For players struggling with Nioh 3’s button-heavy Martial Arts system, a single control scheme adjustment could drastically improve combat fluidity. The game’s default Type A layout assigns critical techniques to back + attack combinations—a design choice that forces awkward positioning and inconsistent execution, particularly for weapons like the Ninja Hatchets or Samurai Dual Swords.
The solution? Switching to Type B controls restores the L1/LB + attack mapping for Martial Arts, a familiar convention from earlier Nioh* titles. This change alone makes aerial combos in Ninja Style far more reliable and unlocks smoother counterattacks like Punish the Proud for Samurai weapons.
Why the Default Scheme Fails
Nioh 3 streamlines some complexity from Nioh 2, but its button assignments create unintended friction. The back + heavy attack slot—used for techniques like the Hatchets’ Dragonfly—demands precise timing and enemy positioning. Players often find themselves buffering inputs mid-combo, which disrupts flow and forces suboptimal playstyles.
Type B controls swap this by moving Guardian Spirit skills to L1/LB + up/down, freeing the traditional L1/LB + attack slot for Martial Arts. The result? More consistent execution, especially for techniques requiring quick transitions or aerial inputs.
Who Benefits Most?
This adjustment is particularly valuable for
- Ninja weapons: Aerial Martial Arts (e.g., Crane Kick) become far more reliable, reducing the need to buffer inputs.
- Samurai Dual Swords: Punish the Proud (a counterattack) is easier to land without forcing players into tight enemy proximity.
- Players transitioning from Nioh 2: The scheme aligns closer with prior entries, reducing learning friction.
Even for weapons not directly affected, the change reduces micro-management in combat, letting players focus on positioning and enemy reads rather than button mashing.
How to Switch
No coding required: Navigate to the Controls menu in Nioh 3’s settings, select Control Type B, and rebind buttons if needed. The adjustment takes seconds but can transform combat satisfaction—particularly for players who’ve spent hours perfecting combos only to hit execution walls.
For those invested in Nioh 3*’s depth, this tweak isn’t just a minor QoL fix. It’s a return to the series’ roots, where Martial Arts feel as dynamic as they were designed to be.
