What to know
- Guns are ranged Samurai weapons (Matchlocks and Hand Cannons).
- You can obtain them by defeating gun-wielding enemies in Futumata Road (Warring States).
- Guns require ammunition and consume Ki (stamina) when fired.
- They are best used to stagger, weaken, or interrupt enemies before melee.
In Nioh 3, melee combat dominates most encounters, but firearms provide a powerful tactical advantage. Guns are categorized as ranged Samurai weapons and come in two main forms: Matchlocks (rifles) and Hand Cannons. Both allow you to damage enemies safely from a distance, interrupt attacks, and create openings before closing in.
If you want to control engagements rather than react to them, learning how to use firearms properly is essential.
Overview of guns in Nioh 3
| Weapon Type | Matchlock (Rifle) | Hand Cannon |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Precision ranged shot | Heavy burst damage |
| Damage | High | Very High |
| Fire Speed | Slow | Slower |
| Ki Consumption | Moderate | High |
| Ammo Required | Rifle rounds | Cannon rounds |
| Best Use | Opening fights, weak points | Heavy stagger, Ki damage |
Both weapon types operate differently from bows and melee weapons. They rely on powder ammunition and deliberate aiming rather than rapid-fire attacks.
Where to get a gun in Nioh 3
One of the earliest reliable ways to obtain a gun is in the Warring States region, specifically the Futumata Road area. In this zone, you will encounter enemies carrying firearms.
To obtain your first gun, you must defeat these firearm-carrying enemies. There is a chance-based drop system, meaning guns do not drop every time. Farming these enemies increases your odds of acquiring a Matchlock or occasionally a Hand Cannon.
The player defeats enemies in Futumata Road and receives a cannon drop, later clarified as a matchlock-type firearm.
Guns may also appear as:
- Enemy loot drops
- Treasure chest rewards
- Mission completion rewards
- Merchant inventory (after progression milestones)
However, Futumata Road remains one of the most consistent early-game sources.
How to equip a gun in Nioh 3
Once you obtain a gun, open your inventory and assign it to a ranged weapon slot. Unlike melee weapons, guns cannot function without ammunition.
You must ensure you have:
- Rifle rounds for Matchlocks
- Cannon rounds for Hand Cannons
Without ammo, the weapon cannot fire even if equipped.
When assigned properly, you can draw and aim the gun using the designated ranged input. Firing consumes Ki, so stamina management still applies even at range.
Nioh 3 Equipment requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Weapon Slot | Ranged slot |
| Ammo | Rifle or Cannon rounds |
| Resource Cost | Consumes Ki |
| Skill Investment | Optional but recommended |
Nioh 3 Matchlocks explained
Matchlocks (Rifles) are long-range precision firearms. They fire a single powerful projectile with high accuracy and strong stagger potential.
A common example is the Tanegashima Matchlock, which delivers significant damage and performs especially well when targeting enemy weak points.
Matchlocks fire slower than bows but hit harder per shot. They are ideal for:
- Opening combat safely
- Knocking down ranged enemies
- Interrupting humanoid attacks
- Softening bosses before melee
Because firing consumes stamina, avoid spamming shots in close quarters.
Nioh 3 Hand Cannons explained
Hand Cannons are heavier firearms designed for impact rather than precision. They deal higher damage than matchlocks but fire more slowly and consume more Ki.
These weapons excel at:
- Dealing heavy Ki damage
- Breaking enemy posture
- Staggering large Yokai
- Applying pressure to grouped enemies
Their explosive force makes them particularly effective against armored or high-health targets. However, their long recovery animation means poor timing can leave you vulnerable.
Gun skills and progression
After acquiring a gun, you can invest Samurai Points in the Samurai skill tree under the Gun branch. These unlock enhanced firing techniques.
Skills may include:
- Faster shot execution
- Charged shots for higher Ki damage
- Elemental ammunition (fire or poison rounds)
While guns are usable immediately, skill investment improves efficiency and adds elemental utility.
Gun progression summary
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Skill Tree | Samurai – Gun branch |
| Unlock Cost | Samurai Points |
| Benefits | Charged shots, elemental rounds |
| Scaling | Dependent on build investment |
How to use a gun effectively in combat
Guns reward patience and precision. Before engaging enemies in melee, you can draw your firearm and aim manually. There is no strong aim assist; accuracy depends on your positioning and timing.
Light shots provide quick damage, while charged shots deliver greater stagger potential. Headshots and weak-point hits can knock enemies down or interrupt attack animations.
Because firing consumes Ki, always monitor your stamina bar. If you empty Ki at range, you may be unable to dodge immediately if enemies rush you.
Guns work best when paired with melee follow-ups. A strong matchlock shot can stagger a foe, allowing you to close the distance and begin a combo safely.
Practical combat strategy
Against humanoid enemies, a well-placed rifle shot often disrupts their opening stance. Against heavier Yokai, cannons are more effective due to superior Ki damage.
Firearms are especially useful in scenarios where:
- Enemies stand on elevated terrain
- Multiple ranged enemies pressure you
- Bosses telegraph long attack animations
Rather than replacing melee, guns complement it.
Getting and using guns in Nioh 3
To get a gun in Nioh 3, head to Futumata Road in the Warring States region, defeat firearm-wielding enemies, and collect a Matchlock or Cannon as a loot drop. Equip it in your ranged slot, ensure you have ammunition, and manage your Ki carefully when firing.
Whether you prefer the precision of a matchlock or the raw impact of a hand cannon, firearms give you tactical control before entering melee combat. Used wisely, they allow you to stagger enemies, interrupt dangerous attacks, and dictate the pace of every encounter.
