Team Ninja has released Nioh 3 update 1.04.00, a comprehensive patch that significantly rebalances the game’s core combat systems while delivering new content and quality-of-life improvements. The update, deployed in March 2026, addresses a wide array of player feedback, focusing on weapon tuning, multiplayer rewards, and bug fixes across all platforms.
Free Content and System-Wide Improvements
To celebrate the series surpassing ten million total sales and Nioh 3 itself reaching one million copies sold, the update adds two free commemorative armor sets: the “万雷の武者鎧” (Myriad Thunder Warrior Armor) and the “万雷の忍装束” (Myriad雷 Ninja Garb). These sets are distributed to all players as a gesture of appreciation from the developers.
Enhanced Multiplayer and Endgame Progression
The patch makes several key adjustments to improve the post-campaign experience. The amount of Glory earned upon clearing missions in multiplayer has been increased, incentivizing cooperative play. Furthermore, after clearing the “将軍の旅路” (General’s Journey) endgame mode, players will now have a chance to obtain equipment with higher “+” values at an increased drop rate, streamlining the path to maximum power.
Quality-of-Life and User Interface Upgrades
Numerous system-level changes have been implemented to reduce friction. The “魂合わせ” (Soul Matching) system has been adjusted to require fewer materials when matching an item’s “+” value to one already obtained. The “商人” (Merchant) will now automatically send any “魑魅の魂代” (Kodama Soul Cores) beyond the first directly to the storehouse. A new system setting allows players to disable the automatic replenishment of usable items, while another automatically locks any equipment obtained with a rare special effect icon.
The user interface receives meaningful upgrades. The “鍛冶屋” (Blacksmith) now marks tabs containing newly craftable items with an exclamation mark. Players can view detailed set effect information directly from the “戦絵巻” (Battle Scroll) reward screen. Visibility for Soul Cores set in the “陰陽箱” (Onmyo Box) has been improved, and character models are now brighter during the “装い設定” (Equipment Appearance) screen. A new eye shape, Type 6, has been added to character customization.
Comprehensive Weapon Rebalancing and Fixes
The core of update 1.04 is a sweeping rebalancing pass across all weapon categories, targeting specific bugs and improving usability. The adjustments are too numerous to list in full, but key highlights demonstrate the patch’s depth.
Samurai Weapon Adjustments
Katana
Fixes were applied to the “惣捲” (Sōmaki) skill, ensuring buffs from active skill enhancement are correctly applied. Issues with the parry skills “朧” (Obōro) and “水影” (Mizukage) have been resolved, where certain unparryable attacks would always break guard.
Dual Swords
A bug preventing the use of skills after a quick attack following a dodge has been fixed. The “霜風” (Shimofuri) skill now correctly maintains its skill enhancement state.
Odachi
The “翔鳥” (Shōchō) skill can now reliably perform a Ki Pulse. A bug preventing weapon attributes from applying to the “雪月花 縮” (Setsugekka – Shuku) skill has been corrected.
Spear
The “槍体変” (Sōtaihen) skill no longer deflects off guards. The movement distance of the “鳴山 伸” (Naruyama – Shin) skill has been standardized regardless of enemy lock-on status.
Axe
The “岩槌” (Iwa-tsuchi) skill has been adjusted to hit more easily. Following a successful parry with “旋滑り” (Sen-name), chaining into a held strong attack or specific modified skills like “大木倒し 疾” (Daibokudaoshi – Shitsu) is now more responsive and deals appropriate damage.
Fists
Mid-air “追い討ち” (Finishing Blows) now connect more reliably. A bug preventing the “晨影脚” (Shin’eikyaku) skill from being used on a downed enemy was fixed.
Switchglaive
Skills in the “転変” (Tenpen) series, including “転変裁” (Tenpen-sai), have been adjusted for easier use. Mid-air Finishing Blows have also been improved for this weapon. Critical bugs with the Mystic Arts “転変燎原” (Tenpen Ryōgen) and “転変怒涛” (Tenpen Dotō) were fixed, including missing guard properties and their inability to be used or enhanced during Living Weapon.
