Nioh 3 rewards precision over brute force, but its combat system demands more than just button-mashing. The first Samurai and Ninja Points earned in the Warring States aren’t just for show—they’re the bedrock of a responsive, adaptive playstyle. Ignoring these core Martial Arts means missing out on mechanics that redefine how stances, Ki management, and aerial combat function.
For Samurai, the Frost Moon Trinity (Heaven, Humanity, Earth) isn’t just a trio of moves—it’s a framework for maintaining Arts Proficiency without breaking combos. Each serves a distinct role: Heaven delivers high-damage overhead strikes, Humanity acts as a quick deflect, and Earth enables a retreat-strike to reset distance. Mastering them early lets players chain weapon-specific moves (like Iai Quickdraw for swords) without losing proficiency, turning stances into a fluid tool rather than a rigid requirement.
Ninja combat thrives on mobility, and three Martial Arts form its backbone. Evade replaces passive Ki recovery with defensive dodges, letting players restore resources mid-combat. Footstool Jump and Mid-Air Dodge turn aerial engagements from a gamble into a calculated advantage, with the latter preventing knockdowns—a critical safety net for airborne attacks. The late-game Cicada Shell Ninjutsu (1 Ninja Point) caps this off by auto-dodging and repositioning behind foes, a perfect fit for the style’s hit-and-run philosophy.
The Tactical Payoff
These aren’t just early-game shortcuts—they’re systemic upgrades. A Samurai wielding Frost Moon: Earth can pivot into a Sign of the Cross without losing Arts Proficiency, while a Ninja using Evade turns every dodge into a Ki recovery opportunity. The tradeoff? Sacrificing weapon-specific moves for broader utility. But the result is a combat loop that feels dynamic, not restrictive.
For players who treat Nioh 3* as a technical challenge, these Martial Arts are the difference between reacting to the game and dictating its rhythm. The Frost Moon trio and Ninja evasion tools don’t just work—they synergize, creating openings for advanced techniques that would otherwise feel disjointed.
Where to Start
Unlocking these moves requires minimal effort: the Frost Moon set becomes available after completing The Way of the Warrior: Novice Battle Scroll, a mission triggered shortly after entering the Eternal Rift. Ninja evasion tools (Evade, Footstool Jump, Mid-Air Dodge) can be learned as soon as Samurai Points allow, with Cicada Shell reserved for later stages.
The message is clear: in Nioh 3*, the first points aren’t for customization—they’re for foundation. Master these, and every weapon, stance, and Ninjutsu technique will feel sharper, more intentional. The dojo isn’t just a training ground; it’s the game’s blueprint for mastery.
