Nioh 3 is built around two equally important combat styles: Samurai and Ninja. Each one feels very different, and learning both is key to reaching high-level play. Ninja style focuses on speed, evasion, and smart positioning rather than raw strength. This Nioh 3 Ninja Combat Guide details all the tips and tricks you need to become a Ninja in Nioh 3.
Ninja Combat Guide – Nioh 3
The following are all the tips and tricks to kickstart your journey to becoming a Ninja in Nioh 3.
Speed and Movement
Ninja gameplay is all about staying on the move. Even though Samurai and Ninja run at the same pace, Ninja spends much less Ki when dodging. This means you can evade more often, reposition quickly, and stay out of danger far more easily.
On top of that, Ninja has access to stronger finishing moves and more serious damage when attacking from behind. Many skills further improve movement and dodge-related actions. Because of these advantages, Ninja is perfect for scouting areas, sneaking up on enemies, and starting fights with a strong opening hit rather than running head-on.
Mist in Ninja Combat
Unlike Samurai, Ninja does not use Ki Pulse. Instead, it relies on an ability called Mist. After attacking, pressing R1 lets you perform a fast mist dodge that leaves a shadow behind, briefly confusing enemies.
At the start of the game, Mist mainly works as a quick way to escape danger. However, it becomes much stronger later. As you unlock more Ninja skills, Mist can gain extra effects like restoring Ki or harming enemies that interact with it. Getting used to this mechanic early helps a lot as Ninja becomes more complex over time.
Fighting in the Air
Ninja style does not use combat stances. Instead, it shines when fighting off the ground. Many Ninja attacks naturally lead into aerial combos, letting you attack while staying above enemy danger zones.
You can also unlock the ability to dodge while airborne. This allows you to avoid incoming attacks without dropping back to the ground, keeping your offense going without interruption. These aerial tools are easy to forget, but once used properly, they greatly increase Ninja’s combat potential.
Evade Makes Dodging Much Safer
Ninja’s dodge is called Evade, and it is much more powerful than a standard dodge when timed correctly. A well-timed Evade gives you longer invincibility and quicker recovery, which makes avoiding attacks much easier.
For difficult boss fights with long or unfamiliar attack patterns, switching to Ninja and relying on Evade can make survival far more manageable. Like Mist, Evade can be improved through skills that grant bonuses such as longer invincibility or temporary damage boosts after a successful dodge.
Ninjutsu Is Essential
Ninjutsu is a core part of Ninja gameplay. Your Ninjutsu charges refill even while playing Samurai, so they are almost always available. These tools are also one of the safest ways to deal damage from a distance, especially early in the game.
It is better to use Ninjutsu often rather than saving it. Simple tools like fire shuriken, uncanny flame, and kunai recharge quickly and deal reliable damage. They also help weaken enemies before you move in or finish them off without taking risks.
Arts Gauge Still Matters for Ninja Players
Even if you mainly play Ninja, the Arts Gauge should not be ignored. When this gauge fills up, switching to Samurai gives access to powerful attacks and martial arts without extra cost.
This works both ways. Just as Samurai players are encouraged to briefly use Ninja, Ninja players should switch styles when the Arts Gauge is ready. Doing so gives you extra damage and combat options without changing your main playstyle.
Attacking from Behind
One of Ninja’s biggest strengths is its back attack damage. Striking an enemy from behind deals much more damage than a normal hit, and this bonus works even during active combat.
You do not need to be hidden or out of combat for this to work. Simply moving behind an enemy is enough. This makes Ninja especially strong in co-op, where one player can draw attention while the Ninja attacks from behind and destroys enemies very quickly.
Staying Airborne with Footstool Jump
Footstool Jump is an early Ninja skill that lets you bounce off enemies’ heads to gain extra height. This allows you to stay in the air longer and continue aerial attacks.
Being off the ground also helps you avoid dangerous effects like fire pools, poison areas, or ground slam attacks. Learning how to use Footstool Jump well improves both your defense and your ability to maintain pressure from the air.
Soul Cores and Onmyo Magic
With so many Ninja tools available, like fast weapons, aerial attacks, dodges, and Ninjutsu, it is easy to forget about Soul Cores and Onmyo Magic. Even so, they remain important.
Using these systems alongside Ninja combat adds extra damage options and utility. When mixed into ground and aerial combos, they help push Ninja’s overall strength much higher.
Great for New Players
Even though Nioh 3 is known for being challenging, the Ninja style is very welcoming to beginners. Its mobility, forgiving dodges, and simpler move sets make it easier to survive while learning the game.
Ninja weapons are just as strong as Samurai weapons, but require fewer complex inputs. As long as you use your full toolkit of movement, Ninjutsu, back attacks, and magic, you can be just as powerful with Ninja as with Samurai, and sometimes even more effective.
- Nioh 3 Beginner’s Guide – Tips and Tricks to Becoming a Samurai
- Nioh 3 Best Weapons Guide – All Weapons, Best Weapons
- Nioh 3 Summoning Guide – How to Summon Friends, Benevolent Graves
- Nioh 3 Samurai Combat Guide – Tips & Tricks to Master Samurai
- Ninja 3 Combat Guide – Mastering Combat Styles, Spirit Skills, More
This concludes our Nioh 3 Ninja Combat Guide. If you want to add anything to this guide, feel free to use the comments section below.
