Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Edge
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Edge
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • EDGE GTAVI exclusive
  • Join our monthly RPG Club
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2026
  • Deal of the Day
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • RPG Hub
  • G+RLS Podcast
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. RPGs
  3. Nioh 3

Should you choose Samurai Attire or Ninja attire in Nioh 3?

Guides
By Joel Franey
Published 5 February 2026

Samurai Attire or Ninja attire give you a boost to either strength or skill, and a new Guardian Spirit

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The Samurai Attire or Ninja Attire choice in Nioh 3
(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
0
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

In Nioh 3, should you choose Samurai Attire or Ninja Attire? The choice is given to you at the end of the tutorial, specifically to choose between attire appropriate to either role for your spirit, Kusanagi. At this point in the game you'll have been able to try out both the abilities of the Ninja and the Samurai, but it's not made wholly clear what exactly you're getting out of this binary choice – which is why I'll explain how it impacts Nioh 3 going forward.

Should you choose attire appropriate for a Samurai or a Ninja?

The Samurai Attire or Ninja Attire choice in Nioh 3

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games)

You should choose attire appropriate for whichever playstyle you generally prefer, but if you're uncertain and need to break the tie, I would suggest the Ninja attire, as a boost to Skill is slightly more impactful to the damage of (most) weapons.

The Samurai Attire or Ninja Attire choice in Nioh 3

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games)

To explain, while Strength and Skill both increase damage on Nioh 3 weapons, Skill is generally more effective to the majority of the available Nioh 3 weapons pool. Strength focuses more on Ki damage, which is certainly useful, but not quite as universally applicable.

Latest Videos FromGamesRadar+
Watch full video here:

The Samurai Attire or Ninja Attire choice in Nioh 3

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games)

Ultimately though it doesn't matter much – this is a +1 buff to either one of two stats that you'll be able to improve every time you level up going forward. You'll also get a Guardian Spirit for either your Ninja or Samurai style (see above), which provides a series of passive buffs. Even then, that Guardian probably won't last long into the game before you swap it out for a better one.

How to change appearance in Nioh 3:Nioh 3 preorder bonuses and DLC:Bloodedge Demon in Nioh 3:How long is Nioh 3:

How to change appearance in Nioh 3: Find a new look
Nioh 3 preorder bonuses and DLC: How to get your extras
Bloodedge Demon in Nioh 3: How to beat the beast
How long is Nioh 3: What's the time to beat this saga?

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

You may like
  • Musashi parries a strike of Dokyo's staff in Onimusha: Way of the Sword Onimusha: Way of the Sword review: "It's no Sekiro, but accessibility and tight combat help this rough diamond shine"
  • Phantom Blade Zero Soul and Forge saluting 12 Phantom Blade Zero tips for new players to help you navigate the Wulin
  • The player character, shirtless with armor only on their shoulders, stands in front of a banner in Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember I'm taking off my shirt to go nunchuck mode in Team Ninja's unique blend of Sekiro and Dynasty Warriors
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
PS5 PC Gaming Platforms PlayStation
Joel Franey
Joel Franey
Social Links Navigation
Guides Editor, GamesRadar+

Joel Franey is a writer, journalist, podcaster and Very Tired Man with a BA from Brunel University, a Masters from Sussex University and a decade working in games journalism, often focused on guides coverage but also in reviews, features and news. His love of games is strongest when it comes to groundbreaking narratives like Disco Elysium, UnderTale and Baldur's Gate 3, as well as innovative or refined gameplay experiences like XCOM, Sifu, Arkham Asylum or Slay the Spire. He is a firm believer that the vast majority of games would be improved by adding a grappling hook, and if they already have one, they should probably add another just to be safe. You can find old work of his at Eurogamer, Gfinity, USgamer, SFX Magazine, RPS, Dicebreaker, VG247, and more.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Musashi parries a strike of Dokyo's staff in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Action Games Onimusha: Way of the Sword review: "It's no Sekiro, but accessibility and tight combat help this rough diamond shine"
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero Soul and Forge saluting
Action RPGs 12 Phantom Blade Zero tips for new players to help you navigate the Wulin
 
 
The player character, shirtless with armor only on their shoulders, stands in front of a banner in Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember
Action RPGs I'm taking off my shirt to go nunchuck mode in Team Ninja's unique blend of Sekiro and Dynasty Warriors
 
 
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition idus knight and heavy knight walking to scadutree
RPGs All Elden Ring classes and the best ones for beginners
 
 
Miyamoto Musashi clashes with Rasho-gan in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, cropped for a header image
Action Games I worried Onimusha: Way of the Sword would be too easy, then got my ass beat by a many-limbed demon
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker
Action RPGs Should you use claws or swords in The Blood of Dawnwalker?
 
 
Latest in RPGs
The Witcher 4
The Witcher CD Projekt Red is building the Avengers of RPGs, adds 3 former Kingdom Come: Deliverance leads
 
 
Mass Effect 5 poster
Mass Effect BioWare fans place tombstones outside EA offices as other Mass Effect 5 hopefuls leave graffiti
 
 
Dragon Age
Dragon Age The Mass Effect series is "more valuable than Dragon Age," BioWare veteran says
 
 
Skyblivion
The Elder Scrolls Fan-made Oblivion remake Skyblivion runs into legal trouble with a former volunteer
 
 
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic
RPGs Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic could be going for a "simple hero's journey," says BioWare vet
 
 
A computer screen shows a photo featuring Todd Howard, his wife, and Patrick Stewart
The Elder Scrolls When Patrick Stewart starred in Oblivion, he was blown away by the lore Todd Howard gave him
 
 
Latest in Guides
Modern Warfare 4
Call of Duty The best Oris 8.6 builds in MW4
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero A Healer's Mercy Soul talking to Yu'er and a thief in red in the Thieves' Camp
Action RPGs How to complete the A Healer's Mercy quest in Phantom Blade Zero
 
 
Modern Warfare 4
Call of Duty What does Non-Milsim Content in MW4 mean?
 
 
A chest like this could contain a Fortnite pirate shop token
Fortnite What is the Fortnite pirate shop token and how rare is it?
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero Festering Secret quest progress after speaking to captain
Action RPGs How to complete the Festering Secret quest in Phantom Blade Zero
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero Four Fierce Axes quest
Action RPGs How to complete the Four Fierce Axes quest in Phantom Blade Zero
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Exclusive: Nicholas Hoult teases his upcoming heist-comedy and Superman sequel
    1
    How to Rob a Bank star Nicholas Hoult says his mask-wearing vigilante and Man of Tomorrow villain Lex Luthor have a lot in common
  2. 2
    GTA 6 lead says Rockstar president Sam Houser helped shape the direction of the game and is involved in every aspect of creative development
  3. 3
    Nintendo started the Ocarina of Time remake because Zelda veteran Eiji Aonuma wanted young devs to understand "just how significant" the N64 classic was
  4. 4
    Slay the Spire 2 devs declare the "perfect card," and of course it's one I thought was bad
  5. 5
    Valve "played capitalism so well they broke it" and now Steam can never be replaced, former Epic dev says: "I don't think this is fixable"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...