Digital Phablet

Tag: Nioh 3

  • Completing Minamoto No Yoritomo in Nioh 3: A Winning Strategy

    Completing Minamoto No Yoritomo in Nioh 3: A Winning Strategy

    Nioh 3 is here, so get ready to sharpen your katana, help out some friendly Kodama, and survive against everything trying to take you down. The toughest enemies are the bosses, especially those linked to the main story, and many of these fights can be very challenging.

    One of these bosses is Minamoto No Yoritomo, who appears as the final challenge in the second act. He can quickly drain your health if you’re not prepared. Here’s what you should know to defeat Minamoto No Yoritomo successfully.

    ### How To Defeat Minamoto No Yoritomo

    Before facing him, equip gear that boosts wind damage resistance and consider using buffs to increase your damage or weaken Yoritomo’s defenses. It’s also helpful to use magic or weapons that have lightning damage to apply a debuff and slow him down, as he’s quite mobile.

    ### The Fight Begins

    Yoritomo will use his weapon’s reach and agility to attack you first. Expect a combo of quick blade strikes, a wind column attack, and swift dashes across the arena to cut you twice. His blade attacks can be either a quick set of strikes or a more powerful burst attack where he glows red and sheaths his blade before dashing to slash horizontally twice.

    If he’s performing the burst attack, you can counter by switching forms after the initial slash to hit him during his quick follow-up. If it’s the regular attack, block or roll to avoid the hits, as trying to counter these fast moves isn’t practical. Yoritomo also has a powerful stomp attack that causes a wave of wind energy. Keep your distance and dodge to either side to minimize damage.

    His grab attack is fairly simple to dodge—he flies into the air, hovers, then charges straight at you to grab. Roll past him and hit him a few times before he recovers to capitalize during his vulnerability.

    ### Transition to the Dark Realm

    When you enter the Dark Realm, Yoritomo charges his sword with wind energy, meaning all his attacks deal both elemental and physical damage. Blocking becomes less effective, so it’s better to avoid since his moves can quickly deplete your health. During his transition animations, he’s vulnerable, so unleash heavy attacks then.

    His new big attack in this phase involves him hovering and firing four crescent-shaped wind projectiles, then slamming down to send a line of wind energy forward. This move can seem intimidating but is manageable—stand between the projectiles and shift slightly to the right and left to dodge all four, then immediately sidestep to avoid the wind wave that follows.

    Yoritomo can also spin twice, launching small wind discs around himself. This move is tricky because it comes fast, but you can tell it’s coming when he thrusts his sword forward first.

    ### Attacks in the Dark Realm

    While in the Dark Realm, Yoritomo can also send wind discs from his sword at a slower pace that are easy to dodge by rolling or dashing away. He may also perform a sweeping slash that hits twice in front of him—look for him raising his sword overhead and spinning to prepare for this.

    It’s best not to use your Living Artifact during this phase, as his area-of-effect attacks will quickly drain your Amarita gauge. Out of the Dark Realm, Yoritomo is easier to fight and more vulnerable, making it the right time to deal maximum damage.

    ### Final Blow

    Once his health drops to zero, Yoritomo will kneel. You’ll then need to land a critical hit to finish him off. This triggers a quick, stylish series of attacks to seal the fight.

  • How to Find All Bakumatsu Hot Springs in Nioh 3 and Complete Your Collection

    How to Find All Bakumatsu Hot Springs in Nioh 3 and Complete Your Collection

    Similar to Kodama, Nioh 3 brings back the Hot Springs the series is known for, and it even makes them more interactive by turning them into collectibles.

    In Nioh 3’s last time period, Bakumatsu, there are many Hot Springs scattered throughout the region. Most of these are more challenging to find and require more effort than in previous parts of the game.

    ### What Hot Springs Do and How to Find Them

    Nioh 3’s Hot Springs are optional collectibles you can discover and bathe in during your journey. Bathing in them restores all your health and provides a temporary health regeneration buff for a few minutes. You’ll often find these Hot Springs before tough boss fights, making resting in them a big help for difficult battles.

