Nioh 3 DLC New Weapon Resembles Elden Ring! "Shield Poke" Ultimate Cheese Strategy

Summary

The first DLC for Nioh 3, "Keian All Hell Changes," introduces a new weapon type: the Shield Lance. This weapon uniquely combines shield defense with spear attacks, enabling an exceptionally powerful "cheese" playstyle that has drawn comparisons to the infamous "fingerprint stone shield + bloodhounds fang" strategy from Elden Ring. The core mechanic involves a brief red-frame window during heavy attacks and certain skills; if the player successfully blocks an enemy attack within this window, they not only negate damage but also conserve stamina and enhance subsequent attack power. Additionally, players can hold the shield up for extended periods by charging a heavy attack or using the skill "Castlebreaker Rush," allowing them to withstand sustained enemy combos at the cost of some stamina. The "chisel" system further optimizes this weapon by reducing the stamina cost of skills and heavy attacks, letting players unleash defensive-offensive moves more frequently. This synergy significantly boosts both survivability and damage output. The community has embraced the shield lance as a top-tier "cheese" option, potentially reshaping endgame strategies and making challenging encounters more accessible. It also showcases the developers' commitment to innovative DLC content, leaving players curious about future weapon additions.