At the start of Nioh 3, you’ll make a key decision: choosing between a Samurai or Ninja form for your first guardian spirit, Kusanagi. This choice impacts how the rest of your game plays out.
The game doesn’t clearly explain what happens after you choose a form for Kusanagi, or if you’ll be able to get the other one later, which can make players unsure about their decision. This guide will help by outlining the pros and cons of each Kusanagi form and detailing what each choice means for your gameplay. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
Which Kusanagi Form Should You Choose in Nioh 3?
When you choose Kusanagi as your guardian spirit, it will take on either a Samurai or Ninja form. The Samurai Kusanagi uses fire and can only be equipped when playing as a Samurai. The Ninja Kusanagi uses water and can only be equipped when playing as a Ninja.
Whether the Kusanagi Ninja or Samurai form is better depends on how you like to play. If you prefer a fast-paced, stealthy style, the Ninja form is ideal. If you prefer a more direct, powerful approach, the Samurai form is the better option.
If you pick the Ninja form, you’ll gain an extra Skill point, and choosing the Samurai form will give you +1 Strength. Both Skill and Strength are stats that improve as your character levels up. Strength boosts damage with Ki attacks and melee weapons, while Skill increases damage from Martial Arts and Ninjutsu.
In Nioh 3, Kusanagi isn’t the only guardian spirit available. The game features dozens of spirits for both Ninja and Samurai styles, meaning you have plenty of choices even if you decide to switch up your preferred way of playing.
Whether you start as Kusanagi the Samurai or Kusanagi the Ninja, you’ll eventually unlock the other form during the main story mission, “The Spirit Tree Village.” However, this mission doesn’t become available until the late-game “Antiquity” period, so your initial choice will be your primary form for most of the game.
Once you’ve chosen a Kusanagi form, you can change your mind by speaking with the spirit in the valley and selecting “Select Again.” But, be aware that your choice will be final once you leave that area.
What Happens if You Choose Kusanagi (Ninja) in Nioh 3
If you choose Kusanagi (Ninja) for your guardian spirit, you’ll receive the following:
| Character Stat | Skill +1 |
|---|---|
| Guardian Spirit | Level 1 Kusanagi (Ninja) – Water Element Guardian Spirit Aerial Attack Damage +8.4% Water Damage Reduction +13 Ki Consumption (Jump) -10.8% Quick Attack Damage +5.7% Spirit Force Charge (Backstab) +11.0% Guardian Spirit Skill: Turbulent Waters Guardian Spirit Skill: Heaven’s Drops |
The numbers shown are for a level 1 Kusanagi guardian spirit in Nioh 3. As you level up Kusanagi, its stats will increase.
What Happens if You Choose Kusanagi (Samurai) in Nioh 3
If you choose Kusanagi (Ninja) for your guardian spirit, you’ll receive the following:
| Character Stat | Strength +1 |
|---|---|
| Guardian Spirit | Level 1 Kusanagi (Samurai) – Fire Element Guardian Spirit Martial Art Damage +6.3% Fire Damage Reduction +13 Ki Pulse Recovery +10.8% Increased Arts Proficiency Damage +6.9% Spirit Force Charge (Martial Art) +11.0% Guardian Spirit Skill: Nagi Blade Guardian Spirit Skill: Heaven’s Fire |
The numbers shown are for a Kusanagi guardian spirit at level 1 in Nioh 3. As you level up this spirit, its stats will increase.
Nioh 3 Interactive Map
Check out our Interactive Map for Nioh 3 here.
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2026-02-06 18:36