What to know
- Transformation requires the Kadoma Soul Core (Transformation Talisman).
- Equip it at a Shrine under Soul Core management.
- Activate it from your shortcut item menu to transform.
- Kadoma are collectible forest spirits, with 92 total across the game.
In Nioh 3, Kadoma are small green forest spirits scattered throughout every region. Traditionally, interacting with them grants shrine bonuses such as increased Elixir restoration upon respawn. However, Nioh 3 introduces a unique mechanic that allows you to temporarily transform into a Kadoma using a special Soul Core.
This transformation is not automatic—you must first obtain and equip the correct item.
What Kadoma are in Nioh 3
Kadoma are environmental spirits hidden throughout missions and open regions. When found and sent back to a shrine, they improve regional bonuses, most commonly increasing the number of Elixirs restored after resting.
There are 92 Kadomain total, distributed across all regions. They typically appear once you reach a sufficient exploration level in an area.
| Kadoma Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Count | 92 |
| Primary Benefit | Increased shrine restoration bonuses |
| Region Tracking | Based on exploration level |
| Interaction | Send back to shrine for permanent buffs |
Traditionally, Kadoma were purely collectible. In Nioh 3, however, they also connect to a transformation mechanic.
How to turn into Kadoma in Nioh 3
The transformation requires a specific Soul Core commonly referred to as the Kadoma Soul Core, also known as the Transformation Talisman.
This Soul Core allows your character to temporarily assume the form of a Kadoma spirit.
Step 1: Obtain the Kadoma Soul Core
The Kadoma Soul Core is not guaranteed from a fixed source. Like many items in Nioh 3, it can be obtained through:
- Defeating higher-level enemies
- Looting treasure boxes
- General procedural drops
The game uses a loot-based drop system, meaning acquisition depends partly on luck and progression. The talisman is described as a drop that can appear through enemy defeats or chest looting.
Step 2: Equip the Kadoma Soul Core at a Shrine
Once you acquire the Kadoma Soul Core, travel to any Shrine.
Open the menu and navigate to Manage Soul Cores.
Locate the Kadoma Soul Core (Transformation Talisman).
Equip it into your active Soul Core slot.
You must confirm it is actively equipped. Simply owning it is not enough.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Item Needed | Kadoma Soul Core |
| Menu Location | Shrine → Manage Soul Cores |
| Activation Requirement | Equipped in active slot |
Step 3: Assign the Talisman to your shortcut menu
After equipping it, ensure the transformation ability is assigned to your shortcut menu.
Open your item shortcut configuration and double-click or assign the Kadoma Soul Core so it appears in your quick-use slot.
Without this step, you will not be able to activate the transformation in combat.
Step 4: Activate transformation
With the Soul Core equipped and assigned, use the shortcut input during gameplay.
Upon activation, your character transforms into a Kadoma form.
The transformation duration and effects depend on your build and Soul Core attributes.
What happens when you transform
Turning into a Kadoma is primarily a temporary form change tied to Soul Core mechanics.
| Feature | Effect |
|---|---|
| Form Change | Player model becomes Kadoma |
| Duration | Temporary |
| Combat Use | Situational |
| Purpose | Stealth, utility, or novelty depending on build |
While community speculation often referenced transformation theories from earlier Nioh titles, Nioh 3 introduces an actual transformation mechanic via Soul Cores.
However, it is not designed as a primary combat form like full Yokai shifts. It functions more as a niche utility transformation.
Clarification about Kadoma transformation
There has been confusion in some community discussions suggesting Kadoma transformation might be purely cosmetic or based on speculation from older games. In Nioh 3, the transformation exists—but only through the Kadoma Soul Core mechanic.
It is not unlocked automatically by collecting Kadoma, nor does it trigger from shrine bonuses.
You must:
- Obtain the Kadoma Soul Core
- Equip it
- Activate it manually
Without the Soul Core, transformation is impossible.
How Kadoma transformation differs from Yokai abilities
Unlike Yokai Shift forms, Kadoma transformation does not fundamentally replace your entire combat style. Instead, it provides a brief alternative state.
| Aspect | Kadoma Transformation | Yokai Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock Method | Soul Core | Yokai Gauge |
| Duration | Short | Variable |
| Combat Focus | Utility-based | Offensive |
| Rarity | Item-dependent | Core system |
Because it requires a specific drop, many players may not encounter the transformation early.
Why turn into Kadoma at all?
While not a dominant combat mechanic, Kadoma transformation serves as:
- A novelty feature
- A utility mechanic
- A build-dependent strategic tool
For collectors, it represents a unique interaction tied to Kadoma lore. For experimentation-focused players, it adds variety to Soul Core builds.
Turning the Yin side of Kadoma in Nioh 3
To turn into Kadoma in Nioh 3, you must obtain the Kadoma Soul Core (Transformation Talisman), equip it at a Shrine, assign it to your shortcut menu, and activate it during gameplay. The transformation is temporary and separate from Yokai Shift mechanics.
With 92 Kadoma scattered across the game, the spirit theme runs deep in Nioh 3’s design—but actual transformation only becomes available once you secure the correct Soul Core.
If you’re experimenting with Soul Core builds or exploring advanced mechanics, this hidden transformation adds a unique layer to your gameplay.
