Nioh 3: Best Blessings Guide

Nioh 3 has a ton of depth, even compared to its predecessors. There's a lot to manage, especially since there are two unique and separate builds with Samurai and Ninja playstyles.

But the open-world conceit also hides many secrets that can give you an edge. Here are the best blessings to choose from to get ahead.

Best Kodama Blessings In Nioh 3

Power Yourself Up

To level up blessings, you'll need to progress about an hour into the story, then interact with any shrine. Go down to the "blessing" menu to enter two separate sections: Kodama, and Jizo. Kodama blessings work in the overworld, while Jizo blessings work in the "crucible," which are the toughest areas in the game where demonic corruption is at its strongest. For reference, these blessing types are governed by separate currencies​​​​​.

Earning Kodama blessing points (Kodama Merit) is simple: you'll need to locate little Kodama spirits (they look like green frogs with bowls on their heads) in the overworld. They're typically found in buildings or around corners, and when leveling up your exploration level, they can be seen on the world map.

There are five types of Kodama Blessings:

• Elixir Drop Rate
• Medicine Efficiency (increased life restoration from Elixirs)
• Spirit Force Bonus (increases spirit force)
• Increased Damage Dealt (Elixir)
• Decreased Damage Taken (Elixir)

If you're a conservative player who doesn't take chances, go for increased damage dealt first. This bonus only applies temporarily after drinking an Elixir, but it can be a huge damage boost and end fights more quickly.

If you're not that comfortable with the game yet, putting points into the Elixir Drop Rate can help you immensely, and avoid situations where you're out of Elixirs and are caught in a fight with an elite enemy.

Whatever side of the spectrum you fall on, Medicine Efficiency is a great blessing to put points into mid-game, as your health pool increases, and you require a bit more healing power.

Best Jizo Blessings In Nioh 3

These Work In The Crucible

To earn Jizo Merit, you'll need to visit and interact with the "Six Jizo" statue formations across the world of Nioh 3. These are typically found outside and off the beaten path, occasionally in caves or other natural formations. With enough exploration experience in a region, they also appear on the world map.

There are four types of Jizo Blessings, and they only work while in Crucible zones:

• Life Corrosion Recovery (Elixir)
• Elixir Drop Rate (Crucible)
• Corrosion Recovery (Increased corrosion cure when using a Guardian Spirit Skill)
• Melee Damage (Crucible)

We recommend heavily investing in Melee Damage first, as it works while you're in the Crucible with no provisos or extra requirements. While Life Corrosion Recovery requires you to drink an Elixir, the former does not. For newcomers to the series, putting a few points into the Elixir Drop Rate can help, especially since shrines can be few and far between in some Crucible arenas. Then prioritize Life Corrosion Recovery (as it only procs when using an Elixir), then Guardian Spirit Corrosion Recovery.

The Crucible sections of Nioh 3 are among the toughest in the game, so if you're having issues besting them, you can exit, then look for more Jizo statues while you level up.