Magic Systems Overview
Nioh 3 inherits the Ninjutsu and Onmyo magic systems from previous titles. These auxiliary skills greatly enhance combat capabilities. While Ninjutsu focuses on practical tools and mobility, Onmyo emphasizes elemental counters and support effects essential for boss fights.
Ninjutsu
忍术- Thrown weapons (Kunai, Shuriken)
- Traps (Fire, Lightning)
- Support (Quick-Change, Cat)
- High mobility skills
- Kusarigama synergy
Onmyo
阴阳术- Elemental talismans
- Buff & debuff spells
- Guardian talismans
- Essential for boss fights
- Switchglaive synergy
Ninjutsu System
Ninjutsu offers versatile tools for skilled players. From thrown weapons to life-saving scrolls, mastering Ninjutsu provides significant combat advantages, especially when paired with Kusarigama or other Ninja-style weapons.
Thrown Ninjutsu
Kunai
Throw kunai for physical damage. Quick interruption of enemy actions and safe damage accumulation.
Shuriken
Continuous shuriken throws. Ideal for harassment and building status effects from a safe distance.
Makibishi
Scatter caltrops that damage and slow enemies. Useful for crowd control and retreat scenarios.
Fire Powder
Explosive AOE fire damage. Can interrupt boss combos and apply burn status to multiple enemies.
Oil
Douse enemies in oil. Increases fire damage taken when combined with fire sources.
Trap Ninjutsu
Fire Trap
Place a fire trap on the ground. Enemies triggering it take damage and receive burn effect.
Lightning Trap
Place a lightning trap that causes paralysis. Excellent for interrupting dangerous enemy combos.
Blaze Trap
Explosive trap with larger AOE. Devastating when enemies are grouped together.
Auxiliary Ninjutsu
Quick-Change Scroll
EssentialAuto-dodge and recover stamina on fatal damage. This life-saving scroll is absolutely essential for all players.
Cat Ninjutsu
Transform into a cat, drawing enemy aggro and recovering stamina. Useful for distraction and recovery.
Sprint Scroll
Significantly increase movement speed temporarily. Essential for fast traversal and map exploration.
Groundfire
Create a lingering fire zone. Damages enemies standing in the area and applies burn.
Onmyo Magic System
Onmyo magic is essential for boss fights. Elemental talismans exploit enemy weaknesses for massive damage bonuses, while buff spells provide crucial offensive and defensive advantages.
Elemental Talismans
Enchant your weapon with elemental damage. Each element has unique effects and counter-relationships.
Fire Talisman
Enchant weapon with fire. Causes burn damage over time. Effective vs: Water enemies, Mezuki
Water Talisman
Enchant weapon with water. Lowers enemy defense and applies wet status. Effective vs: Fire enemies, Enenra
Lightning Talisman
Enchant weapon with lightning. Causes paralysis interrupting enemy actions. Effective vs: Earth enemies
Purity Talisman
EssentialSpecial bonus damage to Yokai. Significantly increased damage against all Yokai enemies. Effective vs: Enenra, Yatsu-no-Kami
Earth Talisman
Enchant weapon with earth. Increases damage and defense. Effective vs: Lightning enemies
Support Talismans
Buff Talisman
Temporarily increase weapon attack power. Essential for burst damage phases during boss openings.
Protection Talisman
Increase defense, reduce incoming damage. Useful for difficult boss fights or learning patterns.
Slow Talisman
Slow enemy movement and attack speed. Creates opportunities for safe damage and ki recovery.
Defense Talisman
Create a damage reduction barrier. Absorbs a set amount of damage before breaking.
Chi-Jin
Summon elemental spirit to attack nearby enemies. Provides automatic damage and status buildup.
Extraction Talisman
Extract life from enemies on hit. Provides healing during combat for sustain builds.
Elemental Counter Chart
Use the correct element against enemy weaknesses for maximum damage bonus. Elemental counters are key to defeating bosses efficiently.
Purity - Special Case
Purity element deals special bonus damage to all Yokai. It's not part of the elemental counter system but provides consistent bonus damage against supernatural enemies. Essential for Yokai boss fights!
Magic-Focused Builds
Ninjutsu Kusarigama
High mobility build combining Kusarigama with throwing ninjutsu for hit-and-run tactics.
Onmyo Switchglaive
Endgame build using Tsukuyomi's Grace for near-infinite elemental talismans.
Lightning Sword
Beginner-friendly build combining lightning talismans with Heart-scaling sword.