Nioh 3's Secret Handshake: Emotes, Wall Monsters, and the Fine Art of Not Getting Gutted
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Nioh 3's emotes aren't just for show, mate; they're a clever way to charm specific Yokai like Nurikabes and Mujinas, avoiding fights and snagging some sweet loot. It's a delightfully unexpected mechanic that rewards player observation and a touch of digital diplomacy.
Right, so you know how in most games, emotes are, like, purely cosmetic? You know, for doing a celebratory jig after a boss fight, or maybe an ironic wave when you accidentally send your co-op buddy plummeting off a cliff? Well, I've been tinkering with some intel on Nioh 3, and bloody hell, Team Ninja's gone and blown a hole through that convention.
Turns out, in the brutal, beautiful world of Nioh 3, your ability to perform a jaunty little gesture isn't just about showing off your character's personality. Oh no, mate. It's about tactical charm, avoiding a painful death, and perhaps most importantly for us loot goblins, scoring some sweet, sweet gear without lifting a blade. It's like casting a spell, but instead of fireballs, you're conjuring a high-five. And honestly, I'm absolutely here for that kind of digital wizardry.
This isn't some widespread magic trick, mind you. We're talking about two very specific, rather quirky Yokai: the infamous **Nurikabes** (those sneaky wall-monsters that try to flatten you) and the slightly less common, but equally annoying, **Mujinas** (the badger-esque rascals who pop out of chests). Both of these delightful creatures can be swayed by your expressive theatrics, turning a potential fight into a peaceful (and profitable) encounter. It's the kind of charmingly chaotic game design that makes you wonder what other digital secrets are hiding in plain sight.
**So, How Do You Pull Off This Yokai Diplomacy?**
The actual mechanics of emoting in Nioh 3 are straightforward enough, thankfully. If you're on a PS5, you'll want to **hold down R1 and then press the Options button**. PC players, you're looking to hit **G**. This will pop open your gesture menu, giving you a whole gallery of poses and expressions across a few pages. Choose wisely, because your life (or at least your loot chances) might just depend on it.
Now, the real 'what happens if...' curiosity kicks in when you encounter our two special friends. Let's dig into the nuances, because simply flailing your arms won't cut it, mate. This isn't just a party trick; it's a test of observation and wit, typical of Nioh's demanding but rewarding design.
**Charming the Nurikabe: The Wall That Wants a Hug (or a Bow)**
Ah, the Nurikabe. The silent, stony guardian who looks suspiciously like a regular wall until it decides to turn you into a human pancake. Normally, you'd find a talisman behind it to dispel it, or just bash its face in. But Nioh 3 offers a more... polite option.
The trick here is to pay attention to your surroundings, like a seasoned explorer looking for arcane glyphs. Whenever you spot a Nurikabe, keep an eye out for nearby bloody graves. These aren't just grim scenery; they're your magical cheat sheet! The graves often contain hints from other fallen players about *which specific emote* the Nurikabe desires. It could be a bow, a wave, a prayer – who knows what emotional baggage these wall spirits carry? The beauty of this is how it encourages community interaction (even if it's just posthumous advice) and rewards players who actually slow down and absorb the environment. It's not just a puzzle; it's a riddle whispered by the digital dead.
**Dealing with the Mujina: The Mimic Who Loves a Good Performance**
Then there's the Mujina. These chaps are proper cheeky. You'll often find them lurking inside chests, patiently waiting to spring out and transform into a ninja when you least expect it. Talk about a jump scare with extra steps! Normally, this means an instant, high-octane brawl. But, with your newfound emoting powers, you can avoid the fisticuffs entirely.
For the Mujina, it's all about mimicry. As soon as that furry terror springs from its chesty hideout, it'll perform an emote. Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to quickly *copy that exact emote*. Do it correctly, and the Mujina will be charmed, possibly drop some goodies, and vanish without a fight. Mess it up, and well, you're in for a ninja showdown, which, let's be fair, is still pretty cool but probably not what you wanted when you opened a chest. It's a quick-time event of social grace, and I reckon it's a brilliant little twist on the classic mimic foe.
**The 'Why' Behind the Waving (and Bowing, and Praying...) **
What I love about this Nioh 3 mechanic is how it takes something usually relegated to flair and weaves it into the very fabric of gameplay. It's not just a gimmick; it's a testament to Team Ninja's commitment to injecting unexpected depth into their challenging ARPG formula. It elevates emotes from mere avatar customization to a genuine, albeit niche, combat and exploration tool.
This kind of design serves a curious gamer perfectly. It rewards observation, encourages experimentation, and adds a layer of delightful absurdity to an otherwise grim, demon-slaying adventure. It pushes you to think beyond the blade, to consider the 'why' behind a seemingly simple feature. Why would a wall want a specific gesture? Why would a badger-ninja-thing appreciate being mimicked? Because it's *Nioh 3*, that's why! It's that optimistically chaotic approach to game design that makes you wonder what other hidden interactions are waiting to be discovered.
So next time you're traversing the demon-haunted landscapes of Nioh 3, don't forget to pack your emoting skills alongside your katana. You might just charm your way out of trouble and into some serious loot. This cunning strategy was initially highlighted by Ford James over at Polygon, and honestly, mate, it's a gem of a tip that makes the game even more wonderfully weird.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see if I can teach a Gaki to do the Macarena. What happens if...? The possibilities are endless!
Tags: Nioh 3, Gaming Guides, Action RPG, Team Ninja, Yokai
Original article: Polygon