Nioh 3 has a very detailed crafting system and Azure Soul Ores play a huge part in that. However, Azure Soul Ores are the rarest and most valuable resource in the game. Naturally, they are hard to find but you need to for high-tier Soul Matching, adding +value attributes to weapons and armor to increase item power.
Compared to other resources like Yellow or Viridian Soul Ores, Azure Soul Ores require specific methods to acquire them.
Azure Soul Ores are a type of high‑tier crafting material in Nioh 3 obtained through Soul Extraction. Unlike common Soul Ores, Azure Soul Ores are used for the +value enhancement of gear (boosting stats beyond standard upgrades). They cannot be found simply as random world pickups.
How to Get Azure Soul Ores in Nioh 3
There is no other way to get Azure Soul Ores than finding weapons and armor with +1 or +2 value enhancement. These items are then taken to the Blacksmith for Soul Extraction.
Once the process of Soul Extraction is complete you will get Azure Soul Ores in return. Weapon or armor with +1 or +2 or more are extremely rare. The best way to get such items is playing the game on the highest difficulty and doing as many battle scrolls and challenges. Run missions multiple times, at least that’s how I did it. Find missions that have Elite Enemies, Clear and also complete Crucibles.
The second part of this process is having access to the Blacksmith. If you haven’t unlock the Blacksmith yet, here’s how to do it.
How to Unlock Blacksmith in Nioh 3
To unlock the Blacksmith in Nioh 3 you must complete first crucible dungeon and kill Jakotsu-baba boss. But even after you unlock the Blacksmith the Soul Extraction and Soul Matching options will be greyed out. Speak with the Blacksmith for the first time to get “A Fierce Flame” side quest.
Follow the in-game steps to complete “A Fierce Flame.” At the end of the quest you’ll get full access to everything the Blacksmith has to offer.
| Soul Ore Type | Usage | Obtained From |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Soul Ores | Base level increases | Any gear via Soul Extraction |
| Viridian Soul Ores | High-end level increases | Higher-level gear |
| Azure Soul Ores | +Value enhancements | Gear with existing +value via Soul Extraction |
At the Blacksmith Soul Extracting regular gear yields Yellow and Viridian Soul Ores. Meanwhile, +value items are the ones you need to get Azure Soul Ores.
Because Azure Soul Ores are rarer than other types, save them for weapons/armor you use the most — especially those with ideal base effects or build synergy.
Early in the game, equipment gets replaced often. You’ll waste Azure Soul Ores if you raise +value on gear you’ll swap out before long. Focus on:
- Mid to late-game gear
- Weapons you plan to carry into NG+ or high difficulty levels
If you find extra gear with +value that you don’t plan to use, consider extracting it to farm Azure Soul Ores instead of selling it.
