Nioh 3 Wiki Core Mechanics
Master the fundamental combat systems that define Nioh 3 gameplay. This Nioh 3 Wiki section covers Ki management, Perfect Guard timing, stance switching, Yokai abilities, and status effects. Understanding these mechanics is essential for optimizing your Builds and succeeding against Boss Guide encounters.
Ki Management
Ki is the stamina system in Nioh 3 Wiki terminology. Every action consumes Ki, from attacking with your Weapons to dodging and blocking. The Nioh 3 Wiki recommends mastering Ki management before focusing on advanced Builds optimization. Running out of Ki leaves you vulnerable, which is particularly dangerous during Boss Guide encounters.
The Ki Pulse mechanic allows you to recover spent Ki by pressing the stance button at the right moment after an action. Successful Ki Pulses maintain offensive pressure and are essential for aggressive Builds. Our Beginner Guide recommends practicing Ki Pulse timing before attempting challenging content.
Combat Mechanics Overview
Perfect Guard
Timing your block precisely negates damage and creates counter-attack windows. Essential for defensive Builds.
Stance Switching
High, Mid, and Low stances change your Weapons moveset. Master all three for optimal Builds flexibility.
Yokai Abilities
Absorb defeated Yokai souls to use their attacks. Builds can incorporate multiple Yokai abilities for versatility.
Status Effects
Apply elemental statuses with Weapons to trigger confusion. Critical for advanced Builds damage optimization.
Stance System
The Nioh 3 Wiki stance system divides each Weapons type into three distinct movesets. High Stance offers powerful but slow attacks ideal for damage-focused Builds. Mid Stance provides balanced offense and defense, recommended in our Beginner Guide. Low Stance enables fast attacks and extended dodges for evasion-based Builds.
Switching stances during combat is key to mastering Nioh 3 Wiki content. Each stance has unique skills that Builds can invest in. Our Boss Guide strategies often recommend specific stances for certain encounters. The Simulator lets you plan skill point allocation across all stances for your Builds.
Status Effects & Elements
Elemental Weapons apply status buildup with each hit. When the meter fills, enemies suffer elemental debuffs. The Nioh 3 Wiki documents all status effects and their interactions. Applying two different elements triggers Confusion, a massive damage multiplier that advanced Builds exploit for Boss Guide encounters.
- Fire - Burns enemies for damage over time. Popular in Builds focused on sustained damage.
- Water - Reduces enemy defense. Excellent for Boss Guide encounters with high-defense targets.
- Lightning - Slows enemy actions. Useful for Builds emphasizing safe play.
- Earth - Increases Ki damage. Critical for Ki-break focused Builds and Weapons.
- Corruption - Yokai element with unique Builds synergies.
- Purity - Anti-Yokai element that many Boss Guide strategies recommend.