    Hot Springs are easy to identify thanks to the two red Kodama that float in them, along with steam billowing up from the water.

    Aside from their healing benefits, Hot Springs are considered collectibles in Nioh 3. You’ll want to find all of them and check them off your list. They can be well-hidden at times, often tucked away behind walls or hidden behind living walls called Nurikabe, which you need to interact with or defeat to access.

    ### Every Shimabara Hot Spring

    The first Hot Spring in Bakumatsu is located in the initial area, Shimabara. To reach it, spawn at the Geisha House Shrine, then drop down to the lower level of the building ahead. Enter the house where traps are set, stick to the left to find a room where you’ll be ambushed by a Yokai. The Hot Spring is nearby, just around the corner from there.

    ### Every Sanjo Hot Spring

    Sanjo’s only Hot Spring is behind a mission. If you miss it, you’ll need to replay the “Accursed Temple Battle Scroll.” The Hot Spring is just before the end of the level, near Honnoji Temple: Temple Lodgings Shrine. Defeat the enemy outside first, then crawl through the hole in the hut to find the Hot Spring.

    ### Every Shirakawa Hot Spring

    This Hot Spring is easily accessible by spawning at the Yoshidayama Approach Shrine. From there, head left and forward instead of through the gate, and you’ll reach the Hot Spring.

    ### Every Kiyomizu Hot Spring

    There are two Kiyomizu Hot Springs:

    – The first is on the west side of the area. Spawn at the Otowa Stairs Shrine in Gion, then navigate toward the area marked on the map to purify a Dark Realm. The Hot Spring waits at the end of the path.
    – The second is on the east side, near the temple itself. Spawn at the Inner Shrine, use the Spirit Vein to move to the next area, then avoid the stairs by going right. You’ll find the Hot Spring along with a Crucible Wraith there.

    ### Every Nijo Castle Hot Spring

    Reaching this Hot Spring can be tricky. You can spawn at either the Mibu Temple – Main Gate Shrine and drop down directly into the Hot Spring, or start at the Horikawa Market and fight your way through enemies to reach it.

    ### Every Kyoto Imperial Palace Hot Spring

    The final Hot Spring in Nioh 3 is located at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. However, it’s only accessible during the “Scion of the Gods” mission, so you’ll need to replay that Challenge if you missed it. The path to this Hot Spring is near the Imperial Palace – Grounds Shrine. You’ll need to advance further in the level, circle around, and open a door behind the shrine. Use the Spirit Vein to ascend and carefully bypass the Nurikabe to reach the Hot Spring.

  • How to Complete All Heian Six Jizo in Nioh 3

    How to Complete All Heian Six Jizo in Nioh 3

    Nioh 3 may surprise you with the number of collectibles to find, especially with its new open-zone layout. One of the most helpful collectibles are the Six Jizo statues.

    These statues appear in all three main time periods of Nioh 3. Finding each one will give you useful bonuses that can help you survive some of the game’s toughest sections.

    ### What Six Jizo Statues Do and How to Find Them

    Six Jizo statues are special statues scattered throughout Nioh 3’s main eras. Besides being collectibles on your checklist, they also grant merits that can be used for Jizo Blessings, similar to the Kodama spirits. However, Jizo mainly focus on boosting your abilities during Crucibles.

    Unlike Kodama or other friendly spirits, Jizo don’t give any obvious signs when you’re close to finding one. Once you spot a Jizo, you might need to find a missing head or make a donation to unlock it. They’re not as complex as some collectibles, but finding all of them will still require some effort. Now, let’s go over where each of the Six Jizo are in the Heian region.

