Nioh 3: Soul Core Locations & Interactive Tracking Guide

Unlocking the true power of your Yokai Shift in Nioh 3 starts with mastering the Soul Core system. No longer just simple stat boosts, these relics are the literal heart of your offensive capabilities, fueling the revamped Yokai Ability system. Now categorized into high-impact Guardian Spirit Skills and tactical Summon Talismans, Soul Cores allow you to borrow the devastating moves of the monsters you’ve conquered, turning the supernatural against itself across the Warring States, Heian, and Bakumatsu eras.


Whether you are looking to increase your Skill Capacity or hunt for a perfect Quality Score, collecting every unique core is vital for anyone planning to survive the deepest layers of the Crucible.


In Nioh 3, obtaining these items requires more than just luck; it demands targeting the right threats in the right environments:


  • Defeating high-level Yokai in the open world remains the standard method of acquisition. However, venturing into the Crucible or a Lesser Crucible significantly boosts drop rates, though the enemies within are far more aggressive.
  • The Crucible Wraith encounters are the only way to obtain "Wraith" versions of Soul Cores. These rare variants often feature expanded Skill Capacity and superior passive bonuses compared to their standard counterparts.
  • If RNG isn't on your side, visit the Sudama Merchant in the Eternal Rift. By trading Yokai Teardrops, you can receive random or even specialized cores to round out your collection.
  • Your diligence pays off through the Exploration Level system. Reaching major regional milestones frequently rewards you with high-rarity, pre-leveled Soul Cores.


Once you’ve secured a core, visit any Shrine or purified Bodhisattva Statue to manage your loadout. While Soul Core drops are randomized, certain Elite Enemies and Bosses are guaranteed to drop their specific core upon their first defeat. To help you track these high-value targets, the Map Master team has marked the primary locations and guaranteed drop sites on our Nioh 3 Interactive Area Maps.


Use the list below to identify which spirits you are missing and follow the links to our maps to find the best spots to hunt them down.

Name Details
Maelstrom Oni-bi Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Maelstrom Oni-bi Soul Core is dropped randmly the by the Maelstrom Oni-bi Yokai. They look like blue flying skulls, such as the Crucible Wraith inthe Kamo Village area.

Enki Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Enki Soul Core is dropped randomly by the monkey-like Yokai, such as the one hanging from a tree in Kamo Village.

Karakasa Umbrella Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Karakasa Umbrella Soul Core is randomly dropped by the umbrella-like Yokai, such as the one found on the stairs. They start spawning later in the game.

Magatsu Warrior Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Magatsu Warrior Soul Core is dropped randomly by the Yokai soldiers wielding 4 swords, such as the Crucible Wraith under Saigagake castle.

Biwa Boku-boku Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Biwa Boku-boku Soul Core is dropped randomly by the singing monk-like Yokai, such as the eastern Iinoya Crucible Wraith.

Jailer Oni (Hellfire) Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Jailer Oni (Hellfire), such as the one you'll encounter during the final wave of the Crucible.

Ippon-Datara Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating the Ippon-Datara, the hammer-wielding Yokai, such as the one you'll have to defeat to complete the Lake Hamana Lesser Crucible.

Kappa Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Kappa Soul Core is obtained randomly by defeating the turtle-like Yokai. These funny demons are relatively peaceful but fast. Make sure you kill them quickly to get a lot of loot. They spawn randomly.

Skeleton Warrior Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Skeleton Warriors, such as the one you'll encounter during the final wave of the Crucible.

Crucible Wasp Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Crucible Wasps, such as the one you'll encounter during the final wave of the Crucible.

Sunakake-baba Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Sunakake-baba Soul Core is dropped randomly by the old Yokai carrying a water pot. You'll fight one before entering the Horie Castle.

Gaki Chief Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Gaki Chief Soul Core is obtained randomly by defeating the large Gaki Chief Yokais, such as the one in the Marisaka Post Enemy Base.

Chijiko Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Chijiko Soul Core is obtained randomly by shooting down the Chijiko Yokai.

Aberrant Soldier Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Aberrant Soldier Soul Core is dropped randomly by the Yokai corrupted soldiers, such as the one behind the hut halfway up the hill.

Nure-onna Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Nure-onna Yokai, such as the one you'll encounter at the crossroads.

Gaki Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Gakis, such as those by the carts.

Ninja Yoki Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Ninja Yoki Soul Core is dropped by the Ninja Yoki, the boss you'll need to fight to complete Those Who Live in the Shadows Myth.

Yamainu Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Yamainus, such as the one patrolling the village.

Infernal Oni-bi Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Infernal Oni-bi, the flying flaming skulls, such as the one you'll encounter on the Hamamatsu street.

