Oddly enough Parry is not something you can do by default in Nioh 3. It is one of the combat skills you need to unlock to take advantage of the game’s defensive system. Parry in Nioh 3 is called Deflect and ties into the Samurai skill tree.
It is a must-have skill that negates damage and restores resources when time correctly but it also has limitations compared to traditional Souls-like parries.
Some key things to know about parrying aka deflecting in Nioh 3:
- It blocks incoming attacks if timed precisely
- Completely negates damage
- Restores Ki and helps charge Arts gauges
- Does not damage enemy Ki or lead directly to a stagger/grapple like Souls games do
Parry is a timing-based defensive tool and learning its precision saves stamina, and makes high risk encounters, especially many of the game’s boss fights, manageable.
Nioh 3’s Deflect is a defensive skill and it is not tied to the game’s posture system. Also, it won’t chain into special follow-ups on every enemy; just something to keep in mind here.
How to Unlock Deflect Parry in Nioh 3
Start by progressing through the Prologue of the game by beating Yamagata Masakaga boss. After this you’ll get access to Warring States map where you can start earning and spending points into the Samurai tree. Next, we need to locate the Samurai’s lock.
In the Warring States, on your way up to the Prospect Hill Shrine, look for a corpse near the path that contains a Samurai’s Lock, this item lets you unlock skills in the Samurai skill tree.
Head into Acquire Martial Arts menu and access the Samurai Skill tree where you can find the Deflect skill among early recommended skills. Spend some points to unlock parrying in Nioh 3.
Most players unlock Deflect as one of the first Samurai skills because the game’s tutorial strongly suggests it.
How to Perform a Parry (Deflect)
Once unlocked:
PC / Keyboard
- Hold Guard (default)
- Press Guard again right as an incoming attack lands
Controller
- Hold LB (guard)
- Press LB again at the moment of impact
Parrying in Nioh 3 works on most human enemy melee attacks and some weapon-based enemy attacks. It will also work on monster melee swings with clear windups. However, Deflect in Nioh 3 doesn’t work on glowing red Break Attacks (these require Burst Break which is another mechanic in Nioh 3).
It won’t work on most Yokai special moves and certain heavy attacks. Parrying timing vary based on weapon and enemy, so practice and familiarity matters the most.
