What to know
- Preorder bonuses are not added automatically to your inventory
- They are claimed through the Shrine menu
- All bonuses unlock at once as you claim them
- Both Samurai and Ninja playstyles receive exclusive armor sets
In Nioh 3, preorder bonuses are handled a little differently than in many other RPGs. If you’ve just started the game and don’t see your bonus armor sets in your inventory, nothing is wrong. These items are stored separately and must be manually claimed through a specific in-game menu. Once you know where to look, the process is quick and permanent.
This guide explains exactly how to claim preorder bonuses, when they become available, and what each armor set is designed for.
Where preorder bonuses are claimed
Preorder bonuses in Nioh 3 are tied to the Shrine system, which serves as the game’s central hub for progression, preparation, and resource management. These bonuses are delivered as Boons, a category used for special rewards rather than loot drops.
You can claim your preorder rewards as soon as Shrines become accessible, which happens very early in the game.
How to claim preorder bonuses at the Shrine
Step 1
Interact with any Shrine in the game world. Shrines are safe zones used for leveling, preparing equipment, and managing resources.
Step 2
From the Shrine menu, select Preparations. This section handles loadouts, special items, and bonus-related content.
Step 3
Choose Boons. This is where all preorder, deluxe edition, and promotional rewards are stored.
Confirm the claim. All preorder bonuses are added instantly to your inventory in one action.
There is no need to claim items individually, and there is no penalty for claiming them early.
Important things to know before claiming
Once claimed, preorder bonuses are permanently tied to your save file. You cannot re-claim them later on the same character, but you also cannot lose access to them.
Claiming preorder gear does not scale it to your level, so many players prefer to claim it early to use during the opening hours of the game.
Preorder armor sets explained
Nioh 3’s preorder bonuses focus entirely on armor sets, split between Samurai and Ninja playstyles. Each set is designed to complement a specific approach to combat.
| Armor set | Playstyle | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Hell Frost Warrior | Samurai & Ninja | Ice-themed defense |
| Hellfire Warrior | Samurai & Ninja | Fire-themed offense |
| Young Blood | Samurai | Traditional balanced combat |
| Lone Wolf | Ninja | Agile, stealth-focused |
Hell Frost Warrior set
Hell Frost Warrior is available in both Samurai and Ninja variants, allowing you to choose based on your preferred combat style. The set features an ice-inspired design and is well-suited for players who favor durability and controlled engagements in the early game.
Because it supports both playstyles, this set is often the most flexible preorder option.
Hellfire Warrior set
The Hellfire Warrior set mirrors the structure of the Hull Frost set but shifts toward a fire-based visual theme. Like its counterpart, it comes in both Samurai and Ninja versions.
This set is popular with players who enjoy aggressive combat pacing and bold aesthetics, making it a strong early-game alternative if you prefer offense over defense.
Young Blood set
Young Blood is a Samurai-exclusive armor set. Its design leans toward classic warrior aesthetics and is ideal for players committed to traditional melee combat.
Because it’s locked to Samurai, this set reinforces stance-based play and deliberate weapon use rather than speed or evasion.
Lone Wolf set
The Lone Wolf set is exclusive to the Ninja playstyle. It emphasizes mobility, stealth, and rapid engagement, making it a natural fit for players who rely on dodging, positioning, and quick strikes.
For Ninja-focused builds, this is often the most thematically aligned preorder bonus.
Troubleshooting: bonuses not appearing
If you don’t see your preorder items:
- Make sure you’ve checked Shrine → Preparations → Boons
- Confirm you’re logged into the platform account used to preorder
- Restart the game and revisit a Shrine if needed
In nearly all cases, missing bonuses are simply unclaimed.
Do preorder bonuses affect progression?
Preorder armor sets provide a small early-game advantage, but they do not trivialize combat or replace progression gear. As you advance, you’ll naturally find stronger equipment, but preorder sets remain useful for learning mechanics and experimenting with playstyles.
Because Nioh 3 emphasizes gear rotation and build crafting, these sets are best viewed as starter options, not endgame solutions.
