With Nioh 3 officially launching today on PlayStation 5 and PC, Team Ninja has once again redefined the soulslike genre. The long-awaited sequel takes a bold step away from its mission-based roots into vast open fields, but the most game-changing addition is undoubtedly the new dual-class system. As players step into the shoes of Tokugawa Takechiyo, they are immediately thrust into a complex dance of stance-switching and Ki management. If you are struggling to survive the brutal early encounters of the Warring States period, this Nioh 3 combat guide breaks down the essential Samurai Ninja swap mechanic and the best early skills to prioritize.

Mastering the Samurai-Ninja Swap Mechanic

The core innovation in Nioh 3 is the ability to seamlessly switch between two distinct playstyles: the heavy-hitting Samurai and the agile Ninja. Unlike previous entries where you were locked into a build, you now carry two separate loadouts that can be swapped instantly with a tap of R2. Mastering this "Style Shift" is not just about variety; it is a survival necessity.

The Samurai style will feel familiar to veterans. It relies on the traditional Ki Pulse system (R1 after attacks) to recover stamina and utilizes solid blocking capabilities. It is your go-to mode for tanking heavy hits and breaking enemy guards. In contrast, the Ninja style abandons blocking for the new "Mist" mechanic—a decoy dash that grants momentary invincibility. Ninja mode is faster, excels at aerial attacks, and uses infinite Ninjutsu tools instead of standard weapon stances.

The Burst Break: Countering Red Attacks

One of the most critical Nioh 3 tips and tricks for beginners is learning the Burst Break. When an enemy glows red to signal an unblockable attack, you must time your Style Shift (R2) to deflect the blow. A perfectly timed swap not only negates damage but leaves the enemy wide open for a grapple. This replaces the Burst Counter from Nioh 2 and requires precise timing, as shifting too early leaves you vulnerable during the animation.

Best Early Skills to Unlock First

The skill trees in Nioh 3 are expansive, but a few early unlocks will significantly smooth out the difficulty curve. Whether you are aiming for one of the Nioh 3 best early builds or just trying to survive the Hamamatsu Castle Town area, prioritize these skills immediately.

  • Deflect (Samurai Tree): This skill allows you to regenerate Ki upon a perfectly timed guard. It is essential for maintaining pressure against aggressive bosses like Jakotsu-baba.
  • Shadow Clone Step (Ninja Tree): Enhances your Mist dodge, leaving behind a clone that explodes if the enemy attacks it, dealing Ki damage.
  • Flux I & II (Samurai Tree): A staple of the series, Flux allows you to recover extra Ki when switching stances during a Ki Pulse. Even though Ninja mode lacks stances, Flux is vital for Samurai sustain.
  • Shuriken Volley (Ninja Tree): Grants a low-cost ranged attack perfect for luring enemies out of groups in the open fields.

Navigation and Loot in the Open Field

For the first time, Team Ninja has introduced open-world elements. Exploring these zones can be daunting, but they are packed with "Crucibles"—mini-dungeons that offer the highest quality loot. As a Nioh 3 beginner tip, avoid sprinting blindly into enemy encampments. Use your Ninja style's stealth capabilities to scout numbers before switching to Samurai for the brawl.

Loot management remains a key pillar. You will be inundated with gear, but remember that Samurai and Ninja loadouts are independent. You need to maintain two sets of armor: heavy plating for your Samurai to maximize poise, and light, stat-boosting gear for your Ninja to extend dodge windows. Don't forget to visit the Blacksmith to reroll tempering effects that synergize with your preferred style.

Final Combat Strategy

To truly excel in this Nioh 3 PS5 guide, you must stop thinking of the styles as separate characters. The best players weave them together: start a combo as a Ninja to close the gap with speed, Style Shift mid-attack to land a heavy Samurai finisher, and then Ki Pulse to reset. This flow is what separates a novice from a master demon slayer. With the "Twin-Snake Helmet" from the demo bonuses giving you a head start, you have everything you need to conquer the Yokai hordes. Good luck, Shogun.