How to Deflect in Nioh 3

Although blocking and dodging attacks is considered the primary way to avoid damage, nio 3Players can also block incoming blows and attempt devastating counterattacks. Parrying in this game works similarly to other titles in the genre. If you completely block an attack, a parry will occur, but nio 3 It gives players more options than that. Moreover, parrying is not something that players can use right away, so if you don't want to miss the opportunity to use this skill, here's what to do:

nioh-3-preview-game-rant

Nioh 3 Experience: Dual playstyles, tough bosses, tense moments

After playing 3 hours of Nioh 3, thanks to its strong action gameplay, Nioh 3 is already on our list of most anticipated games of 2026.

Unlock Parry Skill in Nioh 3

Nioh 3 Samurai Parry Skills
Nioh 3 Deflection Skills
Image via GameRant; Source: Koei Tocmo

The traditional parrying style with perfectly timed blocks is as follows: Unlock the Deflect skill in the Samurai skill tree. Requires 1 Samurai's Lock to unlock. You can usually get one by chasing and petting a Scampus. The deflection skill is to the right of the samurai tree, Can only be used while using Samurai Style..

Reflecting incoming attacks significantly reduces the enemy's Stamina. If you run out of Ki, it will stagger and deliver the killing blow. If you successfully block an attack, your Ki will also be restored and any damage from the attack received will be negated.

Can you parry as a ninja in Nioh 3?

Nioh 3 Impervious Parry Skill
Nioh 3 Tonfa Parry Skill
Image via GameRant; Source: Koei Tocmo

Yes, but not in the samurai way.. If you want to parry in ninja style, unlock the following skills:

  • Evasion (Ninja Tree): It is the direct counterpart of Deflect. Avoid at the perfect time to restore energy.
  • Impenetrability (Tonpa Tree): Complete blocking is possible when using a tonpas.
  • Opportunist (Clawtree): Block enemy attacks and counterattack.
  • Haze (Ninja Sword): Redirect enemy attacks.
  • Spinning Gale (double blade): Blocks an attack and then kicks the enemy away.
  • Tile Shaker (Hatchet): Block and redirect your enemies.
  • Masterful Guard (Kusarigama): Completely blocks attacks and throws the enemy off balance.

Some of these skills act like regular samurai deflections, while others reposition enemies or set them up for more powerful counterattacks.

burst break

Burst Break is a situational parry that only works against unblockable attacks.. When an enemy glows red, you can press R2/RT/R to counter their next attack with Burst Break. This completely nullifies incoming attacks, shaves large chunks off an enemy's Ki, and often knocks them backwards or knocks the wind out of them entirely.

Pressing the Burst Break key also switches the current style. If you don't want this to interfere with your gameplay, you can go to the Controls menu and turn on the Switch Style and Isolate Burst Break options.

Leave a Comment