man with the Guardian Spirit'.
- 2Proceed to the main mission 'Isle of Demons'.
- 3Continue to the main mission 'Deep in the Shadows'.
- 4Follow the walkthrough for 'The Spirit Stone Slumbers'.
- 5Complete the mission 'The Silver Mine Writhes'.
- 6Advance to 'The Ocean Roars Again'.
- 7Undertake the mission 'Spider Nest Castle'.
- 8Progress through 'Falling Snow'.
- 9Tackle the mission 'The Demon of Mount Hiei'.
- 10Complete 'The Iga Escape'.
- 11Play through 'Memories of Death-Lilies'.
- 12Advance to 'The Weight of the World'.
- 13Undertake the mission 'The Defiled Castle'.
- 14Progress through 'Immortal Flame'.
- 15Tackle the mission 'Sekigahara'.
- 16Complete 'The Source of Evil'.
- 17Play through 'A Defiled Holy Mountain'.
- Press Ctrl+F and enter the code (e.g., [KI-INT]) to skip to that section.
- This guide is best viewed using a fixed-width font, such as Courier New.
- The Nioh guide is for PlayStation 4, version 1.10, updated on 3/21/2017.
Part 2
Explore Nioh Part 2, including main missions like The Demon King Revealed, all sub-missions, and dojo missions.
Main Missions:
- Mission 18: The Samurai from Sawayama
- Mission 19: The Demon King Revealed
- Mission 20: EPILOGUE: The Queen's Eyes
Sub-Missions:
- Sub-Mission 1: Death to Bandits
- Sub-Mission 2: Wreathed in Flame
- Sub-Mission 3: Finders, Keepers
- Sub-Mission 4: Kanbei and the Overlord
- Sub-Mission 5: A Request from Ginchiyo
- Sub-Mission 6: Invitation from the Warrior of the West
- Sub-Mission 7: The Guardian of the Underworld
- Sub-Mission 8: The Three Angry Gods
- Sub-Mission 9: The Magatama of Fire
- Sub-Mission 10: The Bridge of Bone
- Sub-Mission 11: Heir to the Nioh
- Sub-Mission 12: The Conspirators
- Sub-Mission 13: The Ogress
- Sub-Mission 14: The Battle of Ohashi Bridge
- Sub-Mission 15: The Disappearing Ranjatai
- Sub-Mission 16: Demon Hunting
- Sub-Mission 17: The Malefactors
- Sub-Mission 18: The Red Oni of the Ii
- Sub-Mission 19: The Fallen Onmyo Mages
- Sub-Mission 20: The Missing Catalog
- Sub-Mission 21: Greater Demon Hunting
- Sub-Mission 22: The Three Souls
- Sub-Mission 23: Of Withered Grass and Yokai
- Sub-Mission 24: A Fiercer Flame
- Sub-Mission 25: The Trail of the Master
- Sub-Mission 26: The Seven Good Tidings
- Sub-Mission 27: The Okehazama Incident
- Sub-Mission 28: The Rising Shadows
- Sub-Mission 29: The Giant Frog Brawl
- Sub-Mission 30: The Unrepentant Thief
- Sub-Mission 31: The Champion of the East
- Sub-Mission 32: The Silent Crow
- Sub-Mission 33: Desperate Retreat
- Sub-Mission 34: Kuroda's Determination
- Sub-Mission 35: The Demon's Daughter
- Sub-Mission 36: The Watcher in Darkness
- Sub-Mission 37: The Mountain of Remorse
- Sub-Mission 38: The Ghosts of Sawayama
- Sub-Mission 39: The Inheritance
- Sub-Mission 40: The Two Kings: Nioh
- Sub-Mission 41: A Meeting on the Other Shore
- Sub-Mission 42: Master of the Twin Blades
Dojo Missions:
- Dojo Mission 1: Basic Action Controls
- Dojo Mission 2: Applied Action Controls
- Dojo Mission 3: The Way of the Warrior: Novice
- Dojo Mission 4: The Way of the Ninja: Novice
- Dojo Mission 5: The Way of the Onmyo: Novice
- Dojo Mission 6: The Way of the Warrior: Adept
- Dojo Mission 7: The Way of the Ninja: Adept
- Dojo Mission 8: The Way of the Onmyo: Adept
- Dojo Mission 9: The Way of the Warrior: Veteran
- Dojo Mission 10: The Way of the Ninja: Veteran
- Dojo Mission 11: The Way of the Onmyo: Veteran
- Dojo Mission 12: Zen and Sword are One
- Dojo Mission 13: The Grimmest Blades
- Dojo Mission 14: Steel Across Steel
- Dojo Mission 15: The Invincible
- Dojo Mission 16: A Clash of Sickles
- Dojo Mission 17: A True Ninja
- Dojo Mission 18: A Greater Harmony
Appendices:
- Boss List
- Hot Spring List
- Guardian Spirit Directory
- Character Directory
- Trophy List
Conclusion:
- Version History
- Credits
- Last Words
Part 3
Learn the essential controls for Nioh, including movement, combat actions, stances, and item shortcuts. Master the game's combat system with this comprehensive guide.
