Nioh 3 Best Builds for Ninja & Samurai: Complete Guide

This guide for Nioh 3 details effective builds for both the Samurai and Ninja playstyles. It covers the core stats and skills system, specific build strategies for each class, and a direct comparison to help you choose. You will also find essential beginner tips for creating a powerful character from the start.

Nioh 3 Stats & Skills Explanation

There are seven stats in Nioh 3: Constitution, Heart, Stamina, Strength, Skill, Intellect, and Magic, each influencing different aspects of your character, from health and Ki to weapon damage. We know that every weapon scales equally with three different stats, allowing for build flexibility. Pay attention to Skills, which are passive bonuses unlocked from texts found throughout the world that can significantly enhance your chosen playstyle.

To level up in Nioh 3, you must collect Amrita by defeating enemies and completing various activities throughout the world. Our Nioh 3 leveling guide details how to exchange this Amrita for attribute points at any Shrine or Bodhisattva Statue to increase your core stats. If you find yourself just short of the required amount, consuming Spirit Stones from your inventory can provide the necessary boost to gain your next level.

Best Ninja Builds

We have seen the Ninja excels at agile, tool-based combat, focusing on fast attacks and evasion. This style is ideal for dealing with aggressive enemies by creating space and attacking from a distance. We focus our Ninja builds on mobility and Ninjutsu to control the battlefield.

• Prioritize stats like Skill, Constitution, and Magic.
• Use Ninjutsu tools like Storm Kunai and Shrapnel Bombs frequently.
• Equip skills that enhance evasion and item effectiveness.

We find the Ninja's primary advantage is its superior dodging capability, allowing it to roll quickly around enemies. This mobility, combined with a powerful arsenal of rechargeable Ninjutsu tools like caltrops and elemental attacks, makes the Ninja a versatile fighter. This style allows us to wear down tough opponents from a safe distance while learning their attack patterns.

Best Samurai Builds

We have built the Samurai to be a master of close-range combat, representing the classic Nioh playstyle. This build centers on effective blocking, parrying, and Ki management to overpower foes directly. We prioritize high damage output and defensive capabilities.

• Invest in stats like Strength, Constitution, and Stamina.
• Master the Deflect and Backwave skills for parrying.
• Use Ki Pulse consistently to manage stamina.

We know the Samurai's key strength is its ability to stand its ground and trade blows. Its unique ability to dispel Yokai Realm pools by using a Ki Pulse after an attack is critical in confined spaces where Ki recovery is hindered. We find that by practicing parries, a Samurai can repel attacks, knock enemies off balance, and create openings for devastating counterattacks.

Ninja vs Samurai: Comparison of Nioh 3 Classes

We see a clear distinction between the two styles: the Ninja is an agile skirmisher, while the Samurai is a steadfast duelist. The Ninja uses speed and tools to control the flow of combat from a distance, whereas the Samurai relies on precise timing and defensive maneuvers to dominate up close.

We suggest you swap between both styles to adapt to different challenges. You can respec your skills for free at any time to experiment.

Nioh 3 features a diverse arsenal divided into Samurai and Ninja weapon categories, each offering distinct combat styles. Every Nioh 3 weapon scales equally with three different stats, providing significant flexibility in character development. This system allows you to create powerful hybrid builds by pairing weapons that share common reference stats for optimal damage scaling.

Nioh 3 Beginner Tips

We recommend focusing on weapon synergy early on by choosing a Samurai and Ninja weapon that share at least one scaling stat, such as Spear and Kusarigama. Don't neglect Constitution and Heart; we suggest investing 20-25 points into each for essential health and Ki, even if they don't scale with your primary weapons. Use the Auto-Equip function in the first region to manage your gear while you learn the core mechanics. Finally, we advise locking at least one piece of every armor set you find to avoid accidentally dismantling them, as there is no filter to exclude set pieces.