Nioh 3 Open World Exploration Guide
Nioh 3 replaces the mission-based structure of previous games with expansive open-zone areas. This guide covers all 7 regions, 1009 collectibles, the Exploration Level system, and everything you need for 100% completion.
Open World Overview
Nioh 3 is not a single interconnected open world like Elden Ring. Instead, it features a series of large "open-zone" areas, each tied to a specific historical era. Players travel between eras through story progression, while freely exploring within each unlocked region.
7
Total Regions
3
Open World
1009
Collectibles
156
Shrines
Key Differences from Nioh 1 & 2
- • No mission-select screen — explore freely within each open zone
- • Dynamic enemy spawns and patrols replace fixed encounter rooms
- • Shortcuts connect areas in classic Soulslike loop design
- • Increased verticality with jumping, stealth, and backtracking
- • Exploration Level system rewards thorough exploration with permanent stat boosts
All 7 Regions
The game progresses through regions in a fixed story order. Three regions are open-world with full exploration; the others are linear story missions.
| Region | Era | Type | Sub-Regions | Collectibles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edo (Prologue) | 1622 CE | Linear | — | — |
| Warring States | 1572 CE | Open World | 11 | 363 |
| Heian | 1190 CE | Open World | 9 | 225 |
| Antiquity | 247 CE | Linear | — | — |
| Return to Edo | 1622 CE | Linear | — | — |
| Bakumatsu | 1864 CE | Open World | 10 | 288 |
| Final Battle of Edo | 1622 CE | Linear | — | — |
Edo (Prologue)
Edo Period (1622 CE)The opening chapter set in early Edo period. A linear tutorial area introducing core mechanics before the open world begins.
- • Tutorial area for basic controls
- • First encounter with Yamagata Masakage
- • Introduction to Samurai and Ninja styles
- • No free exploration
- • Yamagata Masakage
Japanese: 江戸（序章）
Warring States
Sengoku Period (1572 CE)Open WorldThe largest open world region. The Age of Warring States features traditional samurai battlefields, castles, and yokai-infested wilderness. This is where most players spend the majority of their time.
- • Largest explorable map in the game
- • 11 sub-regions with unique Exploration Levels
- • 363 collectible locations
- • Traditional samurai enemies and yokai
- • Castle sieges and battlefield environments
- • Jakotsu-Baba
- • Baba Nobuharu
- • Yamagata Masakage (Yokai)
- • Takeda Shingen
Japanese: 戦国
Heian
Heian Period (1190 CE)Open WorldThe era of courtly elegance and Onmyo magic. About half the size of Warring States, Heian features imperial shrines, ancient forests, and powerful yokai from Japanese folklore.
- • About half the size of Warring States
- • 9 sub-regions with Exploration Levels
- • 225 collectible locations
- • Heavy emphasis on Onmyo magic enemies
- • Imperial palace and shrine environments
- • Great Tengu
- • Otoroshi
- • Ibaraki Doji
Japanese: 平安
Antiquity
Yayoi Period (247 CE)A linear region accessed during two story missions only. Ancient Japan where myth and reality blur — primitive villages coexist with divine beings and primal forces of nature.
- • Linear story missions only
- • Mythological creatures and divine beasts
- • Primordial landscapes and ancient ruins
- • Not freely explorable
Japanese: 上古
Return to Edo
Edo Period (1622 CE)A brief linear return to Edo period for key story events before the final open world region unlocks.
- • Story-driven linear section
- • Connects Heian to Bakumatsu era
- • Key plot developments
Japanese: 江戸（帰還）
Bakumatsu
Bakumatsu Period (1864 CE)Open WorldThe second-largest open world region. The end of the samurai era, where Western influence clashes with tradition. Features a mix of traditional and modernized enemies alongside familiar yokai.
- • Second-largest explorable map
- • 10 sub-regions with Exploration Levels
- • 288 collectible locations
- • Mix of traditional and Western-influenced enemies
- • Modernizing Japan environments with firearms
- • Takasugi Shinsaku
- • Enenra
- • Nuribotoke
Japanese: 幕末
Final Battle of Edo
Edo Period (1622 CE)The endgame linear area featuring the final story bosses. High-difficulty encounters leading to the game's conclusion.
- • Final story missions
- • Highest difficulty enemies
- • Multiple boss encounters
- • Story conclusion
- • Death Veil
- • Hiruko (Final)
Japanese: 江戸（最終決戦）
Exploration Levels
Each sub-region in open-world areas has its own Exploration Level (0-4). Raising the level grants permanent stat boosts, map reveals, and collectible markers.
| Level | Reward | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Base state | Starting state for each sub-region. Map is covered in fog of war. |
| Level 1 | Attack/Defense/Luck stat bonus | First stat bonus granted. Fog of war still covers most of the map. |
| Level 2 | Full map visibility + stat increase | Fog of war removed — full map is revealed for the sub-region. Additional stat bonus. |
| Level 3 | Exploration spots shown + Samurai/Ninja Lock | Enemy Bases and Lesser Crucibles marked on map. Grants a Samurai or Ninja Lock (skill unlock item) plus stat bonus. |
| Level 4 | All collectibles marked + Memorandum | All remaining collectible locations revealed on map. Grants a Samurai or Ninja Memorandum (advanced skill item) plus final stat bonus. |
How to Raise Exploration Level
- • Enemy Bases — Clear all enemies including the leader (most efficient)
- • Lesser Crucibles — Complete dungeon challenges (most efficient)
- • Shrines — Discover and activate new shrines
- • Collectibles — Find Kodama, Chijiko, Scampuss, Six Jizo
- • Myths — Complete side quests
- • Landmarks — Discover new locations
Collectibles Guide
There are 1009 total collectible locations across all regions. Here are the main types and how to find them. For detailed locations and reward tables, see the Collectibles Guide.
