Nioh 3 is an incredibly challenging game, but between the intense battles, you’ll get some respite thanks to the collectibles you can find.
As every Nioh fan knows, the best example of this is the Kodama, which have practically become the series’ mascot. In Nioh 3, especially during the Bakumatsu period, Kodama are ubiquitous.
What Kodama do and how to find them
First off, if you’ve made it this far in Nioh 3 and collected everything, congratulations! If you’re just joining us in the Bakumatsu, here’s a quick refresher on the role of the Kodama. As one of three friendly spirits in the game, they’re scattered throughout the world and need to be found and helped return home .
Kodama are easy to spot if you listen for their distinctive gurgling chirp . You hear it constantly at altars, so you’ll know what I’m talking about.
But helping Kodama isn’t just worth it because they’re so darn cute. Each Kodama you find earns you Kodama Merit, which can be used to obtain Blessings at altars that boost your character . These buffs are minor at first, but ultimately become a huge help, especially if you’ve collected them all by the final time period—Bakumatsu.
All Kodama in Shimabara
The first Kodama in Shimabara is easiest to find if you start from the Geisha House altar . From here, drop down into the area where the Yokai are parading and keep to the right until you find an alley . The Kodama is on the roof above, so simply use the boxes in the corner to reach it.
The next Kodama is nearby, but to reach it, you need to enter the Geisha House itself . The spirit is located on the lower floor of the house, in a room facing the courtyard, but to get there the first time, you’ll have to circle around the house, passing several enemies .
The third Kodama in Shimabara is located opposite the Geisha House, on the left, in a small room with a torn-down fence . Just exit the house, cross the street, and you’ll easily spot it.
The final Kodama can be found after clearing the Geisha House. Leave this area to enter Little Kyoto and turn left —you’ll see a large pink crystal. You’ll need to use the cannon in the castle above , which is aimed at it, to destroy the wall, gain access, and reach the Kodama inside the house.
All Kodama in Shichijo
The first Kodama in Shichijo is located if you start your journey from the Avenue Ruins altar . From here, turn around and head towards the enemy base in the distance . Clear it out, and you’ll be able to help the Kodama in the house.
The next few Kodama are located next to each other in the Shichijo Abyss, right next to the “Stratum” altar . On the way down from this altar, there’s a ruined house on the right . Enter it and run through the broken doors to find a very narrow passage to the Kodama .
The third Kodama is technically right before the previous one, but it’s a bit of a walk. Descend to the next level where enemies are firing cannons . Eliminate them, then use the cannon to destroy the pink crystal ahead . Follow this path and the Spirit Vein to reach the Kodama.
The final Kodama is located near where you fought the artillerymen for the third Kodama . Instead of going forward, turn left and look at the cliff below —you’ll see ruined houses that can be used as platforms. The Kodama is at the very bottom of this path.
All Kodama in Shijo
There’s only one Kodama to be found in Shijo, and it’s located at the edge of the area, near the abandoned Shijo Shrine, which also serves as an Enemy Base. Head into the ruined village filled with enemies, and you’ll see a hut on the left. The Kodama awaits you on the other side of this hut.
All Kodama in Gion
There’s also only one Kodama in Gion, and it’s easiest to reach by respawning at Yasaka Shrine in Shirakawa. From there, head right until you can climb the stone path. To the left is a well you need to strike to free the Kodama.
All Kodamas in Kiyomizu
The first Kodama in Kiyomizu is located differently than the others closer to the temple. It’s on the left side of the area . Start at the “Abandoned Temple” altar, turn around, and head right . You’ll see the Kodama next to a large Yokai that you’ll need to defeat.
The next Kodama is right next to the “Kiyomizu Temple – Grounds” altar . Go right to the stairs leading to the bridge. Eliminate the enemies and jump down to the platform below to find the Kodama and send her home.
Finding the third Kodama turned out to be more difficult than expected. From the Inner Sanctum altar, simply turn around and jump onto the temple roof . The Kodama is hiding on the other side.
The final Kodama in Kiyomizu is the trickiest. To find it, start at the Main Hall Stage altar . From there , turn left and approach the Spirit Vein you used to climb up to the altar . You’ll see the Kodama on a small rock ledge below , reachable by jumping from the adjacent platform.
All Kodama in Shirakawa
The first Kodama in Shirakawa is quite easy to find. Simply head to the Yasaka Shrine altar, turn around, and head right to the Spirit Vein , which will lead you to the platform where the Kodama is located.
The second Kodama in Shirakawa can be found by heading to the Sanjo Bridge altar . Head forward and into the swampy area, which is full of enemies to defeat. The Kodama is located next to a hut on the right side of the village .
All Kodama in Mibu
There’s only one Kodama in Mibu, and it’s located in the southernmost part of the area, in the Enemy Base. Respawn at the Main Gate Shrine, then make your way down to the location shown on the map. Defeat all the enemies in the base, and you’ll be able to rescue the Kodama.
All Kodama in Nijo Castle
The first Kodama in Nijo Castle is located if you start your journey from the Maruta Ruins altar . If you’re feeling brave, run up the stairs to avoid the gunfire, then climb the next set of stairs. You’ll find the Kodama on the temple rooftop after using the Spirit Vein in the area.
The second Kodama in Nijo Castle is easy to find if you start from the Horikawa Market altar . Turn around and run into town, and you’ll quickly spot a Kodama behind bars. Simply jump up through the hole in the roof to grab this little guy.
The final Kodama in Nijo Castle is actually most easily reached from the “Mibu Main Gate” altar . From there, turn around and head down the mountain, past the hot spring. The Kodama is waiting on the lower level, hiding in a well , so you just need to hit the stone to make it appear.
All Kodama in the Kyoto Imperial Palace
The first Kodama in the Kyoto Imperial Palace can be found in the upper left corner of the area, but it’s blocked by an Enemy Base . Clear it to reveal the Kodama at the newly opened gate .
The final Kodama in all of Nioh 3 is located near the “Imperial Palace” altar . From here, turn around and head to the area shown on the map , where you’ll likely want to deal with the Furnace Ghost first. The Kodama will appear if you strike the well. If this is the last Kodama you find, you’ll earn the “Kodama Leader” trophy .
