Compared to a typical action role-playing game, Nioh 3 introduces a much deeper level of mechanical complexity, particularly through its combat system. Each weapon in the game comes with an extensive moveset that relies on multiple button combinations to accommodate the series’ expanded Martial Arts loadout. While Nioh 3 attempts to streamline some of the control complexity seen in earlier entries, it also introduces new challenges that can make executing specific Martial Arts consistently more difficult, especially during fast-paced combat encounters.
Nioh 3 offers six different control schemes, each rearranging core combat actions across various button combinations. While the default Type A control scheme is functional and familiar to players transitioning from Nioh 2, it introduces reliability issues when it comes to certain Martial Arts. In contrast to earlier games in the series, Nioh 3 assigns several important Martial Arts in both Samurai and Ninja styles to directional inputs such as forward plus button or back plus button. At the same time, the traditional L1 or LB plus button input is reserved for Guardian Spirit skills. This change can result in inconsistent activation of Martial Arts, particularly those assigned to back plus button combinations, which often fail to trigger cleanly during active combat.
The inconsistency of these inputs forces players to adjust their playstyle in ways that may not suit certain weapons. For example, Ninja Style Hatchets rely heavily on positional flexibility, yet the Dragonfly Martial Art is assigned to a back plus heavy attack input under Type A controls. While the move is effective at range, executing it reliably in close-quarters combat becomes risky and awkward. Players may find themselves forced into unfavorable positioning simply to ensure the input registers correctly, which undermines the fluidity of Nioh 3’s otherwise robust combat system.
Switching the control scheme to Type B addresses many of these issues by restoring the familiar L1 or LB plus button input for Martial Arts, similar to earlier Nioh titles. Under this configuration, Guardian Spirit skills are reassigned to L1 or LB combined with directional pad inputs, freeing up the shoulder button combinations for consistent Martial Arts execution. The result is a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and reliability, regardless of weapon choice or combat style.
The impact of this change becomes immediately apparent in extended play sessions. Martial Arts that previously required buffering inputs behind standard attack strings become far easier to execute on demand. Samurai Dual Swords techniques such as Punish the Proud benefit greatly from this setup, allowing counterattacks to be triggered more consistently. Ninja Style combat also sees a substantial improvement, particularly in aerial engagements where precise timing and clean inputs are critical. Aerial Martial Arts become easier to chain, enhancing combo potential and overall combat satisfaction.
By simplifying execution without reducing depth, the Type B control scheme allows players to fully engage with Nioh 3’s intricate combat design. It encourages experimentation with different weapons and Martial Arts without the frustration of unreliable inputs. For players struggling with combat flow or finding certain techniques difficult to activate consistently, adjusting this single setting can dramatically improve the experience.
This guidance is part of The Shogun’s Preparation recommendations, which focus on optimizing settings to enhance gameplay enjoyment and combat efficiency. The observations are based on a full playthrough of Nioh 3 conducted on the Steam version 1.02, with all screenshots captured from the same build. Players seeking a smoother and more rewarding combat experience may find that switching to Type B controls makes a meaningful difference throughout their journey.
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