    —

    ### Every Kamo Village Six Jizo

    The first Jizo in Heian is easy to find since it’s early in the area. It’s located near the first Shrine, but instead of spawning there, start from the Kamo Village entrance. Turn around, follow the path leading up and to the right, which uses a Spirit Vein to reach higher ground. Keep heading until you encounter the next Vein, which will bring you to the Six Jizo.

    —

    ### Every Sagano Six Jizo

    The Sagano Six Jizo is nearby the beginning of the Sagano area, close to the Horiike of Arayashima Shrine. Head up the mountain path, then use a cart to get to the Jizo. To get the head that completes the statue, you’ll need to defeat the mimic guarding it. The head is on a platform just below, making it a straightforward, if somewhat combat-heavy, task.

    —

    ### Every Awawa No Tsuji Six Jizo

    The Awawa no Tsuji Jizo is located in the southern part of the area, near the Kamo Riverbank Shrine. Enter the house on your right, and search for a fake wall scroll that can be run through to access the Jizo easily. This small hideaway makes the collection simpler.

    —

    ### Every Hachijo Six Jizo

    The last Six Jizo in Heian isn’t in the temple district. Instead, spawn at the Anneibo Temple and head north immediately. When you reach a wall, turn right to find the statues. To access this Jizo, you’ll need to donate some money, as it’s behind a barrier requiring a small fee.

    —

  • How to Find Every Heian Kodama in Nioh 3: Completing and Solving

    How to Find Every Heian Kodama in Nioh 3: Completing and Solving

    Since the original game, Kodama have been the mascots of Nioh. They return in Nioh 3, and they’re more prominent than ever.

    You’ll notice this especially when you reach the game’s second main time period, Heian. There, you’ll find nearly as many Kodama to discover as in the Warring States period.

    What Kodama Are and How to Find Them

    Before exploring Heian Kodama, here’s a quick reminder: Kodama are friendly spirits in Nioh 3. Collecting them grants you Kodama Merit, which can be used to improve certain blessings that boost specific stats.

    Make sure to listen for their distinctive squeaking sound, which is a bubbly, high-pitched noise. You’ll recognize it when you hear it.

    The blessings they give are minor at first, but they stack over time and can help you get through some of the tougher parts of the game. Since Heian increases difficulty compared to the Warring States period, it’s worth hunting down all Kodama before diving into story missions. Let’s get into the details.

    Recommended Order

    We’ll go through the locations in order based on recommended levels, matching the natural progression of your playthrough.

    Every Kamo Village Kodama

    Location Description Image
    Near the Kamo Village Shrine The first Kodama here is just before the shrine. After passing it, go left and you’ll spot the Kodama sitting next to a tree. This one’s easy to find early on.
    Inside Kamo Village The second Kodama is inside the village, a bit past the shrine. Head left into the village and find a hut with nothing inside. The Kodama is outside, sitting in the snow on the left side. Second Kamo Kodama

    Every Funaokayama Kodama

    Location Description Image
    West side of the map The only Kodama here is near the Funaokayama Shrine. From there, turn right, go forward, then stay on the right as you walk through the forest and up the hill to reach a temple on the right. The Kodama sits beside a chest in front of the temple, but you’ll need to clear the Enemy Base first. Funaokayama Kodama

    Every Sagano Kodama

    Location Description Image
    Horiniji Temple Bridge The first Kodama here is early in the area, under the temple bridge. Drop onto the lower level, and the Kodama hides in a corner where a yokai with a hammer appears. Sagano Kodama 1
    Near Horiike of Arashiyama Shrine The second Kodama is right next to the shrine, sitting on top of a rock. Use another rock and a hut to platform yourself up there. Sagano Kodama 2
    Near Matsuo-taisha Shrine The next two Kodama locations are near this shrine. The first is just below the Approach Shrine, hiding in a nook after jumping on a rock. The second is at the approach, past an area with Yokai shooting at you; you’ll need to revisit after clearing it. Sagano Kodama 3 and Sagano Kodama 4
    Well guarding a Yokai The final Sagano Kodama is near a well, just around the corner from the third Kodama. Head toward the well and hit it to reveal the Kodama. Sagano Kodama 5

