Starting Nioh 3 can feel rough at first. The combat is fast, enemies hit hard, and the game throws a lot of systems at new players right away. The good news is that Nioh 3 is built around flexibility. Early mistakes don’t matter, and experimenting is part of learning the game.
This guide focuses on what new players actually need to know early on, without overcomplicating things. These tips will help beginners understand combat, builds, gear, and progression without turning the game into a grind.
Learn the Combat Before Rushing
Combat in Nioh 3 rewards patience more than aggression. New players often struggle because they try to attack nonstop. Running out of Ki leaves you vulnerable, and most enemies are designed to punish that mistake.
Early on, focus on short attack strings, then back off. Blocking is stronger than it looks, and dodging should be used with purpose instead of panic rolling. Taking time to learn enemy attack patterns makes fights much easier than trying to brute-force encounters.
Nioh 3 Guide: Beginner's Tips & Tricks
Use Stances Properly
Stance switching is one of the most important mechanics in Nioh 3. Each stance serves a clear role.
High Stance deals strong damage but drains Ki quickly. Mid Stance offers balance and reliable defense. Low Stance focuses on speed and dodging.
Beginners should not stay in one stance the entire fight. Switching between High Stance for damage and Low Stance for movement is a good habit to build early. Mid Stance is useful when learning enemy patterns and blocking attacks.
Nioh 3 Guide: Beginner's Tips & Tricks
Try Multiple Weapons Early
Nioh 3 offers a wide selection of weapons, and beginners are not expected to commit to one immediately. The early game is the best time to experiment and see what feels right.
Some weapons are easier to learn, like swords and spears, while others reward aggressive or fast playstyles. What matters most is comfort. If a weapon feels awkward, switch it out and try something else. The game is built around flexibility, not locking players into one choice.
Nioh 3 Guide: Beginner's Tips & Tricks
Do Not Worry About Builds Yet
New players often stress about choosing the right build. That pressure is unnecessary early on. Both Ninja and Samurai skills can be leveled at the same time, and everything can be reset later.
Early skill points should go toward basic improvements like Ki management, simple weapon skills, and survivability. Specialization can come later once the core systems make sense.
Respeccing exists for a reason, but beginners should avoid doing it too often. Giving a setup a few missions before changing it helps players understand what actually works.
Class selection menu
Replace Gear Often
Early-game gear becomes outdated quickly. Beginners should not hold onto equipment just because it worked a few missions ago. Higher-level gear almost always performs better in the early hours.
Set bonuses are not important yet. Focus on higher damage weapons and better defense armor. Gear optimization matters more later, once players understand their preferred playstyle.
Nioh 3 Guide: Beginner's Tips & Tricks
Explore and Find Shrines
Exploration plays a big role in early progression. Side paths often lead to better gear, skill items, or shortcuts. Finding shrines before pushing deeper into an area gives safe checkpoints and reduces frustration after deaths.
Taking a few extra minutes to explore can make upcoming fights significantly easier.
Nioh 3 Guide: Beginner's Tips & Tricks
Nioh 3 is tough, but it is fair. Most early struggles come from rushing, overattacking, or ignoring core mechanics. Learning how combat flows, managing Ki, switching stances, and experimenting with weapons will carry beginners further than any specific build.
The game rewards players who slow down, learn from mistakes, and adapt. Once those basics click, Nioh 3 becomes far more manageable and a lot more fun.
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