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Nioh 3 Spirit Veins: What are they and how to use them

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A Samurai wearing red armour standing in a glowing Spirit Vein surrounded by rock walls in Nioh 3.

Koei Tecmo

Published: Friday, 6 February 2026 at 1:04 pm

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If you can't figure out how to use Spirit Veins in Nioh 3, then you're certainly not alone.

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Once you've taken down Yamagata Masakage and entered the first proper area, you'll start to find Spirit Veins dotted around.

What you will also find, however, is that you can't use them – so how exactly do they work?

It's worth brushing up on how to parry and emote too, while you're learning the new mechanics.

But before that, we'll take you through a quick explanation of what they are and how to use Spirit Veins in Nioh 3.

What are Spirit Veins in Nioh 3?

A map from Nioh 3 showing the location of a Spirit Vein.

Compatible Spirit Veins will be denoted by an exclamation mark. Koei Tecmo

Spirit Veins are areas that require you to use the ability of a Guardian Spirit to traverse.

Marked by a shimmering, golden energy, these areas can be things like a gap that can't be jumped over, or high walls to either side of you.

When you first encounter them, if you don't have the right Guardian Spirit, they will be marked on your map with a lock symbol in a black hexagon, with the message "Compatible Guardian Spirit required."

Unfortunately, you won't be able to get your hands on a Guardian Spirit compatible with any of the Spirit Veins in the starting area until you clear the Hanamatsu Castle Town Crucible to the west of the area.

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How to use Spirit Veins in Nioh 3 explained

A ninja standing at a glowing Spirit Vein in Nioh 3 with the option to 'Traverse' on screen.

Simply hold R1/RB to Traverse, when you have the right Guardian Spirit equipped. Koei Tecmo

Once you've got a Guardian Spirit equipped that is compatible with the Spirit Vein you want to traverse, head over to it and stand in the golden aura.

With the correct Guardian Spirit, you'll now receive the option to press R1/RB to 'Traverse'.

Press and hold the prompted buttons, and you'll automatically clear the obstacle, typically finding some kind of Valuables on the other side such as items and treasure chests.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Alex Raisbeck, smiling against a lime green background.

Alex RaisbeckGaming writer

Alex Raisbeck is a Gaming Writer at Radio Times, covering everything from AAA giants to indie gems. Alex has written for VideoGamer, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, PCGamesN and more.

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