Nioh 3 Stats Guide

Complete guide to all 7 core stats in Nioh 3. Understand what each stat does, which weapons they scale with, and how to optimize your character build.

Overview

Nioh 3 features 7 core stats that determine your character's effectiveness in combat. Stats can be increased by spending Amrita at Shrines, or reallocated using a Book of Reincarnation.

New in Nioh 3: The Intellect stat is new to the series, replacing the previous Dexterity stat. It affects buff/debuff duration and Ki recovery speed.

Core Stats

Constitution

Life (HP)

Greatly affects your Life (HP). Essential for survivability, especially for players new to the series.

SpearAxeTonfaKusarigama

Tip: Invest early for survivability. Essential for tanky builds.

Heart

Ki, Ki Recovery

Affects Ki (stamina) and Ki recovery speed. More Ki means longer combos and better survivability.

SwordDual SwordsCestusDual Ninja SwordsTalonsBowRifle

Tip: Critical for aggressive playstyles. 20-30 is a good baseline.

Stamina

Life, Equipment Weight

Affects your Life and maximum equipment weight. Required for wearing heavier armor without penalties.

OdachiAxeCestusHatchetsTalonsHand Cannon

Tip: Raise until you can wear your desired armor tier at B agility.

Skill

Arts Proficiency, Ninjutsu

Affects Arts Proficiency power and Ninjutsu effectiveness. Key stat for Ninja-style builds.

SwitchglaiveNinja SwordTonfaKusarigamaHatchetsSplitstaffBowRifle

Tip: Essential for Ninja builds. Also improves weapon proficiency gain.

Strength

Ki Damage (Martial Arts)

Affects Ki damage dealt by Martial Arts. Important for breaking enemy stances quickly.

SwordDual SwordsOdachiAxeNinja SwordTonfaSplitstaffHand Cannon

Tip: Good for heavy hitters focused on breaking enemy Ki.

Intellect

Effect Duration, Ki Recovery

A new stat in Nioh 3 that affects buff/debuff duration and Ki recovery speed. Versatile support stat.

SwordSwitchglaiveNinja SwordDual Ninja SwordsHatchetsSplitstaffTalonsBowRifle

Tip: New to Nioh 3. Good for builds relying on buffs/debuffs.

Magic

Onmyo Magic Effects

Affects the power and effects of Onmyo Magic spells. Required for Onmyo-focused builds.

Dual SwordsOdachiSwitchglaiveDual Ninja SwordsKusarigamaSplitstaff

Tip: Essential for Onmyo builds. 30+ for serious casters.

Weapon Scaling Quick Reference

Each weapon scales with 3 stats. The primary scaling stat provides the most damage bonus.

WeaponPrimarySecondaryTertiary
Sword (太刀)HeartStrengthIntellect
Dual Swords (双刀)HeartStrengthMagic
Spear (槍)ConstitutionHeartSkill
Odachi (大太刀)StaminaStrengthMagic
Axe (大斧)ConstitutionStaminaStrength
Switchglaive (薙刀鎌)SkillIntellectMagic
Cestus (手甲)HeartStaminaStrength
Ninja Sword (忍刀)StrengthSkillIntellect
Dual Ninja Swords (忍双刀)HeartIntellectMagic
Kusarigama (鎖鎌)ConstitutionSkillMagic
Tonfa (拐)ConstitutionStrengthSkill
Hatchets (手斧)StaminaSkillIntellect
Splitstaff (分銅棍)StrengthIntellectMagic
Talons (手甲鉤)HeartStaminaIntellect

Leveling Tips

Early Game (Level 1-50)

  • Focus on Constitution (15-20) for survivability
  • Invest in your primary weapon scaling stat
  • Get Heart to 15-20 for comfortable Ki management
  • Don't spread stats too thin

Mid Game (Level 50-100)

  • Push your primary damage stat toward soft cap
  • Add Stamina if you want heavier armor
  • Start investing in secondary scaling stats
  • Consider Magic/Skill for utility spells

End Game (Level 100+)

  • Hit soft caps on primary scaling stats
  • Round out survivability stats
  • Optimize for your specific build requirements
  • Use Book of Reincarnation to respec if needed

Soft Caps

Stats have diminishing returns after certain thresholds. Based on previous Nioh games:

Soft cap data is preliminary and based on early testing. Will be updated as more detailed information becomes available.

General soft cap guidelines:

  • First soft cap: ~20-30 (reduced gains after)
  • Second soft cap: ~60-80 (significantly reduced gains)
  • Hard cap: 99 (maximum stat value)
Total Stats: 7Game Version: v1.0Sources: Fandom Wiki, Game8Last Updated: Feb 2026