In Nioh 3, playing as a Samurai allows you to switch between three different fighting styles – Low, Mid, and High Stance. Each stance has its own unique attacks, advantages, and disadvantages. However, the game doesn’t clearly explain how these stances work, which can be confusing for players.
This guide will show you how to unlock and use all three Samurai Stances in Nioh 3. It also explains the best button controls for switching between stances, and how to customize those controls if you prefer.
How to Change Stances in Nioh 3
Switching Samurai Stances in Nioh 3
In Nioh 3, Samurai players can switch between Low, Mid, and High stances using these key commands:
| Low Stance | Mid Stance | High Stance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Keyboard/Mouse) | Shift + Mouse Scroll Down | Shift + Left Click | Shift + Mouse Scroll Up |
| PC (Controller) | RB + A | RB + X | RB + Y |
| PS5 (Controller) | R1 + X | R1 + Square | R1 + Triangle |
The icon furthest to the right doesn’t show a fourth fighting position—it indicates the sheath action. You can activate it using Shift + Right Click on keyboard and mouse, RB + B on a PC controller, or R1 + Circle on a PlayStation 5 controller.
You can customize the keyboard keys used to switch between Samurai stances in the game settings. Go to System, then Settings, and finally Configure Controls (Keyboard/Mouse) to change them.
To try a different button layout on your PS5 controller, go to System → Settings → Configure Controls and select the Type D control scheme. This will change how you switch stances: Square + X will now activate Low Stance, Square + R1 will activate Mid Stance, and Square + R2 will activate High Stance.
Only Samurai Style has a stance mechanic in Nioh 3; Ninja Style does not.
How to Unlock Stances in Nioh 3
Mid, High, and Low Samurai Stance Skills in Nioh 3
In Nioh 3, the Mid Stance is the Samurai’s starting position and is available from the beginning of the game. All Samurai weapons begin in this stance. The Low and High Stances, on the other hand, are special stances you unlock through the Samurai Skill tree.
To learn new stances, start by going to the ‘Acquire Martial Arts/Ninjutsu’ menu and selecting ‘Samurai’. You’ll need Samurai Points to unlock the ‘Low Stance’ and ‘High Stance’ (as pictured above). You can find these points by locating Samurai Locks. Once you’ve unlocked both stances, you’ll be able to switch between Low, Mid, and High Stances while using any Samurai weapon.
Okay, so if you’re like me and spent all your Samurai Points unlocking stances but now want to try something different, don’t worry! You can use the respec feature in Nioh 3 to get those skill points back and re-allocate them. It’s a lifesaver when you realize you want to switch up your build!
Nioh 3 Interactive Map
Check out our Nioh 3 Interactive map here!
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2026-02-09 19:35