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Part 4
Nioh 3

Part 4

Explore Nioh 3's combat system: master weapons like the Spear, Axe, and Kurasigama, understand Ki Pulse, status effects, and effective gear choices for every encounter.

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Explore Nioh 3's combat system: master weapons like the Spear, Axe, and Kurasigama, understand Ki Pulse, status effects, and effective gear choices for every encounter.

This section covers essential combat mechanics and tips for Nioh 3, focusing on weapon mastery, Ki management, and strategic advantages.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Weapon Mastery: Experiment with different weapons such as the Spear, Axe, and Kurasigama. Try each in every stance to understand their range and combo potential. Visit the "Learn Skills" menu to preview upcoming abilities.
  2. 2
    Dojo Missions: Prioritize completing Dojo missions as they become available. These missions are crucial for unlocking new techniques for weapons you've used sufficiently.
  3. 3
    Combat Fundamentals:
  4. 4
    Amrita: If you die, you lose Amrita (used for leveling up) but can recover it by returning to your place of death. Your Guardian Spirit can also be recovered.
  5. 5
    Retreat: Do not be afraid to retreat. Sometimes, strategic withdrawal is the best course of action.
  6. 6
    Ki Management: Ki is your fighting spirit; running low prevents dodging and weapon use. Always be mindful of your Ki levels.
  7. 7
    Ki Pulse: After attacking, return to a fighting stance to recharge Ki. This is called a Ki Pulse.
  8. 8
    Ki Pulse Benefits: A complete Ki Pulse recovers Ki and cleanses Yokai Realm impurities. Make it a habit to perform a Ki Pulse after every attack chain for sustained Ki.
  9. 9
    Living Water Skill: Purchase the "Living Water" ability, which allows your dash to also perform a Ki Pulse. This is highly recommended for recovering Ki and evading attacks simultaneously.
  10. 10
    Sloth Talisman: This item significantly slows enemies, trivializing combat against bosses and large Yokai.
  11. 11
    Non-Combat Encounters: Some enemies, like Mimic Chests and Nurakabi, can be appeased with gestures or by guessing correct responses, rewarding you instead of fighting. This is also necessary for a trophy.
  12. 12
    Guardian Spirits: These spirits offer combat advantages. If lost upon death, they can often be summoned again at a shrine. Use them on tough enemies, not just bosses.
  13. 13
    Bloody Graves: Interacting with these graves summons the soul of the fallen warrior.
  14. 14
    Ninjutsu: Ninja skills focus on using tools to trick enemies and survive dangerous situations.
  15. 15
    Onmyo Magic: Onmyo mages use the balance of yin and yang and the five elements for magic.
  16. 16
    Ranged Combat: Bows, guns, and cannons offer ranged attacks. Use the blacksmith to buy ammunition for constant use, allowing you to snipe enemies and simplify fights. Utilize rare ammunition types for maximum effectiveness.
  17. 17
    Hot Springs: Entering hot springs recovers health over time (REGEN effect).
  18. 18
    Armor Choices:
    • Heavy Armor: Offers significant protection, reducing damage and Ki loss on hits or blocks, but hinders mobility.
  19. 19
    Light Armor: Allows for nimble movement and reduced Ki usage during attacks but provides minimal protection, leading to heavy Ki loss even on blocks.
  20. 20
    Equipment Strategy: Choose equipment wisely, balancing protection with mobility.
Tips
  • The game emphasizes progress; dying does not mean permanent loss of Amrita or Guardian Spirits.
  • Mastering new weapons requires using them in battle to learn techniques.
  • Status Effects and their effects: FIRE (Damage over time), LIGHTNING (Slows attack/movement), EARTH (Doubles Ki usage), WATER (Reduces Physical Defense), WIND (Lowers Attack), POISON (Damage over time), PARALYSIS (Immobilizes).

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