Team Ninja’s latest masocore epic, Nioh 3, has finally arrived on PS5 and PC, and it is already crushing the spirits of unprepared samurai. Released just days ago on February 6, 2026, the game introduces a revolutionary Style-Swap mechanic that fundamentally changes the combat loop veterans know and love. Whether you are struggling to manage your Ki in the new open fields of the Warring States period or getting decimated by the hidden Demon of Pride boss, this guide is your essential companion. We’ve poured 50 hours into the game to bring you the best starting builds, combat secrets, and survival strategies for the brutal early game.

Mastering the Style-Swap Mechanic: Samurai vs. Ninja

The most jarring change in Nioh 3 is the removal of the universal Ki Pulse. Instead, the game splits its combat identity into two distinct styles: Samurai and Ninja. You are no longer locked into a build; you can—and must—switch between them on the fly using the new Style Shift (R2) system.

The Path of the Samurai

This is the classic Nioh experience. In Samurai Style, you have access to the traditional High, Mid, and Low stances (though High and Low are initially locked—more on that below). The core loop revolves around the Ki Pulse. If you want to tank hits and deliver heavy, rhythmic damage, stay in this form.

Pro Tip: A new mechanic exclusive to this style is Deflect. By timing your guard perfectly just as an attack lands, you don't just negate damage—you actually regenerate Ki. This makes the Samurai style the superior choice for boss fights where holding your ground is essential.

The Way of the Ninja

Ninja Style abandons the Ki Pulse entirely. In its place, you get Mist—a decoy dash mechanic. When you dodge in Ninja form, you leave behind a temporary afterimage. If an enemy strikes it, their Ki is damaged. This style is faster, focuses on aerial combat, and replaces stances with Ninja Tools. Use this style for traversing the open world and handling groups of weaker mobs, as its mobility is unmatched.

Best Starting Builds and Early Game Tips

Unlike previous entries, your "build" in the early game is defined by how quickly you can unlock your toolkit. Here is how to survive the first 10 hours.

1. Unlock High and Low Stances Immediately

You begin Nioh 3 with only Mid Stance available for your Samurai style. To unlock High and Low stances, you must find Samurai Locks. These are no longer just mission rewards; they are hidden in the open world. Search the Iinoya region thoroughly. You can typically find your first lock in a chest near the Sengan Waterfall shrine. Unlocking Low Stance is critical for dodging the faster Yokai enemies.

2. Get the "Running Water" Skill

This is non-negotiable. Head to the Hamamatsu Castle Crucible—the game's first major "Dark Realm" dungeon. Inside, look for a building on the right side near the lava platforms. A red chest there contains the scroll for Running Water. This skill allows you to trigger a Ki Pulse simply by dodging, which is a lifesaver when you are panic-rolling away from a boss.

3. The "Burst Break" Panic Button

Forget the Burst Counter from Nioh 2. The new defensive meta is the Burst Break. When an enemy glows red, press R2 + Square to instantly Style Shift into a counter-attack. This not only interrupts the enemy but also instantly refills a portion of your Anima. Practice this timing on the early Gaki enemies; you will need it for the bosses.

Boss Strategy: How to Beat the Demon of Pride

One of the most brutal hurdles early players are encountering is the Demon of Pride. While technically a secret boss found in the Iinoya region, many explorers are stumbling upon his Spirit Vein north of the Sengan Waterfall shrine and getting absolutely wrecked.

The Demon of Pride is a "Formidable Enemy" class boss, meaning he is harder than standard story bosses. He fights using dual fans and erratic movement.

  • The Flying Fan: He will throw his fans in a zigzag pattern. Do not dodge backward. Dodge forward and to the left to close the distance safely.
  • Fan Striking Combo: If he starts a melee combo, back away immediately. The combo ends with a massive AoE sphere attack that is nearly impossible to block.
  • The Cheese Strategy: Switch to Ninja Style. The Demon of Pride has poor tracking against aerial attacks. Use the Ninja's double-jump ability to rain down kunai or aerial strikes, then Mist-dash away before he can retaliate. He is easily confused by the afterimages, giving you huge windows to heal.

Don't be afraid to leave this fight and come back later. As a secret boss, he drops the Twin-Snake Helmet (if you didn't get the demo bonus), which drastically boosts your Anima generation—a game-changer for mid-game builds.