What to know
- Fire Shuriken is obtainable very early if you know the exact route.
- It applies fire status, dealing damage over time and pressure from range.
- No boss or quest chain is required—only exploration.
- The skill remains useful well into mid-game, especially for fire-focused builds.
In Nioh 3, Ninjutsu skills can drastically change how you approach combat, particularly in the early game where options are limited. One of the strongest early tools you can grab is the Fire Shuriken Ninjutsu skill. It offers ranged damage, applies the Burning status effect, and fits perfectly into aggressive or hit-and-run playstyles. While many players unlock it later through progression, the game actually allows you to obtain it much earlier through a hidden pickup—giving you a noticeable power spike right away.
Quick overview of the Fire Shuriken Ninjutsu
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill type | Ninjutsu |
| Damage | Fire-based projectile |
| Status effect | Burn (damage over time) |
| Best use | Early-game damage and pressure |
| Long-term value | Remains effective in mid-game |
Location of Fire Shuriken Handbook in Nioh 3
Search the body at the Hanamatsu Castle – Tan East Shrine to obtain the Fire Shuriken Ninjutsu skill. Once collected, it is permanently unlocked and can be equipped immediately.
Fire Shuriken stands out because it combines instant ranged damage with a lingering fire effect. Early enemies have limited resistance to elemental damage, which means the burn status can quickly drain their health while you reposition or prepare your next attack. This makes it especially valuable against tougher enemies or groups where direct melee engagement is risky.
For players planning a fire-focused or Ninjutsu-heavy build, getting this skill early accelerates progression and makes early missions far more manageable.
How to get Fire Shuriken Ninjutsu early
Step 1
Fast travel to the Hanamatsu Castle – Tan East Shrine. This shrine acts as the starting point for the entire route and can be accessed early in the game.
Step 2
From the shrine, turn around and backtrack across the nearby bridge instead of moving forward into the main area. This is an easy step to miss, as the game subtly encourages you to go the opposite direction.
Step 3
After crossing the bridge, look for a small white encampment. Near this area, check the right-hand side closely. You will notice a section that looks blocked off and unimportant at first glance.
Step 4
Approach the blocked area and destroy the stacked boxes. Once broken, they reveal a hidden entrance that is not visible unless you actively clear the obstruction.
Step 5
Enter the hidden path and follow it all the way to the end. You will find a corpse lying at the far end of this concealed area.
Step 6
Search the body to obtain the Fire Shuriken Ninjutsu skill. Once collected, it is permanently unlocked and can be equipped immediately.
Equipping and using Fire Shuriken effectively
After acquiring the skill, you can equip Fire Shuriken from the Ninjutsu menu as long as you meet the basic Ninjutsu capacity requirements. In combat, it works best when used to open fights, punish enemies at range, or apply burn before switching to melee. The fire damage continues ticking even while you dodge, block, or reposition, which makes it excellent for controlling the pace of early encounters.
Fire Shuriken performance overview
| Situation | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Early enemies | Very high |
| Groups | Strong for softening targets |
| Boss openings | Good for status buildup |
| Mid-game use | Still reliable with scaling |
| Fire-resistant foes | Situational but usable |
Early fire power in Nioh 3
Many early-game struggles in Nioh 3 come from limited tools and lack of ranged pressure. Fire Shuriken solves both problems at once. By obtaining it early, you gain access to safe damage, elemental pressure, and build flexibility far sooner than intended. Even if you do not plan a full Ninjutsu build, this skill provides value simply by giving you another way to control fights.
Getting the Fire Shuriken Ninjutsu skill early is one of the smartest power boosts you can secure in Nioh 3. With a short detour from the Hanamatsu Castle Tan East shrine and a bit of exploration, you unlock a tool that makes early combat easier and more flexible. Whether you are experimenting with fire builds or just want a reliable ranged option, Fire Shuriken earns its place in your loadout from the very beginning.
