Nioh 3's combat is built around one core idea: switching between Samurai and Ninja styles. Treating them as separate playstyles is the fastest way to struggle. The game expects players to use both, often in the same fight.
Samurai style is slower but hits harder. Ninja style is faster, more mobile, and better at draining enemy Ki. Combat flows best when players pressure enemies with Ninja style, then switch to Samurai style to deal heavy damage during openings.
Once this loop clicks, fights become more controlled and far less chaotic.
Why Ki Damage Is Your Top Priority
Ki works as stamina for both the player and enemies. Breaking an enemy’s Ki changes the pace of combat immediately.
When human enemies lose all Ki, they become vulnerable to grapple attacks. Yokai enemies stagger more easily and can be finished with Final Blows once their Ki is fully depleted. Boss encounters rely heavily on this mechanic, since trading hits without breaking Ki is unsafe.
Focusing on Ki damage creates reliable attack windows and prevents enemies from interrupting combos. Watching the Ki bar is just as important as tracking enemy health.
Samurai Style vs Ninja Style
Each style has a clear role, and neither works best on its own.
Ninja Style
Faster attacks
Strong Ki damage
Builds Arts Proficiency quickly
Better mobility and evasion
Samurai Style
Slower but stronger hits
Best for burst damage
Ideal once enemies are staggered
Weapons like Tonfa being locked to Ninja style reinforces this design. Ninja style breaks defenses. Samurai style finishes the job.
Arts Proficiency and Damage Windows
Arts Proficiency is the main damage boost system in Nioh 3. It fills as players attack in either style, but Ninja style builds it faster due to speed.
Once the gauge is full, the next Heavy Attack or Martial Art deals increased damage. This bonus becomes stronger when players chain different attacks instead of repeating the same move.
Using Arts Proficiency during a staggered enemy phase leads to the highest damage output and shortens fights significantly, especially during boss encounters.
Tip
Don't waste your powered-up Arts Proficiency on a single attack. Chain different moves together to maximize the damage multiplier.
Basic Combat Flow
Combat in Nioh 3 works best when players think in phases rather than fixed combos.
Fights usually begin in Ninja style, where speed matters most. Fast attacks are used to chip away at enemy Ki, build Arts Proficiency, and stay mobile through frequent dodges.
When an enemy’s Ki finally breaks, it is time to shift into Samurai style. This creates a short window where slower, heavier attacks can land safely. Mixing different Heavy Attacks and Martial Arts during this moment leads to much stronger damage than repeating a single move.
Once the attack window ends, using Ki Pulse and returning to Ninja style helps restore stamina and regain control of positioning. From there, the cycle naturally starts again and remains reliable throughout the game.
Common Combat Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes players make is staying in a single style for too long. Ignoring style switching limits both damage and survivability.
Another issue is wasting Arts Proficiency on a single attack instead of chaining multiple moves. Proper use of Ki Pulse is also essential, as poor Ki management leads to unnecessary deaths in harder content.
Random attacks without a plan rarely work against bosses. Combat rewards understanding the pressure, damage, and recovery cycle.
Nioh 3’s combat system stays focused by limiting mechanics while encouraging smart decision-making. Players only need to manage two styles, enemy Ki, and one main damage gauge, but the interaction between them creates depth.
Once players stop forcing one style and start switching naturally, combat becomes more controlled and predictable. Mastering this rhythm is the key to surviving tougher fights and enjoying what Nioh 3 does best.
If you're just starting out, check our Nioh 3 Guide: Beginner's Tips & Tricks for essential fundamentals. For more coverage on upcoming titles, explore our Most Anticipated Video Games Releasing In 2026.