Yasha Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Yasha Soul Core is dropped randomly by the ghost-like female Yokai. You'll encounter one of them on the upper floor of the large wooden building, you'll get to visit to melt the ice crystals and reach the third Bodhisattva Statue.

Yagyo Soldier Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Yagyo Soldier Soul Core is randomly dropped by the mounted Yokai soldiers, such as the Mikatagahara Crucible Wraith found in the backyard of the Saigagake Castle.

Yoki Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Yokis, such as the one patrolling around the large stone at the bottom of the ravine.

Jakotsu-baba Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Jakotsu-baba Soul Core is a guaranteed drop from Jakotsu-baba, the Hamamtsu Crucible boss you'll have to defeat to progress the story.

Wheelmonk Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Wheelmonk Soul Core is dropped randomly by the round Wheelmonk Yokai, such as the one you'll encounter on the burned bridge in the Crucible Manifested.

Red Kappa Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Red Kappa Soul Core is dropped randomly by the Red Kappa Yokai. It should not be confused with the common Kappa. A Red Kappa can be found on the streets of Mount Kurama Village.

Nurikabe Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Nurikabe Soul Core is dropped randomly when you deal with the Nurikabe Yokai. You can obtain the Soul Cores of these wall-like Yokai by defeating them or by performing different gestures.

Mikoshi Nyudo Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Mikoshi Nyudo Soul Core is dropped randomly by the long-necked Yokai, similar to Rokurokubi. You will encounter the first Mikoshi Nyudo in the courtyard of the shrine in Mount Kurama.

Flying Bolt Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Flying Bolt Soul Core is dropped by the hooded female Yokai, such as the one you'll encounter in Awawa no Tsuji Enemy Base.

Kyokotsu Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Kyokotsu Soul Core is dropped by the ghost-like Yokai, such as the Rokuhara Crucible Wraith.

Mermaid Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Mermaid Soul Core is dropped randomly by the mermaid-like Yokai, such as the one on the small island south of Gojo Bridge.

Demon of Pride Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Demon of Pride Soul Core is dropped by the Demon of Pride Boss, which you'll find up the waterfall in eastern Iinoya.

Thorned Gaki Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Thorned Gaki Soul Core is dropped randomly by the Thorned Gaki and by the Crucible Wraith in the backyard of Rajomon Temple.

Ibaraki Doji Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Ibaraki Doji Soul Core can be obtained after defeating the Hachijo province final boss.

Tsurara-ona Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Tsurara-ona Soul Core is randomly dropped by the Tsurara-ona Yokai and by the Tsurara-ona Crucible Wraith in Sagano.

Otoroshi Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Otoroshi Soul Core is dropped by Otoroashi, the last boss in the Sagano region of Heian.

Sentry Soul CoreAntiquity - 247 CE

The Sentry Soul Core is randomly dropped by the stone statues you'll get to fight in Antiquity.

Waira Soul CoreAntiquity - 247 CE

The Waira Soul Core is randomly dropped by the large Yokai with sharp arms and the body of a cow. You'll be able to fight one in the Antiquity village.

Demon of Envy Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Demon of Envy  Soul Core is dropped by the Demon of Pride Boss, which you'll find in the hidden Hachijo cave.

Yamanba Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Yamanba Soul Core is randomly dropped by the female Yokai armed with daggers. One of them can be found in the center of the inner courtyard of the pleasure house in Shimabara.

Jailer Oni (Needle) Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Jailer Oni Needle Soul Core is dropped randomly by the Jailer Oni Yokai that will start spawning in Bakumatsu. One of them is found in the courtyard, where you must defeat the Enki Crucible Wraith.

Enenra Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Enenra Soul Core is dropped by the Enenra you get to fight in northern Shijo before entering the Sanjo Crucible.

Nuribotoke Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Nuribotoke Soul Core is dropped by Nuribotoke, the final boss in the Honnoji Crucible.

Galestorm Oni-bi Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Galestorm Oni-bi Soul Core is dropped randomly by the green flying skulls, such as those that spawn when you fight the Yasha Crucible Wraith in Gion.

Joro-gumo Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Joro-gumo Soul Core is dropped by the optional spider-like boss in eastern Shirakawa.

Demon of Obsession Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Demon of Obsession is dropped by the Demon of Obsession Boss, which you'll find in the courtyard of the Abandoned Temple

Shunobon Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Shunobon Soul Core is dropped randomly by the redheaded Yokai, such as the eastern Iinoya Crucible Wraith.

Hiruko Soul CoreFinal Battle of Edo - 1622 CE

The Hiruko Soul Core is dropped by Hiruko, the final boss in Nioh 3.

Dweller Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Dwellers such as the one in Tokaido Enemy Base.

Mezuki Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained by defeating Mezuki.

