How to Find the Guardian Spirits
In Nioh, you can acquire a Guardian Spirit, which can provide you with a set of passive stat bonuses, as well as the ability to trigger a powerful state known as the Living Weapon. There are 22 Guardian Spirits in all to collect, and we've compiled details on them all.
You can only equip one at a time, and each has its own distinct set of bonuses that affect your stats. For example, equipping Daiba-washi gives you additional spirit protection, evasion Ki usage, equipment drop rate, quick attack damage, and luck. With so many to find, we've compiled information on each one as well as details on how to obtain them. Click ahead to find out how to obtain each Guardian Spirit, or click from the table of contents below.
Check back often as we update this gallery with more Guardian Spirits and their location details. Be wary, there are slight spoilers for main mission names in the slides ahead.
Table of Contents:
- Atlas Bear
- Daiba-washi
- Enko
- Fuse-ushi
- Genbu (Location Not Confirmed)
- Gyokuto
- Hi-nezumi
- Isonade
- Itokuri
- Izuna
- Kara-jishi (Location Not Confirmed)
- Kato
- Mizuchi
- Narikama Tanuki (Location Not Confirmed)
- Raiken
- Raiken (Paired)
- Saoirse
- Shinka
- Suzaku (Location Not Confirmed)
- Tengen Kujaku
- Usura-hicho
Atlas Bear
"The embodiment of nature's ferocity. It originates from the far southwest, where legend says that if you paint a baby's face with the Atlas Bear's pattern on the first day it hears thunder, the Atlas Bear will protect the child for the rest of its life. Those who the Atlas Bear protects grow up to be strong and hardy, and are said to be able to survive danger that would most of their lives."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Increase Damage (In Low Ki State)
- Life Recovery (After Grapple) +150 HP
- Vs. Lightning +20
- Close Combat Damage +10%
- Shorten Recovery Time (After Ki)
How to Find: Atlas Bear is acquired by completing the main mission The Samurai from Sawayama.
Daiba-washi
"Wind elemental. Pronounced 'DIE-bah WAH-shee,' the name means 'horsekiller hawk.' So called for a mysterious phenomenon in which the wind whips up and horses die suddenly. Observers have described it as a whirlwind of glowing needles surrounding the hapless animal. Slashing the air in front of the horse with a sword will deflect it. On the other hand some actually venerate the Daiba-washi, believing that these same characteristics can shield them from danger."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Evasion Ki Usage -15%
- Equipment Drop Rate +20%
- Quick Attack Damage +8%
- Luck +40
- Life Recovery (After Finished Using a Living Weapon) +400
How to Find: Daiba-washi is one of the Guardian Spirits you can choose at the beginning of the game. If you didn’t choose Daiba-washi, it can be acquired by completing the sub mission The Three Angry Gods.
Enko
"Pronounced 'Enko' in Japanese, this flame-wreathed guardian spirit bestows power upon those who burn with fighting spirit and conviction. The fire-tiger itself also takes pleasure in battle, gleefully using its fans and claws to tear its enemies apart. Many warriors venerated the fire-tiger, wishing for nothing more than to be able to follow its example headlong into enemy territory. Ii Naomasa surely inherited his indomitable will along with the fire-tiger from his mother Naotora, who long ran the Ii family.
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Strong Attack Ki Reduction by 8%
- Break +15
- Fire Damage +12%
- Grapple Damage +25%
- Strong Attack Damage +13%
How to Find: Enko is acquired by completing the sub-mission The Red Oni Of The Ii.
Fuse-ushi
"Fuse-ushi is a bull spirit that protects believers from misfortune. Bovines have long served alongside humans, providing their strength in agriculture and other ways to support our lives. For this reason, some civilizations actually band the consumption of their meat and venerate them as a sign of thanks. Pat its stomach as a sign of respect, and the Fuse-ushi will absorb negative Ki. The great Kuroda Nagamasa decorated his helm with a bull ornament in hopes of becoming a fierce warrior with a heart as gentle as the Fuse-ushi."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Life +200
- Recurring Damage From Poison decreased by 25%
- Guard Ki Reduction by 20%
- Vs. Poison +20
- Life Recovery From Amrita Absorption +30
How to Find: Fuse-Ushi is acquired by completing the main mission Deep in the Shadows.
