See how to unlock all guardian spirits in Nioh 3
In this post you'll learn how guardian spirits transform your experience in Nioh 3. Learn how to unlock each spirit, essential for combat and map exploration . Advance through the story and conquer them all!
Within the game, there's a system that directly influences how you approach each situation: the so-called guardian spirits in Nioh 3. At various points in the story, they appear as direct support in combat , but also as an important part of movement across the map. They influence decisions, routes, and even how certain areas can be accessed. Learn more about them below!
What are these spirits?
Guardian spirits in Nioh 3 are entities that accompany the main character and come into action at specific moments . They function as spiritual support, reacting during critical situations and helping to change the course of a confrontation when things get tough.
Each type of spirit has its own unique behavior. Some are better at direct attacks, others strengthen defenses or increase mobility. Therefore, spirits are truly capable of changing the course of a game.
Furthermore, the guardian spirits in Nioh 3 also interact with spirit points scattered across the map, unlocking hidden paths or facilitating specific crossings. Therefore, they are essential to the game!
All the guardian spirits in Nioh 3 and how to unlock them
Before moving on to the next step, it's worth reiterating that guardian spirits in Nioh 3 follow a progression linked to story events, boss defeats, and learning specific techniques. At various points in the campaign, they appear after important milestones. Below is the complete list:
| Guardian | Main focus | Release method |
| Kusanagi | Samurai and Ninja | Available from the start |
| Guhin | Samurai | Available from the start |
| Nekomata | Ninja | Released after training with Hattori Hanzo and defeating the Oni Jailer |
| Shin-Roku | Samurai | After defeating Yamagata Masakage |
| Enko | Ninja | After Jakotsu-Baba's defeat in Hamamatsu Crucible |
| Narikama Tanuki | Samurai | After defeating Takeda Shingen in Mikatagahara Crucible |
| Kongojishi | Samurai and Ninja | Following a confrontation with Takeda Shingen in the Warring States |
| Kurama Tengu | Ninja | After victory over Tengu on Mount Kurama |
How to unlock guardian spirits in Nioh 3
Guardian spirits in Nioh 3 are unlocked as you progress through the main story. In some cases, this happens after defeating specific bosses. In others, they appear after training or interacting with important characters.
They follow a progression logic linked to key events, so there is no immediate access to all of them. It is necessary to advance and fulfill certain conditions within the main and secondary missions.
In later stages, spirits are also released more frequently as new challenges arise.
How do I switch guardian spirits in Nioh 3?
In Nioh 3, changing guardian spirits occurs at spiritual resting places. Upon reaching a shrine or Bodhisattva statue, you access the spirit adjustment menu. At this point, they can be replaced at no cost; simply select the desired entity.
In more advanced areas, spirits can also be adjusted before important confrontations, since different entities respond better to different types of adversaries.
Where can I play Nioh 3?
You can find Nioh 3 on two main platforms at launch: PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. On Sony's console, access is through the PlayStation Store , where the full version can be purchased and installed directly on the system. On PC, the way to go is through Steam , with digital purchase and immediate download after release.
There is also a free demo version available on both PS5 and Steam. This demo allows you to access the beginning of the content, test the first challenges, and understand how the system works before deciding to purchase. An important detail is that the progress made in this version can be transferred to the full game, preventing loss of progress when you opt for the final version.
Ultimately, the guardian spirits in Nioh 3 end up being more than just a support resource: they accompany every advance and change how you handle each confrontation, since each one has its own effects and opens up different possibilities depending on the situation.
