Complete Guide to the Ho Guardian Spirit in Nioh 3
The Ho Guardian Spirit in Nioh 3 is an excellent choice for players who prioritize mobility, evasion, and farming. This wind-element spirit, perfect for the Ninja combat style, offers unique bonuses that enhance combat skills and optimize resource collection. If you’re looking for a spirit that allows you to play with agility and efficiency, this guide is for you!
What Is the Ho Guardian Spirit?
Ho is the male counterpart of the mythical Ho-oh, a legendary creature embodying the Yang elements of Onmyo. In the world of Nioh 3, Ho specializes in increasing movement speed, reducing Ki consumption when dodging, and improving luck to obtain better rewards. It’s ideal for players adopting a hit-and-run combat style, remaining agile and taking advantage of every opportunity to defeat enemies.
Ho’s Skills and Special Effects
The Ho Guardian Spirit offers a variety of passive effects and active abilities that make it stand out among other guardian spirits.
Key Special Effects
- Amrita Earned (+4.3%)
Increases the amount of Amrita you earn, speeding up character leveling and Guardian Spirit development. - Dodge Ki Consumption (-9.7%)
Reduces the amount of Ki consumed when dodging, allowing you to maintain a constant flow of evasive movements. - Faster Movement (Guardian Spirit Skill Hit)
Hitting an enemy with Ho’s skills grants a temporary boost to running and sprinting speed, perfect for repositioning or chasing down enemies. - Increased Spirit Force (Successful Evade)
Successfully dodging an attack grants Spirit Force, enabling you to use Guardian Spirit skills more frequently. - Luck (+50)
Improves the chances of obtaining rare gear, Divine Fragments, and smithing texts, making Ho a top-tier choice for farming builds.
Ho’s Guardian Spirit Skills
1. Airstream Reversal
- Spirit Force Cost: 60
- Description: Ho envelops itself in a whirlwind of wind, charging forward to deliver a powerful strike and then returning for a second impact.
- Use: Ideal for initiating combat or punishing distant enemies. It also applies the Winded effect, reducing the target’s attack power. Its linear nature makes it less effective against scattered groups of enemies.
2. Feathered Airburst
- Spirit Force Cost: 40
- Description: Unleashes repeated wind-infused slashes that hit nearby enemies. This skill can be used in mid-air, making it very versatile.
- Use: Perfect for extending combos, controlling groups of enemies, or efficiently activating the Faster Movement buff. It’s also great for applying wind status to multiple targets or finishing off weakened foes.
How to Unlock the Ho Guardian Spirit
Unlocking Ho is straightforward and part of the game’s main story progression. You’ll receive it after defeating the boss Minamoto no Yoshitsune and completing the main mission “Under a Pure White Banner.” There are no hidden requirements or side quests to unlock this spirit.
Best Pairings with Ho
Recommended Soul Cores
- Gozuki Soul Core
Ideal for inflicting massive Ki damage, allowing you to break enemy guards after dodging their attacks. - Ippon-Datara Soul Core
Provides a strong area attack that pairs perfectly with Ho’s enhanced mobility. - Kasha Soul Core
Its wheel attack applies Scorched and benefits from Ho’s increased movement speed for precise positioning.
Best Weapon Types
- Dual Swords: Exceptional for leveraging quick combos and reduced Ki consumption.
- Tonfa: Perfect for maintaining constant pressure and depleting enemy Ki.
- Kusarigama: Excellent for ranged attacks and applying status effects from a safe distance.
Recommended Armor Sets
- Shinobi Set
Maximizes Ninjutsu power and mobility. - Child of the Sun Set
Perfect for farming builds due to its Luck bonuses. - Master of Illusion Set
Provides additional bonuses for agile, skill-based builds.
Strategic Tips for Using Ho
- Master Evasion: Precise dodging reduces Ki consumption and generates Spirit Force, allowing you to use Guardian Spirit skills more frequently.
- Spam Feathered Airburst: Its low Spirit Force cost makes it ideal for activating the Faster Movement buff and maintaining pressure in combat.
- Optimize Farming: Equip Ho for missions where you want to farm Amrita and rare items. Its Luck and Amrita Earned bonuses make it one of the best spirits for resource collection.
- Control the Battle: Use Airstream Reversal to punish specific enemies and Feathered Airburst to handle groups or extend combos.
- Exploit the Wind Element: The Winded status reduces enemy Ki damage and attack power, giving you an edge against aggressive foes.
Why Choose Ho?
The Ho Guardian Spirit is an exceptional choice for players who value mobility, efficiency, and farming. Its abilities and passive effects make it a versatile tool for extended battles and resource collection. If you prefer an agile, tactical playstyle, Ho will be your perfect companion in Nioh 3.
Ready to master Ho and become an unstoppable ninja? Equip it in your next mission and unleash its incredible potential. Share your experiences in the comments below!