| Collectible | Count | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Kodama (木霊) | 92 | Small green tree spirits hidden throughout the open world |
| Chijiko (千寄子) | 43 | Flying animals that look like white or red lanterns and make a rattling sound |
| Scampuss (猫又) | 16 | Cat-like ball-shaped creatures that trigger a chase sequence when interacted with |
| Six Jizo Statues (六地蔵) | 20 | Groups of six stone statues that grant Jizo Blessings when found |
| Hot Springs (温泉) | 26 | Natural hot springs scattered across regions |
| Myths (伝説) | 39 | Side quests found throughout the open world |
| Enemy Bases (敵営) | 26 | Fortified enemy camps that must be cleared to gain major exploration progress |
| Lesser Crucibles (小坩堝) | 23 | Dungeon-like challenge zones with tougher enemies and Life Corrosion |
Kodama(木霊)x92
Small green tree spirits hidden throughout the open world. Collecting them increases Elixir capacity at shrines and unlocks Kodama Blessings that improve drop rates, healing, and survivability.
- Listen for their distinctive chiming sound when nearby
- Check behind rocks, inside buildings, and up on ledges
- Kodama Blessings can be activated at any shrine
- At Exploration Level 4, all Kodama locations are marked on the map
Chijiko(千寄子)x43
Flying animals that look like white or red lanterns and make a rattling sound. Shoot them down with ranged weapons to collect valuables and earn exploration progress.
- Listen for their distinctive rattling sound
- Use bow or rifle to shoot them down from distance
- White ones give standard rewards, red ones give rare materials
- They hover in place — take your time to aim
Scampuss(猫又)x16
Cat-like ball-shaped creatures that trigger a chase sequence when interacted with. Pet them after catching to collect rewards. They often lead to hidden loot caches and shortcuts.
- Interact to start a chase, then pet after catching them
- They often lead you to hidden areas and treasure
- Look for them near shrine paths and side roads
- Some are well-hidden in elevated or underground spots
Six Jizo Statues(六地蔵)x20
Groups of six stone statues that grant Jizo Blessings when found. These blessings provide permanent buffs including reduced Life Corrosion, enhanced elixir effectiveness, and survivability bonuses.
- Jizo Blessings are activated at shrines after collection
- Reduced Life Corrosion is essential for Crucible areas
- Often found near dangerous areas as a reward for exploration
- Some require solving simple environmental puzzles to access
Hot Springs(温泉)x26
Natural hot springs scattered across regions. Bathing fully restores health and provides a temporary buff. Great for topping off before boss encounters.
- Fully restores health when used
- Provides a short temporary stat buff
- Often located near boss arenas or dangerous zones
- Can be used repeatedly — no cooldown
Myths(伝説)x39
Side quests found throughout the open world. Completing myths rewards skill texts, unique equipment, and significant exploration progress. They range from combat challenges to environmental puzzles.
- Marked with a scroll icon on the map once discovered
- Rewards include unique skill texts and equipment
- Some myths unlock after reaching specific Exploration Levels
- Combat myths are like mini-boss encounters
Enemy Bases(敵営)x26
Fortified enemy camps that must be cleared to gain major exploration progress. Defeating all enemies and the base leader raises Exploration Level significantly. One of the most reliable ways to increase Exploration Level.
- Clear all enemies including the leader to complete
- Major source of Exploration Level progress
- Enemies do not respawn once the base is cleared
- Some bases have optional loot rooms behind the leader
Lesser Crucibles(小坩堝)x23
Dungeon-like challenge zones with tougher enemies and Life Corrosion. Completing them grants significant Exploration Level progress and rare loot. Alongside Enemy Bases, the most efficient way to raise Exploration Level.
- Life Corrosion slowly reduces max HP — clear quickly
- Use Jizo Blessings to reduce corrosion effects
- Rare materials only available inside Lesser Crucibles
- Major source of Exploration Level alongside Enemy Bases
Shrines & Fast Travel
Shrines and Bodhisattva Statues serve as checkpoints throughout the world. Praying restores Life and Elixirs but causes defeated enemies to respawn. There are 156 Named Shrines and Bodhisattva Statues across all regions.
Shrine Functions
- • Restore Life and Elixirs
- • Level up and allocate stats
- • Fast travel to any unlocked shrine
- • Apply Kodama Blessings
- • Apply Jizo Blessings
- • Change equipment and Guardian Spirits
- • Access multiplayer features
Fast Travel
- • Free fast travel between any unlocked shrines
- • Works within and between regions/eras
- • Bodhisattva Statues function similarly, placed before major encounters
- • Players can drop custom waypoints on the map
Crucible System
Crucibles are optional but extremely rewarding combat challenge zones embedded within open-field areas. They feature stronger enemies, increased aggression, and the dangerous Life Corrosion mechanic. See the Crucible Guide for Crucible Weapon farming and Crucible Arts.
Crucible Effects
- • Life Corrosion slowly lowers max HP
- • Stronger enemy density and aggression
- • Early exit forfeits all rewards
- • Boss encounters have Crucible-enhanced versions
Countermeasures
- • Jizo Blessings reduce corrosion rate
- • Defensive passives extend survival time
- • Clear enemies quickly — don't linger
- • Purity element helps in Crucible areas
Types of Crucible Content
- • Lesser Crucibles (23 total) — Dungeon-like zones. Major source of Exploration Level progress and rare loot.
- • Crucible Spikes (13 total) — Optional combat objectives embedded in the open world.
- • Crucible Wraiths (50 total) — Wandering elite enemies in Crucible-affected areas.
- • Story Crucibles — Required boss encounters in Crucible-enhanced arenas (e.g., Jakotsu-Baba, Takeda Shingen).