Nioh 3 doesn’t play by the traditional soulslike rules. While games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring turn every loot hunt into a treasure map, this latest entry from Team Ninja leans into a more fluid, Diablo-inspired approach: gear isn’t about uniqueness—it’s about stacking stats. The result? Players are constantly upgrading, swapping, and discarding weapons mid-run, often without realizing they’re leaving potential gold behind.
But the game’s loot system isn’t as simple as it seems. Every weapon and piece of armor carries a hidden value—one that grows the more you use it. Ignoring this mechanic could cost you hundreds of free levels, crafting materials, and even the ability to unlock high-tier builds. The trick? A shrine system that turns your old favorites into currency.
Familiarity is currency. That small progress bar at the top of your weapon’s description isn’t just for show. It represents how much Amrita—a direct stat boost and the game’s version of souls—you’ll earn if you choose to offer that weapon at a shrine. A sword you’ve wielded for dozens of kills is worth far more than a brand-new one, even if the new one has slightly better base stats. The catch? Most players never realize this until they’re deep into the late game, scrambling for materials to upgrade gear or buy rare items.
To make the most of this system, players should treat their inventory like a vault. Locking unused but familiar weapons prevents accidental scrap or sale, ensuring you don’t lose out on potential Amrita. The process is simple: head to a shrine, select Preparations, then choose Make an Offering. The game will then convert your well-loved gear into Amrita, which can be spent on free levels, stat boosts, or even rare upgrades.
So what do you do with gear that’s no longer useful? The choice depends on your needs. Unfamiliar items can be sold for money or scrapped for crafting materials at the blacksmith in the Eternal Rift. But if you’ve got weapons with high familiarity, shrines become the far superior option. One misplaced sale could mean missing out on enough Amrita to unlock a full level—or worse, forcing you to grind for souls you could’ve earned passively.
It’s a lesson many players learn too late. Nioh 3’s loot system thrives on repetition and adaptation, but its real depth lies in the small details. Paying attention to familiarity isn’t just about optimizing—it’s about understanding the game’s rhythm. And in a title where every stat matters, that rhythm could mean the difference between a good run and a legendary one.
