What to know
- Malefactor’s Armor grants 50% bonus damage to paralyzed enemies.
- It is unlocked through the Eternal Rift and The Value of Perfection Myth.
- You must retrieve the Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl in Hachijo.
- The set is ideal for dedicated Paralysis burst builds.
In Nioh 3, status-based builds define some of the most explosive damage setups available in early-to-mid progression. Among these, Paralysis builds stand out for their ability to immobilize enemies and unleash devastating follow-ups. The Malefactor’s Armor set is currently the strongest armor configuration for this playstyle, delivering both a 50% damage increase to paralyzed enemies and additional Ki damage when applying Paralysis.
Nioh 3 Malefactor’s Armor details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Set Name | Malefactor’s Armor |
| Primary Effect | +50% damage vs Paralyzed enemies |
| Secondary Effect | Increased Ki damage when applying Paralysis |
| Unlock Method | Eternal Rift Myth quest |
| Required Item | Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl |
| Playstyle Focus | Paralysis burst builds |
Unlike random drops or forge-only unlocks, Malefactor’s Armor is tied to a Myth progression quest that opens after clearing the first major boss and advancing to the Heian stage.
Unlocking the Eternal Rift and accessing the quest
After defeating the first map’s boss and progressing into the Heian stage, the Eternal Rift becomes accessible. This area functions as a hub for Myth quests and progression unlocks. Within the Eternal Rift, you must speak to Matsunaga Hisahide inside the Hidden Tea House.
Here, you will receive the Myth quest titled The Value of Perfection, which requires retrieving a specific collectible item.
The Eternal Rift marks a pivotal transition in Nioh 3, unlocking advanced systems and specialized armor sets tied to optional objectives rather than standard mission rewards.
Locating the Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl in Hachijo
The required item for completing the Myth is the Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl. To obtain it, travel to the Heian map and select the Hachijo area. The closest fast travel point is Nishiichi Shrine.
From the shrine, proceed forward across the bridge. After crossing, jump off the side toward the lower path. The tea bowl is found on a corpse positioned among boxes slightly to the left side of the landing area.
The placement is subtle but accessible without major combat detours. However, enemies patrol nearby, so clearing the immediate vicinity ensures safe retrieval.
The location details are summarized below.
| Location | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Heian Map | Travel to Hachijo |
| Nishiichi Shrine | Fast travel point |
| Bridge Path | Cross and jump down |
| Corpse Among Boxes | Loot Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl |
Once collected, return to the Eternal Rift.
Completing the Myth and unlocking the armor
Return to Matsunaga Hisahide in the Hidden Tea House and hand over the Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl. Upon completion of The Value of Perfection Myth, the Malefactor’s Armor set becomes available.
At this point, the set can be forged using standard crafting materials. The forge interface will display required materials such as ingots, leather cords, lacquer, and iron platelets, depending on piece level and rarity.
Why Malefactor’s Armor is the best Paralysis set
Malefactor’s Armor provides two major advantages for Paralysis builds. First, it grants 50% increased damage against paralyzed enemies, dramatically amplifying burst windows. Second, it enhances Ki damage when applying Paralysis, making it easier to chain control effects.
The synergy loop works as follows. Apply Paralysis through weapons, ninjutsu, or elemental procs. Once the enemy is immobilized, unleash high-damage Strong or Martial Arts attacks enhanced by the 50% multiplier. The additional Ki damage accelerates future staggers, creating a feedback cycle of control and burst.
The damage comparison below highlights the advantage.
| Combat Scenario | Standard Build | Malefactor Set Active |
|---|---|---|
| Enemy Not Paralyzed | Normal damage | Normal damage |
| Enemy Paralyzed | Moderate burst | +50% burst damage |
| Ki Application | Standard depletion | Increased Ki damage |
This multiplier stacks effectively with other damage-enhancing skills such as Versatility or Double Edged Arts, enabling extremely high burst numbers during immobilization windows.
Recommended build considerations
Paralysis builds benefit from high accumulation rate on weapons and accessories. Combining Malefactor’s Armor with Paralysis-inflicting talismans or status-enhancing Soul Cores maximizes uptime.
Because the set’s strength depends on consistent application, builds should prioritize Paralysis buildup stats over raw elemental damage. Once immobilized, heavy-hitting skills capitalize on the 50% damage bonus.
Toughness and survivability remain important, as Paralysis windows can be brief against stronger enemies.
Forging materials and progression efficiency
After unlocking the set, forging requires common armor materials such as ingots, leather cords, lacquer, and iron platelets. These materials are easily farmed through standard missions or disassembling gear.
The forging cost scales with level and rarity, but the accessibility of materials makes Malefactor one of the fastest high-impact sets to complete once unlocked.
Forging Malefactor’s Armor fast for paralysis dominance
Malefactor’s Armor becomes available after completing The Value of Perfection Myth in the Eternal Rift by retrieving the Gorgeous Celadon Tea Bowl from Hachijo near Nishiichi Shrine. Once unlocked, it can be forged and equipped to grant 50% bonus damage against paralyzed enemies and increased Ki pressure when applying the status. For players focused on Paralysis builds, this set transforms immobilization into lethal burst potential, making it one of the strongest specialized armor sets available early in Nioh 3’s Heian progression.