Sudama Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

You can obtain the Sudama Soul Core after trading with the little fellow outside the Crucible in Hamamatsu.

Kodama Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by finding and interacting with a Kodama, such as the one on the rock in the middle of the Tokaido forest pond.

Scampuss Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by catching a Scampuss, such as the Tokaido Scampuss near the Forest of Souls Shrine.

Enki Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Enki Yokai, such as the one guarding the hot spring in the southern Tokaido Enemy Base.

Kamaitachi Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Dropped by Kamaitachi, the optional boss patrolling the clearing in Maisaka.

Bakegani Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Bakeganis, the crab-like Yokai patrolling the southern beach in Maisaka.

Mujina Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating a Mujina, such as the one in the Haunting Caves chest.

Lesser Umi-bozu Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Lesser Umi-bozu water Yokai, such as the Lesser Umi-bozu Crucible Wraith in the Haunting Caverns.

Hino-enma Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

Dropped by Hino-enma, the mandatory boss found at the end of The Haunting Caves.

Daidara Bocchi Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Soul Core of Daidara Bocchi is obtained after completing the Disaster at Lake Hamana Myth. It spawns by the pedestal.

Nozuchi Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Soul Core can be obtained randomly by defeating the worm-like Yokai, such as the one by the road on the southwestern side of Mikatagahara.

Yamabiko Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Yamabiko Soul Core is obtained randomly by defeating Yamabiko, the rabbit-like Yokai, such as those on the southern road in Hamamatsu Hill.

Ryomen Sukuna Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Ryomen Sukuna Soul Core is dropped by Ryomen Sukuna, the final boss in Ryotan Temple. He is a mandatory boss you must defeat to complete the Fated Land Myth.

Nuppeppo Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Nuppeppo Soul Core can be obtained by defeating Nuppeppo while playing the Headaches Myth.

Onryoki Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Onryoki Soul Core can be obtained by defeating the Onryoki boss, in front of the temple you'll visit while playing The Great Shogun of the Heian Era Myth.

Great Tengu Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Great Tengu Soul Core is dropped by the Great Tengu boss at the end of the Mount Kurama region.

Jailer Oni (Cold Hells) Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

Obtained randomly by defeating Jailer Oni (Cold Hells), such as the one you'll encounter during the final wave of the Crucible challenge at the entrance to Kamo Village.

Raiju Soul CoreWarring States - 1572 CE

The Raiju Soul Core is obtained by defeating the Raiju Crucible Wraith on the southeastern plateau in the Tenryu River region. Raiju can be reached only after you unlock Kurama Tengu, the Guardian Spirit obtained by defeating the Great Tengu in Heian.

One-eyed Oni Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The One-eyed Oni Soul Core is dropped randomly by the cyclops-like Yokai you'll start fighting when you enter Henai. You can also get one by dealing with the Rokuhara Crucible Wraith.

Karasu Tengu Soul CoreHeian - 1190 CE

The Karasu Tengu Soul Core is dropped by the eagle-like Yokai that you'll have to deal with in Henai. One of them is the Sagano Crucible Wraith you'll have to defeat on the plateau in central Sagano.

Sentry Soul CoreAntiquity - 247 CE

The Sentry Soul Core is randomly dropped by the stone statues you'll start encountering in Antiquity. Two of them will ambush you when you collect the Spirit Stone Box.

Gozuki Soul CoreReturn to Edo - 1622 CE

The Gozuki Soul Core is dropped by the cow-like Yokai boss you will meet on the streets of Edo.

Ubume Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Ubume Soul Core is randomly dropped by the female Yokai carrying a baby. You'll meet one of them patrolling the inner garden of the pleasure house in Shimabara.

Kasha Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Kasha Soul Core is obtained automatically by defeating Kasha in the Shichijo Armory at the end of the Beast of the Underworld Sub Mission.

Konaki-Jiji Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Konaki-Jiji Soul Core is randomly dropped by the old yokai you'll start encountering in Bakumatsu. One of them spawns during the third wave of the Sanjo Lesser Crucible challenge.

Itsumade Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Itsumade Soul Core is dropped by the Itsumade, or the crow-like yokai that start spawning in Bakumatsu. You will have to defeat one of them to complete the Nijo Castle Lesser Crucible challenge.

Koroka Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Koroka Soul Core is randomly dropped by the ghost-like yokai and by the Crucible Wraith in Kiyomizu.

Onmoraki Soul CoreBakumatsu - 1864 CE

The Onmoraki Soul Core is dropped by Onmoraki, the boss of Kiyomizu Temple in Kiyomizu.

Thunderstorm Oni-bi Soul CoreFinal Battle of Edo - 1622 CE

The Thunderstorm Oni-bi Soul Core is randomly dropped by the yellow flying skulls. Most of them spawn during the Final Battle of Edo.

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