Genbu
"A cross between a turtle and a serpent, Genbu has been worshipped since ancient times as the guardian of the north and the symbol of water. The dual nature of its intertwined snake and turtle bodies have also made it a symbol of yin and yang, and indeed, its ties to Onmyo magic are deep. Highly skilled Onmyo mages venerate Genbu as their guardian spirit, and have mastered the many powers of water in order to extinguish fire, which they see as an agent of chaos."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Dash Speed Reduction by 30%
- No Guard Break (during Onmyo magic use)
- Change to Defense (Against Magic): B+ Grade
- Received Elemental Attack Damage +7.5%
- Onmy Magic Power +75
How to Find: Not yet confirmed; we'll be updating this gallery with the location soon.
Gyokuto
"Pronounced 'Gyokuto' in Japanese. Japan is home to many legends about moon-hares, said to be capable of great speed. Some say that when lightning flashes across the sky, it is actually a moon-hare traveling to Earth and back. Legend has it that they spend their time on the moon making mochi rice-cakes, or medicine; either way, these stories show them to have kind and caring spirits, always working hard to make something useful. In time, the moon-hare came to be seen as the guardian of travelers, who would often venerate them to help ensure safe passage."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Elixir Effect on Life Recovery +20%
- Dash Speed +10%
- Low Stance Attack Damage +8%
- Luck (While using Living Weapon) +100
- Ninjutsu Power +75
How to Find: Gyokuto is acquired by completing the main mission Memories of Death-Lilies
Hi-nezumi
"Pronounced 'HEE-neh-zoo-mee.' The hi-nezumi lends strength to those possessing the will to face difficult problems head-on. In the famed 'Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,' one of the objects Princess Kaguya asks her would-be suitors to acquire is a hi-nezumi fur coat. One suitor tried to take the easy route of purchasing such a coat, and failed the task. Perhaps he would have succeeded if he had face the challenge with enough determination that a real hi-nezumi had come to his aid."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Onmyo Magic Power +50
- Stealth for Enemies: A+ Grade
- Vs. Fire +20
- Close Combat Attack (Critical Damage Chance) +20%
- Unlimited Onmyo +15%
How to Find: Hi-nezumi is acquired by completing the sub-mission Heir to the Nioh.
Isonade
"Water elemental. Pronounced 'EE-soh Nah-day,' the name means 'the sea's caress.' Following the northern sea winds, Isonade prowls just beneath the surface in search of prey. It uses its powerful tail to entangle and pull victims beneath the waves. By the time you feel the slightest breeze, it's already too late. Believing its reponsible for stirring up rough seas, local sailors make offerings to the Isonade in a prayer for calm sailing."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Sense Enemies (Detect enemies easier on radar)
- Life +100
- Close Combat Life Recovery +100
- Human Close Combat Damage +9%
- Strong Attack Ki Reduction by 10%
How to Find: Isonade is one of the Guardian Spirits you can choose at the beginning of the game. If you didn’t choose Isonade, it can be acquired by completing the sub-mission The Three Angry Gods.
Itokuri
"Pronounced 'EE-toe COO-ree,' this spider spirit is not content to merely protect people. It also likes to alter their fates, taking them down a winding path on the way to their destination. As an example, many loathe Matsunaga Hisahide for his villainy, while others remember him as one of the most cultivated gentlemen of his generation. Either way, his influence was huge and far-reaching, though it remains unclear to what extent an Itokuri was involved.
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Luck +50
- Human Item Drop Rate +30%
- Familiarity Bonus +16%
- Yokai Item Drop Rate +30%
- Paralysis +30
How to Find: Itokuri is acquired by completing the main mission Spider Nest Castle.
Izuna
"Pronounced 'EE-zoo-na.' In Japan, foxes are known far and wide as servants to the god of the harvest, and have long been believed to possess mystical powers. Foxes blessed with such power are very proud, and thus reluctant to use it for humans, but if they should accept one as their master, they will serve with absolute loyalty. Izuna is no exception; if anything, it has even stricter standards for who it will serve, an will only accept only those who are proud, capable, and loyal to their own masters, just like itself."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Earn Amrita (Using Strong Attacks) +25
- Amrita Earned +8%
- Combat Attack Ki Reduction by 10%
- Wind Damage +15%
- Auto Life Recovery (After Finished Using Living Weapon)
How to Find: Izuna is acquired by completing the main mission A Defiled Holy Mountain.
