Nioh 3 Update 1.03.04 Full Breakdown: Soul Core Bug Squashed and Martial Arts Locations Impacted

What to know

• Addresses Martial Art Deflect timing issues for dual swords and cestuses, aligning them with other Samurai weapons.
• Resolves Soul Core level enhancement bug that blocked trophies and achievements.
• Includes minor additional fixes for smoother play.
• Released February 27, 2026, on PS5 and Steam.

Team Ninja continues to refine Nioh 3 with targeted updates that tackle player-reported frustrations head-on. This small yet impactful patch focuses on core mechanics, ensuring weapons feel consistent and progression stays rewarding without roadblocks.

Patch overview

Developers fixed a longstanding issue where Martial Art Deflect had shorter hit timing specifically for Samurai weapons dual swords and cestuses compared to others. Players using these fast-paced weapons often struggled with precise parries, leading to unfair deaths in intense fights. Now, timing matches across all Samurai weapons, promoting balanced combat choices.

The patch also corrects a Soul Core acquisition bug. Previously, maximum Level Enhancement values failed to update properly upon pickup, halting trophy and achievement unlocks for some. This fix ensures seamless progression, letting players collect rewards without glitches derailing their journey.

Other minor fixes round out the update, polishing small annoyances without overhauling systems.

Small changes, big impact

Dual swords and cestuses thrive on agility and close-range aggression, so inconsistent Deflect timing crippled their potential against tough yokai. Balanced timing restores their viability, encouraging diverse builds in endgame content like Eternal Rifts or clan battles. Imagine chaining deflects into devastating counters—now reliable for everyone.

Soul Core bugs hit collectors hardest, especially those grinding for max enhancements. Unupdated levels meant stalled achievements, frustrating completionists. With this resolved, farming feels purposeful, tying into broader systems like Glory gains from expeditions and graves boosted in recent patches.

Broader context in recent updates

This patch builds on prior balance tweaks, such as increased Glory from expeditions, visitor summons, Bloody Graves, and Benevolent Graves. Players gain more resources faster, easing gearing up. Prioritization of Ki Pulse and Stance Change over Interact actions smooths inputs during frantic moments.

Soul Core display now sorts by level for same type or rarity, speeding inventory management. Equipment Appearance lets you mix Styles freely, adding customization flair. In missions like Escape from Hitokoto Slope, a new Acolyte Benevolent Grave summons without Ochoko Cups, aiding co-op runs.

Balance adjustments tied to the patch cycle

Crest Protections see refined effects for better synergy. Sanada boosts Ki Consumption on jumps; Otani reduces elemental damage taken. Kato tweaks split Damage Taken while attacking (decreased) and critical hits (increased). Nanbu amps unscathed melee damage and Bullseye life drain.

Guardian Spirits like Samurai Style Kongojishi gain Life and Guard Ki efficiency but lose some attacking damage tolerance. Soul Cores adjust too: Gozuki and Sentry strong attacks strengthen; Onryoki Spirit Force bonus improves on damage taken. Flying Bolt enhances ranged hit debuffs on foes.

Set bonuses like Frost Moon Damage rise, rewarding specific gear pursuits. Clan battles favor lower ranks with extra Glory, while item filters add Set Bonus options for Special Effects 1 and 2. Eternal Rift shortens wait for Change Your Appearance menu.

Impact on builds and playstyles

Aggressive dual swords users benefit most from Deflect parity—pair with buffed Nanbu Crests for unscathed rampages. Cestus brawlers gain edge in grapples, syncing with Fukushima’s bare-handed boosts. Soul Core farmers rejoice over progression locks vanishing, optimizing for Onryoki or Gozuki in tanky setups.

Ranged players leverage Nabeshima projectile Ki and Flying Bolt debuffs. Midair Amago protection aids jump-heavy mobility. These nudges prevent overpowered loops, like excessive Damage Taken while attacking reductions on certain Souls and Spirits, fostering thoughtful synergies.

How to verify the fixes in-game

Load into a high-difficulty mission post-update. Test Martial Art Deflect on dual swords against fast yokai attacks—feel the expanded window. Acquire varied Soul Cores, check Level Enhancements update instantly, and confirm trophy pops.

Equip mixed Style appearances, summon the new Acolyte in Hitokoto Slope, and grind Glory sources. Tweak filters in inventory for Set Bonuses. Experiment with adjusted Crests in clan battles or Eternal Rifts for tangible buffs.

Rewards from optimized post-patch grinding