With Nioh 3 officially launching on February 6, 2026, players are finally diving into Team Ninja's most ambitious title to date. Moving beyond the mission-based structure of its predecessors, this third installment introduces a sprawling open-field design that sends players time-traveling through Japan's chaotic Warring States period and beyond. But the biggest shake-up isn't just the map—it's the revamped combat system. The new "Seamless Style Switching" mechanic and the split between Samurai and Ninja disciplines have redefined how you slay Yokai. Whether you're struggling with the early-game boss Jakotsu-baba or trying to parse the new Arts Proficiency gauge, this Nioh 3 combat guide breaks down the essential tips you need to survive.

1. Master the Samurai vs. Ninja Style Split

The most jarring change in Nioh 3 is the separation of combat into two distinct disciplines: Samurai and Ninja. Unlike previous games where ninjutsu was a support tool, it is now a fully-fledged combat stance. Understanding when to switch is crucial.

Samurai Style is your traditional Nioh experience. It relies on the three classic stances (High, Mid, Low) and, crucially, utilizes Ki Pulse to regenerate stamina. This style is built for sustained pressure and blocking. In contrast, Ninja Style ditches the Ki Pulse entirely. Instead, it offers superior evasion, aerial mobility, and replaces weapon stances with dedicated Ninja Tools. The key to mastering combat is not just sticking to one, but using the new "Seamless Style Switching" to cancel recovery animations. Start a combo in Samurai mode to break a generic enemy's guard, then instantly switch to Ninja mode to juggle them in the air or escape a counter-attack.

2. Adjust Your Parry Timing for the New Mechanics

Veterans of Wo Long and Nioh 2 might find themselves mistiming deflects because Nioh 3 has overhauled the parry system. The old Burst Counter is gone, replaced by a more precise "Deflect" mechanic tied heavily to the new Arts Proficiency gauge.

Parrying now requires a tighter window, but the reward is massive. A perfect deflect doesn't just negate damage; it fills your Arts Proficiency meter significantly faster than standard attacks. Once this meter is full, you can unleash a devastating "Art"—a heavy cinematic attack specific to your weapon. Tip: Don't spam the block button. The window is active the moment the animation starts, not when it connects. Practice this timing on the skeletal warriors in the opening Hamamatsu area before taking on larger Yokai.

3. Adapt Your Stance Switching for Open Field Combat

The shift to an open-field design means you are often fighting groups of enemies in wider spaces rather than narrow corridors. This makes Stance Switching more important than ever. In the early game, you should rely on:

  • High Stance (Samurai): Use this strictly for 1-on-1 duels with large Yokai or to break the horns of smaller demons. It leaves you too open for group fights.
  • Mid Stance (Samurai): Your bread and butter for exploration. The wide sweeps are perfect for keeping packs of bandits at bay.
  • Ninja Mobility: When traversing the open world, switch to Ninja style. The increased movement speed and lack of Ki penalty for sprinting allow you to engage or disengage from "roaming bosses" at will.

4. Utilize 'Bloody Graves' for Early Gear

Loot remains the heart of the Nioh experience, and with the drop rates feeling stingy in the opening hours, Bloody Graves are your best friend. These red markers indicate where other players have died, and summoning their AI-controlled "revenants" allows you to fight them for a chance to loot their gear.

In the first week of launch, look for graves near the first shrine in the Hamamatsu Castle Town region. Many players who played the demo or early access have dropped "Twin-Snake Helmets" and high-level Odachis here. Farming these revenants is the fastest way to get a full set of armor with set bonuses active before you even reach the first major boss.

5. Boss Strategy: Defeating Jakotsu-baba

The first major roadblock for many players is Jakotsu-baba, the old hag Yokai encountered in the Crucible of Hamamatsu. She punishes players who play too passively. The strategy here is aggressive stance dancing.

Jakotsu-baba uses wide, sweeping hair attacks that are difficult to dodge backward. Instead, use Low Stance or Ninja Style to dodge through the attacks, closing the distance. She is weak to fire, so utilizing gunpowder bombs (available in Ninja Style) can stun her long enough to switch back to Samurai High Stance for a punish. Watch for her grab attack—it has a deceptive delay. Wait for the red flash, then dodge sideways, not back.

Final Thoughts

Nioh 3 demands you unlearn some muscle memory from the previous games. The rhythm is faster, the spaces are wider, and the reliance on switching between Samurai and Ninja styles adds a new layer of complexity. Take your time in the open fields of the Warring States, master the Arts Proficiency gauge, and you'll be conquering the timeline in no time.