Nioh 3 Era Guide
Travel through 4 distinct eras of Japanese history. Each time period offers unique enemies, environments, and challenges.
Time Travel System
As Tokugawa Takechiyo, you gain the ability to travel through time via the Crucible Realm - a dimension that connects all eras. The guardian spirit Kusanagi grants you this power to gather strength across history.
How It Works
- • Access the Crucible Realm from specific shrines
- • Choose your destination era from the world map
- • Progress in each era to unlock new abilities and allies
- • Some story beats require visiting specific eras
- • Items and equipment carry between time periods
Sengoku Period(1467-1615)
The Age of Warring States - Japan's most turbulent era. Warlords battle for supremacy while yokai run rampant. This is the primary setting and your starting point.
Key Features
- • Traditional samurai enemies and yokai
- • Castle sieges and battlefield environments
- • Most familiar to Nioh veterans
- • Central hub for time travel
Enemy Types
- • Samurai
- • Ashigaru
- • Oni
- • Traditional Yokai
Japanese: 戦国時代 (Sengoku Period)
Heian Period(794-1185)
The era of courtly elegance and Onmyo magic. Kyoto's imperial court hides dark secrets, and powerful onmyoji wield devastating spells alongside ancient yokai.
Key Features
- • Heavy emphasis on Onmyo magic enemies
- • Imperial palace and shrine environments
- • Ancient yokai from Japanese folklore
- • More magic-resistant enemies
Enemy Types
- • Onmyoji
- • Court Guards
- • Ancient Yokai
- • Vengeful Spirits
Japanese: 平安時代 (Heian Period)
Yayoi Period(300 BC - 300 AD)
Ancient Japan where myth and reality blur. Primitive villages coexist with divine beings, and the yokai here are primal forces of nature rather than corrupted spirits.
Key Features
- • Mythological creatures and divine beasts
- • Primordial landscapes and ancient ruins
- • Unique environmental hazards
- • Enemies tied to Shinto mythology
Enemy Types
- • Tribal Warriors
- • Divine Beasts
- • Primordial Yokai
- • Nature Spirits
Japanese: 弥生時代 (Yayoi Period)
Bakumatsu Period(1853-1868)
The end of the samurai era. Western influence clashes with tradition as the Shogunate crumbles. New threats emerge alongside familiar yokai adapting to a changing world.
Key Features
- • Mix of traditional and Western-influenced enemies
- • Modernizing Japan environments
- • Firearms and new combat mechanics
- • Shinsengumi and revolutionary fighters
Enemy Types
- • Shinsengumi
- • Western Soldiers
- • Modernized Yokai
- • Hybrid Creatures
Japanese: 幕末 (Bakumatsu Period)
Terrain Types
Beyond the different eras, Nioh 3 features special terrain types that affect gameplay. These can appear in any era.
Open Field Areas
New to Nioh 3 - expansive explorable areas replacing the mission-based structure. Features seamless transitions between zones and hidden secrets.
- Free exploration without mission boundaries
- Dynamic enemy spawns and patrols
- Hidden shrines and treasure caches
- Use high ground for reconnaissance
- Look for shortcuts connecting areas
- Some areas only accessible after story progress
Dark Realm(常闇)
Returning from Nioh 2 - areas corrupted by yokai energy. Ki recovery is severely reduced, and yokai are empowered within these zones.
- Ki recovery reduced by 50%
- Yokai attacks deal more damage
- Yokai have enhanced abilities
- Prioritize finding and destroying the Dark Realm source
- Use Ki recovery items sparingly but strategically
- Yokai abilities help navigate these areas
Hell Terrain(地獄地形)
New to Nioh 3 - areas where the boundary to the underworld has weakened. More dangerous than Dark Realm, with unique environmental hazards and empowered enemies.
- Continuous health drain in some areas
- Damage taken reduces max HP temporarily
- Enemies gain Hell-specific abilities
- Bring HP recovery and max HP restoration items
- Purity element negates some Hell effects
- Clear Hell terrain quickly - don't linger