Ninja Weapon Adjustments
Splitstaff
A bug causing quick attacks to continue when attempting specific skills has been resolved. An issue allowing for a double Finishing Blow has been fixed.
Kusarigama
The Ki cost for the skills “八重垣” (Yaegakki), “蛇咬陣” (Jakōjin), and “足緘” (Ashikase) was deemed too high and has been reduced.
Ninja Blade & Claws
Numerous input and chaining issues with aerial skills and combos have been addressed for the Ninja Blade. For the Claws, a bug where a buff not intended to be applied would activate after using a skill into a quick attack has been fixed.
Hatchets & Tonfas
For Tonfas, a major bug was fixed where canceling certain skills into the “神薙” (Kaminagi) Mystic Art would deal damage without consuming Ki. Several issues with the “金城湯池” (Kinjō Tōchi) skill, including its interaction with Yokai and the “大技返し” (Secret Skill Counter), have been resolved.
Mission, Boss, and Progression Bug Fixes
Beyond weapons, the patch addresses a litany of bugs affecting missions, bosses, and core systems. A rare issue preventing the use of “霊脈” (Leylines) has been fixed. The damage of the Ninjutsu skills “棘猫変化” (Bakeneko Transformation), “巨猫変化” (Nekomata Transformation), and “土遁” (Doton) now correctly scales with Ninjutsu Power.
Boss and Enemy Behavior
Several boss behaviors have been corrected. The “怨霊鬼” (Onryōki) boss camera during lock-on has been adjusted for better visibility. Bosses will no longer relentlessly target a single player in multiplayer. Issues with the “塗仏” (Nuribotoke), “血刀修羅” (Bloody Blade Shura), and “屍狂い” (Shikyōi) enemies have been fixed, including errant targeting and premature despawn.
Mission and Side Quest Corrections
Multiple progression blockers in side stories and missions have been removed. These include fixes for “奇譚” (Side Stories) such as “浜名湖に来たる災厄” (The Calamity that Comes to Lake Hamana), “強き火を求めて” (In Search of Strong Fire), and “故き調薬を温ねて” (Revisiting an Old Medicine). A bug preventing the “山姥の包丁” (Yamanba’s Kitchen Knife) smithing text from dropping has been resolved.
Set Effect and Special Ability Fixes
Critical bugs with powerful set effects have been patched. The “一人当千の兵者” (One-Man Army) set’s effect for extending negative statuses on melee hit was stronger than intended and has been reduced, while its effect for increasing damage on arrow hit has seen its activation rate increased. The “怨憎蓋世” (Grudge Covering the World) set’s effects for healing on Amrita absorption and the “霊力転炎” (Spirit Power Transfer) trigger have been fixed and adjusted for better performance.
An important correction was made for Samurai armor that incorrectly rolled with Ninja-exclusive special effects; these will be replaced with appropriate Samurai-specific effects. As an apology for a bug preventing players from obtaining the “千々古の魂代” (Chijiko’s Soul Core), “あやかしの涙珠” (Yokai Tear Drops) will be distributed at Shrines based on how many times players have petted the Scampuss, Chijiko.
Platform-Specific Enhancements
PlayStation 5
A bug where accumulated Glory for a player’s chosen clan during the “勢力戦” (Clan Battles) was not being added has been fixed.
Steam (PC)
The PC version receives several unique upgrades. Stick input recognition for fine movements has been improved. A function to copy appearance setting codes to the clipboard has been added. Certain cutscenes previously locked to 30 FPS now support 60 FPS. A new system setting allows toggling the HUD display for close-range weapon switch buttons. The game will now pause when a controller is disconnected during pausable scenes.
PC-specific bug fixes address graphical noise at certain resolutions, controller recognition issues with Xbox peripherals, and problems with mouse operation in the “武具奉納” (Equipment Offering) screen. An issue where the Anisotropic Filtering setting was stuck at “x4” has been resolved.
This substantial update demonstrates Team Ninja’s ongoing commitment to refining the Nioh 3 experience, directly responding to community data and player reports to create a more balanced and polished action RPG. The focus on weapon viability, endgame reward structures, and systemic quality-of-life changes ensures both veterans and newcomers will find a smoother, more rewarding journey through the game’s challenging Sengoku-era landscape.
