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.

logo

Follow @MapMaster on X (ex. Twitter) for updates

Follow

Overview

My AccountFAQsPricing

© MapMaster.io 2024. All rights reserved.