Key Takeaways: Kodama Collection in Nioh 3

  • Nioh 3 sees the return of our beloved Kodama, scattering themselves across a yokai-infested Japan.
  • Finding these pint-sized spirits isn't just for completionists; it directly rewards players with **Kodama Merits** for powerful blessings and significantly boosts your **elixir carrying capacity**.
  • For any samurai looking to make Nioh 3's notoriously tough bosses a little less daunting, prioritizing Kodama collection is a strategic imperative.
  • This report provides verified locations for Kodama across several early regions, with more insights to come.

Alright, fellow demon slayers, let's talk about the real MVPs of feudal Japan: the Kodama. Team Ninja's latest "chonker" of an RPG, Nioh 3, has once again unleashed these adorable, if perpetually lost, green homies upon a world that desperately needs your guiding hand. As Lead Tech Analyst here at In Game News and a long-time veteran of the Nioh series, I can tell you unequivocally: ignoring these little guys is a rookie mistake.

We all know Nioh bosses don't mess around. That's why Kodama are a game-changer. Those Kodama Merits? They translate directly into blessings that can shift the tide of battle. And who doesn't want more elixirs when you're staring down a particularly nasty yokai? Maximizing your survivability is key, and these forest sprites are your ticket to an easier journey.

The world of Nioh 3 is vast, dangerous, and time-consuming. We've been putting in the legwork, scouring every nook and cranny to bring you a comprehensive guide to their hiding spots. Consider this your tactical brief for Kodama retrieval. Let's dive into what we've found so far:

Nioh 3 Kodama Locations: Our Verified Intel

Tenryu River

The Tenryu River region kicks off your Kodama hunt with some clever hiding spots.

Kodama #1

Your first buddy here is chilling in a small village house south of the Prospect Hill shrine. Classic Team Ninja, right? The door's locked. But as any veteran knows, doors are more of a suggestion. Head behind the house, scale the ledge, cross the bridge to the roof, and drop right in. Problem solved, Kodama rescued.

Kodama #2

Loop north-west from the Prospect Hill shrine, and you'll hit a large hill. This one's hard to miss: they're practically posing by a broken shrine under a decrepit torii gate.

Kodama #3

Keep pushing up the path from Kodama #2, and you'll inevitably stumble upon an enemy base. Clear out the riffraff – it's good practice anyway – and you'll find your third Kodama waiting, plus a juicy rewards chest.

Kodama #4

The final Kodama for Tenryu River demands you head due west. Once you hit the Hamamatsu Gate shrine, head north. You'll find a locked gate. Instead of banging on it, scurry up the adjacent watchtower. Your Kodama is up there, apparently playing watchspirit.

Tokaido

The Tokaido region offers a few more challenges for our little green pals.

Kodama #1

Tokaido's first Kodama requires a bit of prep. Head east from the Ikeda Ferry shrine to the ferryport, clearing the enemy base. Pro-tip: grab the 'Insatiable Hunger' side quest first to kill two birds with one stone. Area clear? Head behind one of the houses, and you'll spot the Kodama guarding a big loot chest.

Kodama #2

This Kodama is directly south of the Forest of Souls shrine. Get up onto the upper path, towards the center of that circular route. You'll find a rock-filled pond and a Kodama who clearly forgot their water wings. Hop across those rocks, lifeguard-style, and scoop them up.

Kodama #3

Tokaido's last Kodama is sitting pretty on a stump beneath a huge tree. South-east from the Tokaido shrine, dispatch or sneak past those patrolling yokai, and they're yours.

Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu has a solid four Kodama to find, so keep your eyes peeled.

Kodama #1

Entering Hamamatsu from the east, you'll quickly bump into a Kodama in an open dwelling. Wipe your feet, show some respect, even if it looks like no one's turning it into a mojo dojo casa house anytime soon.

Kodama #2

Down Hamamatsu's main street, divert behind a string of houses. You'll spot a Kodama on the roof – classic rooftop hiding. Hop up the nearby hay bales to reach them.

Kodama #3

The scenic route is always the rewarding one in Nioh, and Hamamatsu is no exception. Head south of town, and you'll find a well. Give it a good ol' whack, and the Kodama will zip to the top, ready for home.

