The latest major patch for Nioh 3, Update 1.040 (version 1.04.00), has been deployed, bringing with it a substantial wave of adjustments, quality-of-life improvements, and critical bug fixes. This update represents a significant refinement of the game’s core combat systems, addressing long-standing player feedback on weapon balance, multiplayer rewards, and endgame equipment progression.
Core Gameplay Enhancements and System Upgrades
Update 1.040 introduces several foundational changes aimed at improving the overall player experience. A key focus has been on rewarding cooperative play and enhancing the endgame grind. The amount of Glory earned upon clearing missions in multiplayer has been increased, providing a more substantial incentive for teaming up with other players. Furthermore, the drop rate for higher +Value equipment after clearing the challenging “Shogun’s Journey” mode has been adjusted upward, making the pursuit of top-tier gear more consistent for dedicated players.
Quality of Life and Interface Improvements
The development team has implemented a suite of user interface and system upgrades designed to streamline inventory management and gameplay. A highly requested feature, the ability to disable the automatic refill of usable items, has been added to the system settings. To prevent accidental loss, a new setting automatically locks equipment with rare special effect icons upon acquisition. The “Soul Matching” process has been eased, reducing the material cost required when matching an item’s +Value exceeds what the player has previously obtained.
Other notable interface changes include an expansion of the blacksmith’s “Item Forge” menu, which now displays an exclamation mark on tabs containing newly craftable items. The visibility of Yokai Cores set in the Onmyo Box has been improved, and character models now appear brighter during the equipment preview screen. Players can also now return from the Battle Scroll or Mission Yokai Realm Companion modes directly from the main menu.
Comprehensive Weapon Balance and Bug Fixes
The heart of Update 1.040 is a meticulous rebalancing and bug-fixing pass across every weapon class. These changes aim to create a more fluid and reliable combat experience by correcting unintended behaviors and improving the responsiveness of specific skills.
Samurai Weapons Adjustments
Katana & Dual Swords
For the Katana, issues with the “Sōmaki” skill not applying Tempering bonuses and the “Oboro” and “Mikage” parries always breaking guard have been resolved. Dual Swords received fixes for a bug preventing Martial Arts from coming out after a dodge-attack and for the “Falling Leaves Sword: Ren” skill incorrectly consuming stamina without activating properly.
Odachi, Spear, Axe, Fists, and Switchglaive
The Odachi saw corrections for the “Shōchō” skill sometimes being unable to perform a Ki Pulse and the “Setsugekka: Shuku” skill not applying weapon attributes. Spear users will find the “Sōtaihen” skill no longer deflects off guards, and the “Meizan: Shin” skill’s travel distance is now consistent without lock-on. The Axe’s “Iwa Tsuchi” skill has been adjusted to hit more easily, and several bugs related to the “Senguri” parry follow-ups were fixed. Fists were adjusted for easier aerial final blows, and the Switchglaive received broad improvements to the usability of its “Tenpen”-series skills and fixes to its Ultimate skills’ guard properties and Tempering eligibility.
Ninja Weapons Refinements
Ninja weapons also received significant attention. The Splitstaff had a bug fixed where a second final blow could sometimes be performed. The Kusarigama saw adjustments to the high Ki cost of skills like “Yaegaki” and “Jakōjin.” Issues with the Ninja Sword’s aerial skills, including input problems and the ability to chain “Tobi Jūji” and “Ōsō” infinitely with aerial dodges, were corrected. The Hatchet’s “Kawarakuzushi” skill can no longer counter grab attacks, and the Tonfa saw multiple fixes for skill cancellations and input conflicts with the “Kamunagi” Ultimate skill.
Mission, Boss, and Progression Bug Fixes
Beyond combat, Update 1.040 addresses a wide array of progression-halting and gameplay-disrupting bugs across the entire game. Critical mission fixes include resolving issues in “The Battle of Futamata Castle” where Hattori Hanzō could disappear, and in “The Ice Capital’s Burning Spirit Tree” where defeating Minamoto no Yoritome under specific conditions could soft-lock mission completion.
Yokai Realm and Scroll Corrections
Several bugs in the Yokai Realm missions (奇譚) were patched. These include fixes for “In Search of the Strongest Flame” where the blacksmith wouldn’t accept the “Kagutsuchi’s Magatama,” progression blockers in “Inquiry of an Old Medicine” and “The Calamity Arrives at Lake Hamana,” and a compass display error in “The Value of Flawlessness.” An issue in the Battle Scroll “Invasion Like Fire” that could block progression based on where Takeda Shingen was defeated has also been resolved.
Boss and Enemy Behavior
Enemy AI and behavior received multiple tweaks. Bosses have been adjusted to avoid fixating on a single player in multiplayer. The camera during lock-on for the “Onryōki” has been improved for better visibility of its movements. Specific bugs were fixed for enemies like the “Nurikabe,” whose throw attacks could miss players directly in front, and the “Bloody Slayer,” which could become disoriented after damaging itself.
Equipment, Set Bonuses, and Special Effects
A significant bug was corrected where some Samurai armor pieces incorrectly had Ninja-exclusive special effects; these have been replaced with appropriate Samurai-only effects. Set bonuses were also scrutinized: the “One Against a Thousand Soldiers” set had its “Close Combat Attack Extends Negative Effect Duration” effect reduced as it was more powerful than intended, while its “Arrow/Bullet Hit Increases Enemy Damage Taken” effect probability was increased. The “Hatred Overwhelms the World” set’s effects for life recovery and spirit consumption reduction have been fixed to work correctly.
Platform-Specific Updates
PlayStation 5
The PS5 version received a targeted fix for a bug where the cumulative Glory for Clans during the Territory War was not being added.
Steam (PC)
PC players benefit from several platform-exclusive enhancements. Controller stick sensitivity for fine movements has been improved, and a function to copy appearance setting codes to the clipboard was added. A system setting to toggle the HUD display for close-range weapon switch buttons is now available. The patch also fixes several PC-specific issues, including graphical noise at certain resolutions, controller recognition problems with some Xbox controllers, and an anisotropic filtering option that was stuck on “x4.” A freeze that could occur when connecting or disconnecting certain devices has been addressed.
This extensive update demonstrates a continued commitment to polishing the Nioh 3 experience, focusing on the nuanced details of its deep combat and reward systems. By directly tackling weapon-specific quirks, smoothing out progression rough edges, and enhancing multiplayer incentives, Update 1.040 solidifies the game’s foundation, ensuring that both new adventurers and seasoned veterans can engage with its challenging world with greater precision and satisfaction. The refinements here are less about reinvention and more about perfecting an already complex and rewarding action RPG, allowing its intricate mechanics to shine without the friction of technical inconsistencies.
