Before you buy the popular RPG game on Steam, you need to learn about Nioh 3 Guardian Spirits. In the latest chapter of developers Team Ninja’s Soulslike game, the Guardian Spirits in Nioh 3 play a major role in shaping your character build. They are not just passive companions. Instead, they actively define how each combat style performs. In this entry, you can equip one Guardian Spirit per combat style, giving you far more flexibility than before.
Moreover, these spirits grow stronger. You can upgrade them by clearing Crucible zones and by spending the proper currency. Because Nioh 3 Guardian Spirits now feature deeper mechanics and unique skills, choosing the right one matters more than ever.
To make things easier, here’s a complete breakdown of all Guardian Spirits in Nioh 3, including their effects and active abilities.
All Nioh 3 Guardian Spirits
Samurai Guardian Spirits
| Guardian Spirit | Special Effects | Skill |
| Kusanagi | Martial Art Damage Fire Damage Reduction Ki Pulse Recovery Increased Arts Proficiency Spirit Force Charge (Martial Art) | Nagi Blade Heaven’s Fire |
| Oh | Spirit Force Charge Bonus (Amrita) Guard Ki Consumption Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption) Faster Ki Recovery (Deflect) Item Drop Rate | Gusting Crosswind Cutting Wings |
| Kongojishi | Increased Damage Dealt (Deflect) Wind Damage Life Reduced Damage Taken (While Attacking) Less Guard Ki Consumption (Critical) | Devastation Shot Gale Claws |
| Guhin | Less Martial Arts Ki Consumption Less Damage Taken Strong Attack Break Faster Winded Recovery Increase Melee Damage vs. Winded Enemy | Tree Slicer Eight-Handed Blade |
| Narikama Tanuki | Auto-Amrita Recovery Untouched Elixirs Increased Water Damage Increased Strong Attack Damage Auto Life Recovery (Critical) | Great Tanuki Slam Boiling Counter |
| Shin-Roku | Increased Damage Dealt (Purification) Nigitama (Collectibles) Sensor Lightning Damage Reduction Life Drain (Strong Attack) Ailment Resistance | Divine Thunder Thunderous Kick |
Ninja Guardian Spirits
| Guardian Spirit | Special Effects | Skills |
| Kurama Tengu | Martial Art Ki Damage Enemy Sensor Wind Damage Reduction Spirit Force Bonus (Elixir) Increased Elemental Damage | Kurama’s Tempest Kurama’s Slicer |
| Kongojishi | Increased Damage Dealt (Evade) Increased Fire Damage Life Ki Recovery (Unscathed) Melee Damae (Unscathed) | Mountain Render Inferno Rush |
| Enko | Melee Damage vs. Scorched Enemy Increased Damage Over Time Less Damage Taken Over Time Amrita Gauge Charge Reduced Spirit Force Consumption | Blazing Claw Hellfire Maul |
| Kusanagi | Increased Aerial Attack Damage Water Damage Reduction Reduced Ki Consumption (Jump) Increased Quick Attack Damage Spirit Force Charge (Backstab) | Turbulent Waters Heaven’s Drops |
| Nekomata | Increased Ninjutsu Ki Damage Ki Recovery Speed Increase Quick Attack Break Reduced Melee Attack Ki Consumption Increase Final Blow/Grapple Damage | Electrified Kunai Thunderclaw Kick |
Best Guardian Spirit in Nioh 3
There is no single best option. Like most systems in Nioh 3, Guardian Spirit choice depends entirely on your build and playstyle.
For example, Kusanagi excels with aerial Ninja builds that avoid ground combat. In contrast, Guhin suits Samurai players who favor heavy armor and powerful strikes. Each spirit supports a different approach.
You can swap Guardian Spirits freely. You can also level all of them if you want. Because of that freedom, experimentation is encouraged.
Check the passive bonuses. Match them with your weapons and skills. Once you find the right fit, upgrade it by dismantling Soul Cores. Stronger effects and enhanced skills make a noticeable difference, especially during boss fights.
And that’s all you need to know about Nioh 3 Guardian Spirits. For more Nioh 3 content, stay posted to RetroNoob.
