What Are Samurai and Ninja Locks? 🎯
Samurai and Ninja Locks are key items in Nioh 3 enabling progression in combat styles. Without them, you cannot unlock advanced abilities and techniques.
Why they’re important:
✓ Unlock Martial Arts (samurai techniques)
✓ Provide access to Ninjutsu abilities
✓ Allow learning new weapon attacks
✓ Each weapon has its own skill tree
✓ Critical for optimal builds
You might be wondering: What’s the difference between Samurai and Ninja Locks? Samurai Locks unlock martial arts and melee techniques, while Ninja Locks provide stealth abilities, tools, and quick attacks.
All Methods to Obtain Locks 📋
1. Missions and Myths (Quests) 🗺️
Primary source of locks in Nioh 3:
| Quest Type | Reward | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Main missions | Often both types | Medium-High |
| Side myths | Specific locks | Low-Medium |
| Story quests | Guaranteed locks | Various |
How they work:
- Quests trigger during map exploration
- Completion automatically rewards locks
- Some myths give specifically Samurai or Ninja locks
💡 Pro tip: Monitor the map for quest icons. Almost every myth rewards at least one type of lock, so complete all side quests for maximum gain.
2. Looting Bodies 💀
Dead bodies scattered across the map often contain valuable items:
Where to look:
✓ Near powerful enemies – higher chance for locks
✓ Hidden areas – often better loot
✓ Boss arenas – check surroundings after battle
✓ Dangerous locations – risk = reward
❌ Common mistake: Ignoring bodies in regular areas. Even standard locations can contain locks – check every body you find.
3. Scampuss and Chijiko Yokai 🐱
Friendly yokai sometimes drop locks after interaction:
Scampuss (cat-like yokai):
- Find Scampuss during exploration
- Follow it until it stops running
- Pet it when it stops
- Chance for Samurai or Ninja Lock
Chijiko (flying yokai):
- Spot Chijiko in the air
- Shoot it down with projectile weapon
- Pet after landing
- Possible lock drop
💡 Pro tip: Scampuss requires patience – don’t rush. Chijiko are easier – use bow or ninja stars for quick takedown.
4. Chests and Containers 📦
Chests throughout the map contain various items:
Chest types:
- Standard – occasional locks
- Locked – higher chance for rare items
- Hidden – often better rewards
- Mimics – dangerous but lucrative
⚠️ Warning: Some chests are Mimics – enemies disguised as chests. Be prepared for combat.
5. Exploration Level 🌟
Increasing Exploration Level of a region rewards locks:
| Level | Reward | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic items | 25% exploration |
| 2 | Possible locks | 50% exploration |
| 3 | Guaranteed locks | 75% exploration |
| 4 | Rare locks | 100% exploration |
How to increase Exploration Level:
✓ Discover new areas
✓ Activate all shrines
✓ Search hidden paths
✓ Complete side objectives
How to Use Locks 🔧
Transformation to Points
Mechanics:
- Samurai Lock → Samurai Point
- Ninja Lock → Ninja Point
- Points automatically convert
- Use in Skill Menu
Unlocking Abilities
Accessing the menu:
- Open main menu
- Select Martial Arts/Ninjutsu
- Browse skill trees
- Spend points on desired abilities
What you can unlock:
| Category | Type | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Martial Arts | Samurai techniques | Samurai |
| Ninjutsu | Ninja abilities | Ninja |
| Common Arts | General skills | Both |
| Weapon Arts | Specific attacks | Per weapon |
Customize Menu ⚙️
After unlocking abilities:
- Enter Customize Martial Arts/Ninjutsu
- Manage commands for new abilities
- Equip learned techniques
- Customize controls per preference
💡 Pro tip: Some abilities require specific command inputs. Practice them in training mode before going into combat.
Special Requirements 🔒
Quest-Locked Abilities
Some techniques require completing specific quests:
The Way of the Warrior (Samurai)
- Triggered in Eternal Rift
- Speak with old master
- Interact with shrine
- Open Battle Scroll
The Way of the Ninja (Ninja)
- Same process as Warrior
- Different master
- Ninja-specific challenges
Handbook Books 📚
Some abilities require books:
Where to find:
✓ Hidden areas – off the beaten path
✓ Dead bodies in dangerous zones
✓ Locked chests – higher chance
✓ Secret rooms – behind false walls
❌ Common mistake: Rushing the main path. Handbook books are almost always in hidden areas – slow down and explore thoroughly.
FAQ
Q: How many locks do I need for complete skill tree?
A: Approximately 50-70 locks of each type for most important abilities. Full tree requires more, but you can be effective with partial unlocking.
Q: Can I reset spent points?
A: Yes, in the main menu there’s a Book of Reincarnation option that resets all spent points for a small fee.
Q: Are any locks missable?
A: No, all locks can be obtained later. None are time-limited or permanently missable.
Q: Which combat style is better – Samurai or Ninja?
A: Depends on playstyle. Samurai is more direct combat and tank builds. Ninja is speed, stealth, and burst damage. Both are viable.
Q: Can I farm locks?
A: Partially yes. Scampuss and Chijiko respawn, but drop rate isn’t high. Best method is gradual acquisition through quests and exploration.
Q: Is there a cap on locks I can hold?
A: No, you can accumulate unlimited amounts. They transform into points automatically when used.
Q: Do Samurai and Ninja Locks stack in inventory?
A: Yes, they stack separately. You can see your total count in the key items menu.