    Every Nishiichi Kodama

    Location Description Image
    Driftwood Fortress Shrine The only Kodama in Nishiichi is found in a tricky spot. After clearing the enemy base, platform your way to the leaning temple on the second level. The Kodama sits on the second floor. Nishiichi Kodama

    Every Awawa No Tsuji Kodama

    Location Description Image
    Center of the area The single Kodama here is located behind the temple near the middle of the area. Spawn at the Awawa No Tsuji Shrine, walk back toward the temple, and find it behind the building. Awawa No Tsuji Kodama

    Every Hachijo Kodama

    Location Description Image
    Near Nishiichi Shrine The first Hachijo Kodama is near the shrine. Head up the mountain, pass a Yokai rolling a snowball, wall-run using a guardian spirit to reach a temple. The Kodama sits on a small ledge on the left. Hachijo Kodama 1
    Near Anneibo Temple Shrine The second Kodama is near the big guard tower, past an enemy base. Clear it out and look for the Kodama outside. Hachijo Kodama 2
    Rajomon area The third Kodama, the last of Heian, is on the south end of the Yasaka Shrine. Climb to the roof of the temple with ladders, jump down, then head left to reach it on the other side. Hachijo Kodama 3
  • Top Martial Arts and Ninjutsu Skills in Nioh 3 You Should Be Completing First

    Top Martial Arts and Ninjutsu Skills in Nioh 3 You Should Be Completing First

    Early in Nioh 3, it’s clear there are numerous Martial Arts and Ninjutsu skills to allocate your Samurai and Ninja Points on. However, some skills are more important to learn first than others.

    The skill trees in the ‘Acquire Martial Arts/Ninjutsu’ menu can be overwhelming for new players because of all the options. While you’re figuring out your specific build in Nioh 3, this guide will highlight the five essential skills you should prioritize.

    Groundfire
    Even if you prefer Samurai Style instead of Ninja Style, Ninja Tool Arts are valuable because they allow you to set traps or throw projectiles at enemies from a safe distance to guarantee hits—especially helpful with the right timing. Groundfire is particularly effective when facing large bosses, as you can use your four traps to deal consistent damage, since enemies tend to step on landmines and trigger the damage.

    Caltrops
    Like other Ninja Tools, Caltrops help you add damage from a distance and are useful against both regular enemies and bosses. Against groups of Yokai, Caltrops slow down opponents and cause damage, making them excellent for crowd control. When facing a fast boss, Caltrops can give you an edge by helping you create space, letting you land extra hits or heal up.

    Cicada Shell
    In Nioh 3, where a single mistimed hit can ruin a boss fight, Cicada Shell offers vital survivability. When activated, if an enemy’s attack would normally land, it automatically dodges, turning you into a fleeting smoke screen and keeping you behind the enemy. This skill gives you an extra layer of defense, especially useful in chaotic fights where health is low and there are no Elixirs left.

    High Stance
    The stance system is central to Samurai Style gameplay, and High Stance should be your first choice if you want to maximize damage. Although Mid Stance offers a balanced attack and defense, High Stance increases your offensive power and allows for more attacks before your Ki runs out. Keep in mind, this stance makes you more vulnerable if you mistime your moves, but mastering enemy attack patterns makes High Stance extremely effective for dealing lots of damage.

    Deflect
    Learning to master Deflect is crucial as you advance through the game. This parry skill not only deflects enemy attacks but also restores your Ki and boosts your Ninjutsu and Arts Gauges. Timing is key—you need to activate it just before an attack lands. Boss battles are where Deflect truly shines, helping you maintain pressure and stay alive longer while building your offense.

