Choosing a form for Kusanagi is the first major decision in Nioh 3, one that has lasting effects on the remainder of the playthrough. The choice is simple: choose either a Samurai form or a Ninja form for Kusanagi, the very first guardian spirit in the game.
However, the game does not explain the consequences of this decision, and whether or not players will be able to obtain Kusanagi’s other form later in the game, which leaves players hesitant to make a choice. This guide covers the benefits and downsides of both Kusanagi forms as well as what each choice entails. Here are the details.
Nioh 3: How to Get & Use Character Creator Codes
Nioh 3 features an expansive character creator where players can either design their own character or use a Character Creator Code to import designs.
Which Kusanagi Form Should You Choose in Nioh 3?
Choosing a form for Kusanagi means that this guardian spirit will transform into a Samurai or Ninja form. Kusanagi (Samurai) is a fire element guardian spirit that can only be equipped for Samurai Style, whereas the Kusanagi (Ninja) is a water elemental guardian spirit that can only be equipped for Ninja Style.
The choice regarding which Kusanagi form is better comes down to playstyle and personal preference. If you prefer playing as a Ninja, Kusanagi (Ninja) is the better choice, but if you prefer the Samurai playstyle, Kusanagi (Samurai) is the way to go.
Additionally, if you choose the Ninja form, you’ll obtain +1 Skill point, and if you choose the Samurai form, you’ll get +1 Strength. Skill and Strength are player stats that can be increased via leveling up. Strength increases Ki damage and melee weapon attack. Skill increases Martial Arts and Ninjutsu damage.
Kusanagi is not the only guardian spirit in Nioh 3. There are dozens of other guardian spirits for both Ninja and Samurai Style in the game. So even if you change your mind about which playstyle you want to focus on, there will be other options.
Regardless of whether you choose Kusanagi (Samurai) or Kusanagi (Ninja), you’ll be able to acquire the other form later in the story through the main mission, The Spirit Tree Village. However, this mission does not become available until the Antiquity period, which is quite late into the game, meaning whichever Kusanagi you pick here is the one that will remain with you for the majority of your playthrough.
After you choose a Kusanagi form, you’ll be able to reverse the decision by talking to the floating spirit in the middle of the valley by choosing the option “Select Again.” However, once you leave this area after confirming your decision, this choice becomes permanent.
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 stats displayed above are for a level 1 Kusanagi (Ninja) in Nioh 3. As this guardian spirit levels up, these stats will go up as well.
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 stats displayed above are for a level 1 Kusanagi (Samurai) in Nioh 3. As this guardian spirit levels up, these stats will go up as well.
Nioh 3 Interactive Map
Check out our Interactive Map for Nioh 3 here.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- February 6, 2026
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
- Publisher(s)
- Koei Tecmo
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
