Nioh isn’t about that whole “easy” thing. Set in war-torn period Japan, you’ll wander spooky villages and decrepit catacombs, fighting mythological demons and undead, fighting for each tiny step of progression. It’s meant to be a real challenge, even for experienced action-RPG players. But, there are ways to make things just a tiny bit easier.
To help you understand how to manage the expansive world and features of Nioh, we’ve thrown together a fast list of tips and tricks you’ll want to keep in mind before stepping up to the Nioh plate. Whether you’re brand new to the genre, a casual fan or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s enough new in Nioh that a Dark Souls-ian master will still need a few tips to keep their armored heads on straight.
For even more helpful strategies, check out the official Sony launch trailer for 25 more tips.
More Nioh guides, walkthroughs and secrets on Gameranx:
- Nioh: How to Defeat Every Boss | Locations, Strategies & Secrets Guide
- Nioh: Upgrade Shrines & Get More Elixirs | Kodama Locations [Kyushu]
- Nioh: Upgrade Shrines & Get More Elixirs | Kodama Locations [Chugoku]
- Nioh: Customization Options Guide | Hair, Beards, Armor & Disguises
- Nioh: How to Respec Your Skill Points | Book of Reincarnation Guide
- Nioh: All 6 Hiragumo Teakettle Fragments Locations | Trophy Guide
- Nioh: Make the Umi-Bozu Boss Easier With These Bonfire Locations
- Nioh: All Illusory Walls (Nurikabe Demon) Locations | Secret Rooms Guide
- Nioh: How to Open Every Locked Door | All Key Locations Guide
12 Quick Tips To Make Everything Easier | Beginner’s Guide
#1: Check Those Corners
Patience is key and observation is your best friend in Nioh. Whenever encountering a new enemy, don’t just attack — wait, and watch what it does. Learn openings, and attack when you see an enemy pause. Usually that happens right after an enemy finishes a charge / combo attack.
#2: Quick-Step Is The Best-Step
Quick-step dodges should stay in the Green. Heavy armor looks cool, but dodging through enemy attacks is even better than blocking. Train yourself to swiftly dodge through or away from enemies instead of relying on blocks. Remember, try dodging through enemy attacks instead of away.
#3: Ki Burst Or Be Ki Worst
Use [R1] for Ki Burst! Timing is everything, and a single tap will recharge your stamina. This is one of the most important and powerful techniques you’ll learn in Nioh, and it’s important to master early. Practice makes perfect!
#4: Purify The Unclean
Ki Burst also dispels demonic shadow spots once you unlock Purify Yokai Realm in the Sword Skill menu. Sometimes you’ll want to use those Shadow Spots to your advantage — while in a shadow, you’ll expend much less stamina while attacking, but your recharge rate will suck.
#5: Kick It Up A Notch! BAM!
Get the Kick! This Sword Skill is early in the list, but it’s crazy useful at draining enemy stamina. The kick, along with the finisher sword thrust or other stamina-draining techniques are incredibly powerful. Why?
#6: Monitor Your (Enemy’s) Cardio
When an enemy (or boss!) has its stamina drained, it’ll be open to a Killing Blow attack. This devastating strike deals massive damage. If an opponent drops to the ground, hold heavy attack to strike down.
#7: Death From Above!
Speaking of massive damage — if you’re above an unaware enemy, press normal or heavy attack to strike from above. You’ll take less fall damage and get in a powerful sneak attack.
#8: Shurikens Are Super
Don’t rush into a group of enemies! You might aggro unseen opponents. Draw enemies to you — unlock and equip the Shuriken jutsu. Shurikens recharge at the Shrine. They’re weak, but easy to draw a single enemy’s attention.
#9: Get Low Down And Dirty
Annoying enemies scuttling around your feet? Use the Low Stance to always land hits on spiders or crawling undead demons.
#10: Kodama, the Friendly Spirit
Collect Kodama to increase the drop rate of weapons, armor, amrita and elixirs. Watch out for those glowing-green spirits and grab them when you can! For extra help, check out our Kodama locations guide here.
#11: Who Guards The Guardians?
Save your Guardian Spirit for tough Oni or to end a boss battle. A few moments of invulnerability is pretty awesome. You can always recharge before rushing into a boss by fighting enemies, and if you die you can still recollect your fully-charged spirit.
#12: There’s Always Room For More Elixirs
Carry more Elixirs by upgrading Holy Man (+Sacred Water) to get Medicine Man (+Elixirs) — you’ll need to complete the Ninja Skill Training: Novice tutorial, but it is absolutely worth it. Once Medicine Man is unlocked, you can get even more Elixirs.
