What to know
-
Ninja Locks convert to points for the Ninjutsu skill tree, letting you access throws like shurikens and bombs.
-
Find them on corpses, in chests, from petting Scampuss and Chijiko yokai, or via missions across regions like Tenryu River and Hamamatsu.
-
Prioritize early collection in Warring States areas to boost mobility and ranged attacks quickly.
-
Customize equipped arts at shrines after spending points for optimal loadouts.
Discover how Ninja Locks enhance your ninja playstyle in Nioh 3, turning you into a shadowy assassin amid intense battles.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Unlock Ninjutsu skills like shurikens, quick change, and elemental bombs |
| Conversion | 1 Lock = 1 Ninja Point in skill menu |
| Key Regions | Hamamatsu Hill, Tenryu River, Iinoya, Futamata (Warring States period) |
| Early Priority | Flux I, Gunpowder Bomb, basic throws for survival |
Key locations for Ninja Locks
You’ll spot Ninja Locks in early zones like Hamamatsu and Tenryu River, often on ledges, inside houses with Kodama, or after breaking Crucible Spikes—regions packed with yokai patrols and hidden paths that reward thorough exploration.
How to acquire Ninja Locks
Looting corpses and chests
Search bodies near tough foes, such as in Tenryu River past Crucible Spikes or main roads in Hamamatsu—these spots yield Locks reliably during map clears.
Petting Scampuss yokai
Chase rolling Scampuss in areas like Iinoya or Tenryu River; pet them to start, follow stealthily through caves or veins, and claim Locks plus treasures at the end without alerting ambushes.
Shooting Chijiko yokai
Listen for chimes high or low in the sky across Futamata Road, Lake Hamana, and Maisaka; hit with bows or guns to ground them, then pet for Locks bundled with Transformed Arts like Whirlwind Wind or Cloudsplitter Fire.
Completing missions and myths
Trigger side quests via friendly ghosts or Battle Scrolls at shrines in Eternal Rift; finish The Way of the Ninja or regionals like Tenryu River for direct Lock rewards alongside Omamori.
How to use Ninja Locks at shrines
Approach any shrine and select the Skill menu to access Ninjutsu.
Step 1
Convert Locks to Ninja Points via the Ninja tab—each Lock adds one point instantly.
Step 2
Spend points on tree branches: start with basics like shuriken throws, then Flux for buffs or bombs for crowds.
Step 3
Enter Customize Ninjutsu to assign arts to hotkeys, mixing with weapons for combos like quick change into aerial strikes.
Step 4
Test in combat; respec points freely if needed by revisiting the menu.
Grab Gunpowder Bomb for area denial, shurikens for pokes, and Evade buffs to dodge yokai rushes—these Locks from first regions like Hamamatsu give you tools to push deeper without frustration.
Unlocking advanced Ninjutsu
Hunt Handbooks in hidden chests or on masters for skills like Falcon Strike; pair with Way of the Ninja quest for tree expansions beyond basic points.
Stockpile Locks through full map exploration to max Ninjutsu, blending throws with soul cores for hybrid builds that shred bosses—your ninja edge sharpens every patrol.
