Nioh 3’s combat demands precision, reflexes, and a deep understanding of its mechanics—far more so than many action RPGs. The game’s breakneck pace, coupled with bosses that punish hesitation, can leave even experienced players frustrated. Yet, hidden among the game’s vast skill tree are two abilities that, when combined, drastically improve survivability and offensive pressure: Supreme Parry and Enduring Destruction. Mastering them could be the difference between defeat and victory.
These skills aren’t just useful—they’re essential. Supreme Parry restores 150 health after successfully countering a Break attack, a lifeline during prolonged exchanges where healing items are scarce. Meanwhile, Enduring Destruction increases damage dealt after a Burst Break, turning counters into punishing opportunities. Together, they create a feedback loop where survival and aggression reinforce each other.
The challenge lies in locating them. Supreme Parry isn’t found in the game’s main menus or merchant stalls—it’s tucked away in a red chest inside a ruined building in Hamamatsu Castle Town Crucible, an area visited early in the main story. The chest sits between the First Torii Gate shrine and the Otemon Gate shrine, a detour most players overlook. Enduring Destruction, by contrast, is available for purchase from the merchant Sudama, stationed near the entrance to the Hamamatsu Castle Crucible, for the cost of two Yokai Teardrops—a currency earned by defeating Kappa, the crystal-shelled enemies lurking in the area.
What makes these skills even more powerful is their versatility. Unlike many abilities tied to a specific weapon or character form, both Supreme Parry and Enduring Destruction apply universally—whether you’re fighting as a Samurai or Ninja. This means players can optimize their loadout without sacrificing style preferences. For those who favor the Samurai’s Running Water skill, for instance, the flexibility to slot these counters ensures no combat advantage is left unused.
The impact of these skills becomes immediately apparent in fights against Jakotsu-baba and the Bloodedge Demon, two of Nioh 3’s most punishing encounters. Without them, players rely on memorization and quick reflexes alone. With them, counters become sustainable, and pressure shifts from the enemy to the player. The difference is night and day.
For those struggling to progress, these two skills are a game-changer. They’re not just tools—they’re a paradigm shift in how Nioh 3’s combat should be approached. And the best part? They’re free once you know where to look.