    Focusing Skills On One Weapon for Each Style
    Your build’s effectiveness depends heavily on your weapon choices. It’s best to invest points into one specific weapon per style, such as Samurai or Ninja, rather than spreading points across multiple weapons. Each weapon has its own skill tree, and focusing on a single favorite allows you to make that weapon incredibly powerful by directing more points into its skill tree. For example, the Axe can become more deadly with the Mad Spinner II skill, which spins faster and increases damage. Similarly, Victory Rush enhances axe combat efficiency by enabling Ki Pulses during attacks. Concentrating on one weapon early in the game lets you perform stronger moves and improve your overall damage output from the start.

  • How to Complete Ibaraki Doji in Nioh 3: Strategies for Solving the Fight

    How to Complete Ibaraki Doji in Nioh 3: Strategies for Solving the Fight

    There’s a lot in Nioh 3 that will have you wanting to leave the past in the past. From small yokai wandering through the war-torn lands to samurai who have joined forces with them, you’ll need to fight through all of them to see the credits roll.

    The toughest enemies you’ll face are the many bosses scattered throughout the game. One of these is Ibaraki Doji, a yokai wielding a large katana and sporting a monstrous, electric hand. While she can seem intimidating, this fight isn’t too difficult—especially if you’re skilled at perfect blocking.

    Yes, you have to take down this big, powerful demon. Sometimes, life can be harsh.

    How to Defeat Ibaraki Doji

    When fighting Ibaraki Doji, it’s best to equip items or talismans that boost resistance to electricity. She deals a lot of elemental damage with her moves, so reducing that will make the fight easier and lessen her burst damage potential.

    Fighting her is mainly about blocking and not overcommitting with your attacks. Unlike other bosses in the area, she doesn’t leave many open opportunities for big combos. Focus on just a couple of hits before stepping back. Trying to land slow or complex combo attacks will likely get you hurt, since she’s quick to recover and has follow-up moves that can hit hard if you’re too greedy. Remember, perfect blocks—timed right before her strike lands—won’t drain your ki.

    She uses a variety of attacks, often combining basic sword strikes with electrified hand swings, which can extend out like a whip. One common move is when she shoots two crescent-shaped energy projectiles rapidly. If she’s close, she’s vulnerable during this attack; otherwise, block or dodge to either side.

    Exploiting her sword thrust moves

    Her sword thrust comes in two versions. One involves her stabbing forward then spinning her electrified hand around her body; the other, if her sword is electrified, has her releasing lightning bolts around her after the thrust. After either move, wait a moment to dodge her claw swipe or the lightning. You’ll get a brief opening to hit her once or twice before she recovers. Watch out for her grab attack, where she extends her arm like a grappling hook. If she misses, you can punish her if you’re close because she’ll be vulnerable for a few seconds.

    Be cautious of her spinning backward move, where she summons three electrified hands to slam down in front of her. If you’re close, stay to her side to avoid these; if you’re farther away, back up to escape the explosion. When she’s near you, she’ll often follow up with sword slashes that come in pairs. These can be blocked, and if your timing is good, you can counterattack after each pair—though this is riskier with slower weapons like axes.

    Key tip: Save your Living Artifact for when she enters her second Dark Realm phase. Doing so will help you conserve healing items during her most dangerous moments.

    Dark Realm phase and new moves

    When she enters the Dark Realm, Ibaraki Doji gains new, more dangerous attacks, including summoning more electrified hands and mixing in moves from before. After launching her projectiles, she might send out a small electric wave. Rolling through this can avoid damage and close the distance for a quick attack.

    The major move to watch for is when she charges her energy into a massive electric hand above her. When you see her doing this, sprint toward her and position yourself behind her. Stay a few steps behind, wait for her hand to descend and explode, then unleash your strongest moves. She’ll be stunned, giving you the perfect chance to land heavy damage.

    She also spins rapidly, whipping out three electrified hands in a quick circle. These have decent range and move fast, so it’s best to wait out this attack unless you can perform perfect blocks on both strikes. She has other, easier-to-counter moves, so patience pays off.