Kodama #4

Hamamatsu's final Kodama is obtainable after you've dealt with Jakotsu-baba and liberated Hamamatsu Castle. Follow the path east from the castle base, and you'll see them hanging out on some hay bales. Jump up, brush 'em off, and send them on their way.

Lake Sanaru

Lake Sanaru holds four Kodama, some requiring a bit of a detour.

Kodama #1

To snag the first Kodama in Lake Sanaru, just follow the craggy path from the Lake Sanaru (North) shrine to its end. They're behind a loaded cart.

Kodama #2

The next two Kodama are surprisingly close together in the southern part of the area. For this one, head towards the large ship, but instead of hopping across the boats to the back, detour left. You'll find the Kodama doing its best Steamboat Willy impression.

Kodama #3

For the very next Kodama, now you *do* skirt around to the back of that large ship using the smaller boats. Clamber aboard, clear the enemy personnel, and conquer the base. Inside the small cabin on top, you'll find both the Kodama and a large chest.

Kodama #4

The last Kodama in this area demands some light platforming. We recommend tagging the nearby Scampuss first – that fluffy little ball of chaos pretty much leads you right to it. Once you've given it sufficient pets, hop over to the farthest islet, and your Kodama will be waiting.

Maisaka

Maisaka has its own set of four Kodama, some tucked away in tricky spots.

Kodama #1

The first Kodama you'll find in Maisaka is on the road between the Water Mill and Maisaka Junction shrines. Dip into the small hut they're calling home, and relocate them.

Kodama #2

From The Haunting Caves - Chamber of Enlightenment shrine, head south-east through the crawl space, immediately turn right, and scamper up the rocks. The Kodama is at the top.

Kodama #3

After dispatching the white floating ronin spirit northwest of The Haunting Caves - Chamber of Enlightenment shrine, head left in the open area. Scale the wall of mini rock pools. At the top, jump onto the large rock pool to the left, then over to the platform. Follow the path, use the Spirit Vein to run across, then immediately bear right and double back along the path following the outer wall. This leads you straight to the Kodama.

Kodama #4

Once you've fought your way to The Haunting Caves - Rimstone Pool Shrine, head directly east. This Kodama is near a corpse, but be warned: you'll likely have to fight off a large, crab-like Bakegani to get to it.

Mikatagahara

Mikatagahara is a curious beast. While you can technically dip into it early in Chapter 1, its full exploration is gated until much later. We're still uncovering the seven Kodama within, but here's our first find:

Kodama #1

The inaugural Mikatagahara Kodama is found on the roof of a shelter. You can get to it via a rock path. If you're struggling, just trace the path until you find a suitable climbing spot.

Lake Hamana

Just one Kodama reported for Lake Hamana so far, and they're doing hard time.

Kodama #1

The sole Kodama we've found in Lake Hamana is currently incarcerated – presumably for some unspeakable crime, who knows. You're going to need the Cell Keys to bust them out. Upon entering the region, you'll trigger the Myth quest 'Disaster at Lake Hamana.' Progress through it, and you'll find the key on a body in the area above the cells.

Hamamatsu Hill

Hamamatsu Hill has a few Kodama, but some require a bit of extra effort.

Kodama #1

The first of this trio requires the least amount of fuss. Just clear out the enemy base, and they're standing right next to the loot chest.

Kodama #2

This Kodama is accessed by jumping down from the Mountain Temple. However, the door to the temple itself is locked. To get the key, you'll need to clear both the 'Fated Land' mission and its subsequent 'Ii's Memento' mission.

Kodama #3

The final Kodama on Hamamatsu Hill is lurking behind Blood-Spurting Ogin, a mini-boss who'll absolutely keep you on your toes. Dispatch them, then head back up onto their stage to scoop up the Kodama.

And there you have it – all the Nioh 3 Kodama locations we've unearthed so far. If you're serious about amping up your boss-slaying potential and making those epic encounters a bit more manageable, these little green guides are non-negotiable. Stay tuned as we continue our journey to become shogun, uncovering more secrets and, of course, the best Nioh 3 builds that'll help you cut through them like butter.