This guide covers the default control scheme (Type A) for Nioh, which is crucial for mastering the game's combat. Nioh's combat system heavily relies on the synergy between your chosen weapon and your current stance. Experimenting with different weapons and stances is highly recommended to find what suits your playstyle.
There are a total of six different control types (A-F) available in the game. This section details Control Type A. It is advised to explore all control types to find the one that feels most comfortable for you.
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| Moves Player | L analog |
| Moves Camera | R analog |
| Guard | L1 button |
| Aim Ranged Weapon / Third Person View | L2 button |
| N/A | L3 button |
| Stance (Change Stance) | R1 button |
| Switch Item Shortcut | R2 button |
| Lock-On | R3 button |
| Item Shortcut (Up, Down, Left, Right) | D-pad |
| Gesture Menu | Options |
| Status Menu | Touchpad |
| Dodge/Dash | X button |
| Quick Attack | [] button |
| Strong Attack | /\' button |
| Interact | O button |
Special Note: The game's combat system is deeply intertwined with the type of weapon you are wielding and the stance you are currently in. It is highly recommended to try out every weapon type as you discover them. Key weapon types include Sword and Dual Swords.
Part 4
Learn essential Nioh combat mechanics like Ki Pulse, Guardian Spirits, and weapon stances. Discover tips for mastering Ninjutsu, Onmyo magic, and status effects to conquer your foes.
- 1Experiment with different weapons like the Spear, Axe, and Kurasigama. Try each in every stance (High, Mid, Low) to understand their range and combos.
- 2Visit the "Learn Skills" menu to preview and purchase new weapon techniques.
- 3Complete Dojo Missions as they become available to unlock new skills.
- 4Master Ninjutsu for trickery and survival, and Onmyo magic for elemental balance and power.
- 5Utilize ranged weapons (bows, guns, cannons) effectively, especially by purchasing ammo at the blacksmith to snipe enemies and ease encounters.
- 6Use hot springs to recover strength and gain the Regen effect.
- Progress is Key: Dying causes you to lose Amrita (XP) and your Guardian Spirit, but you can recover them by returning to your fallen spot.
- Situational Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings; retreat can be a valid strategy.
- Ki Management: Your Ki (stamina) is crucial for dodging and attacking. Never let it deplete completely.
- Ki Pulse: After attacking, perform a Ki Pulse to recover Ki instantly. This is essential for sustained combat.
- Ki Pulse Mastery: Executing a Ki Pulse after every attack chain significantly boosts your Ki reserves.
- Living Water Skill: Purchase the "Living Water" ability, which makes your dash also perform a Ki Pulse, offering excellent mobility and recovery.
- Sloth Talisman: This powerful item slows enemies dramatically, trivializing tough fights.
- Non-Combat Encounters: Some Yokai, like Mimic Chests and Nurakabi, can be appeased with gestures or correct choices, rewarding you instead of fighting. This is also necessary for a trophy.
- Guardian Spirits: These spirits offer combat advantages. Don't hesitate to use them on tough enemies, not just bosses. You can resummon a lost Guardian Spirit at a shrine.
- Bloody Graves: Interacting with these graves summons the vengeful soul of a fallen warrior.
- Weapon Mastery: Use weapons in battle to gain experience and unlock new techniques.
- Status Effects: Understand their effects: Fire (DoT), Lightning (slows attacks/movement), Earth (doubles Ki usage), Water (reduces Physical Defense), Wind (lowers Attack), Poison (DoT), Paralysis (stunned).
- Armor Choices: Heavy armor offers protection but reduces mobility. Lightweight armor grants agility but leaves you vulnerable. Choose equipment wisely based on your playstyle.
- Experience and Amrita
- New Skills and Techniques
- Guardian Spirit abilities
- Status Effect advantages
- Equipment and Ammo
Similar guides you might like
100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content