    In every fight, it’s about seizing small openings between her moves. While she can deal significant damage, staying defensive with perfect blocks and avoiding her electric hand attacks can shift the battle in your favor.

  • Completing All Warring States Hot Springs in Nioh 3: A Complete Guide

    Completing All Warring States Hot Springs in Nioh 3: A Complete Guide

    The Nioh series features classics like the charming Kodama and Scampusses, but one of my personal favorites has always been the Hot Springs scattered throughout the levels. Luckily, they’re returning in Nioh 3.

    As in the earlier games, Hot Springs are helpful for progressing through the longer sections of the game. They are also collectible items you can find across all three major time periods.

    What Are Hot Springs and How to Find Them

    Hot Springs are optional collectibles hidden in the open-world areas of Nioh 3. When you find one, you can let Takechiyo take a quick bath to restore some health and gain a temporary recovery buff. This buff can be a real lifesaver when facing tough bosses, so it’s worth hunting for them in most big areas.

    You can easily spot Hot Springs because they feature red Kodama bathing inside and emit a green glow. They’re often well-hidden, tucked away behind moving walls called Nurikabe, which you can reveal by emoting at them with R1 and the touchpad. Some Hot Springs might also require completing specific objectives to access.

    Important Note: Certain Hot Springs are locked behind specific missions, meaning you may need to replay levels via Battle Scrolls to find all of them. We’ll point out which ones are mission-locked as we go.

    Every Tokaido Hot Spring

    Tokaido has just one Hot Spring, located at the southernmost point inside the enemy base near Cape Cavern Shrine. Enter the cave, defeat the enemies inside, and you’ll find the Hot Spring toward the back of the base.

    Every Maisaka Hot Spring

    Maisaka features two Hot Springs:

    • First Hot Spring: Easy to find. Head to the Maisaka Post Shrine, then go forward toward the enemy base. Defeat the enemies here, open the gate at the back of the base, and you’ll reveal the Hot Spring.

    • Second Hot Spring: Hidden in the Haunting Caves. Start from the Rimstone Pool Shrine, go forward, then instead of turning right like usual, drop down to the left. Crawl through the small gap to reach the Hot Spring.

    Every Mikatagahara Hot Spring

    Mikatagahara has two Hot Springs:

    • First Hot Spring: Located in Saigagake, easiest to get to from the Rear Approach Shrine. When you arrive, head to the right where there’s a small hut. Emote at the Nurikabe wall to make it disappear and reveal the Hot Spring. This may require doing it during the “A Tiger’s Cause” mission if the wall isn’t normally visible.

    • Second Hot Spring: Hidden in the Crucible level, within the level called “A Fiery Invasion.” Reach the Hoda Slope Shrine, go up and turn right toward the path to the Hot Spring, which is behind a locked door that you’ll need to clear enemies to unlock.

    Every Lake Hamana Hot Spring

    Lake Hamana’s only Hot Spring is inside the castle itself, near the Main Keep Shrine. Enter the castle, then explore the houses to find a locked door. Defeating enemies and completing the Lesser Crucible will give you access to open it.

    Every Iinoya Hot Spring

    Iinoya has a single Hot Spring, located in Ryotan Temple. Start at the Living Quarters Shrine, then go outside into the garden. Emote at the Nurikabe wall with R1 and the touchpad to make it vanish, revealing the Hot Spring.

    Every Futamata Road Hot Spring

    Futamata Road has one Hot Spring, located before the Juji Fortress (East) Shrine. Head up the stairs to find a locked door on the left; go up another set of stairs, then go left to find a hole in the wall that leads to the Hot Spring.

    The Final Hot Spring in Futamata

    The last Hot Spring is at Futamata Castle, the region’s end point. At the Defensive Gate Shrine, look to the right to see a hole in the wall showing the Hot Spring below. Head down the stairs and hug the left wall to find an invisible path leading to the Hot Spring.