Kara-jishi
"Pronounced 'Kara-jishi' in Japanese. A brave and powerful spirit whose roar reverberates like thunder. Venerated as a holy beast that tears across the heavens and vanquishes evil, its proud figure had long been the inspiration of many a painting, and even the occasional Noh production. It is said to only follow those who are truly pure in heart and sharp in both mind and body, and in fact, there are very few figures in recorded history known to have enjoyed its protection."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Increase Attack (Skill)
- Guard Ki Reduction by 20%
- Lightning Damage +12%
- Ki +20
- Skill Life Drain +15
How to Find: Not yet confirmed; we'll be updating this gallery with the location soon.
Kato
"Fire elemental. Legend has it that a she-wolf hit by a shooting star in the first month of her pregnancy will give birth to a Kato. These fire-eating hounds are said to cause the forest fires sparked by lighting strikes. Harbingers are said to cause the forest fires sparked by lightning strikes. Harbingers of house-fires and other misfortunes, Kato are venerated as servants of the God of Fire."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Close Combat ATK +5%
- Ki +10
- Ki Recovery Speed +20%
- Close Combat Ki Reduction by 20%
- Skill Damage +15%
How to Find: Kato is one of the Guardian Spirits you can choose at the beginning of the game. If you didn’t choose Kato, it can be acquired by completing the sub-mission The Three Angry Gods.
Mizuchi
"Pronounced 'MEE-zoo-chee,' this dragon serves as guardian spirit of those who harbor great ambitions. Though they normally reside in the abysses of deep rivers, it is believed that upon their death they ascend to the heavens and transform into celestial dragons. True or not, this belief was so widespread in the Warring States period that many aspiring warriors fervently venerated the Mizuchi."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Enemies Defeated Damage Bonus: A Grade
- Gold Earned +15%
- Amrita Sense (Detect Amrita easier on radar)
- Vs. Water +20
- Amrita Earned +12.5%
How to Find: Mizuchi is acquired by completing the sub mission Kanbei and the Overlord.
Narikama Tanuki
"In Japan, tanuki (along with foxes) have long been believed to possess supernatural powers, and there is no shortage of tales where they disguise themselves as human. The Narikama tanuki is one of the oldest ones still alive; he survives off spirit energy gathered from the hopes and dreams of hard-working villagers. Adherents also believe that venerating him will prevent disasters and bring prosperity. His most devout followers are townspeople and samurai landowners."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Chance to Retrieve Lost Amrita Upon Death +50%
- Vs. Earth +20
- Unlimited Elixir (Chance you won't use Elixir) +15%
- Strong Attack Damage +10%
- Auto Life Recovery (Critical)
How to Find: Not yet confirmed; we'll be updating this gallery with the location soon.
Raiken
"Pronounced 'RYE-ken.' Written with the characters for 'thunder' and 'dog,' these holy hounds are venerated as protector spirits. Many of the 'komainu"'statues placed in the shrines throughout Japan resemble them. When those who would defile holy ground were struck down with divine lighting, it is the Raiken who loosed the bolts. Legend has it that when Tachibana Ginchiyo's father, Tachibana Dosetsu, succeeded at cutting lightning, the defeated lightning spirit transformed into a Raiken, and has served as the Tachnibana family's guardian spirit ever since. it is said that every Raiden has a mater, and their true power manifests when they are paired."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Dash Endurance +15%
- Skill Ki Damage +12.5%
- Vs. Lightning +25
- Treasure Sense (Detect treasure easier on radar)
- Yokai Close Combat Damage +15%
How to Find: Raiken is acquired by completing the main mission The Spirit Stone Slumbers.
Raiken (Paired)
"Pronounced 'RYE-ken.' Written with the characters for 'thunder' and 'dog,"'these holy hounds are venerated as protector spirits. Many of the 'komainu' statues placed in the shrines throughout Japan resemble them. When those who would defile holy ground were struck down with divine lighting, it is the Raiken who loosed the bolts. Legend has it that when Tachibana Ginchiyo's father, Tachibana Dosetsu, succeeded at cutting lightning, the defeated lightning spirit transformed into a Raiken, and has served as the Tachnibana family's guardian spirit ever since. it is said that every Raiden has a mater, and their true power manifests when they are paired."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Dash Endurance +15%
- Skill Ki Damage +12.5%
- Vs. Lightning +25
- Treasure Sense (Detect treasure easier on radar)
- Yokai Close Combat Damage +15%
How to Find: The Paired Raiken is an upgrade that replaces the initial Raiken Guardian Spirit. It's acquired by completing the sub-mission Invitational From The Warrior Of The West.
Saoirse
"Aquatic guardian spirit that resembles the Merrow of Celtic legend, with feathered wings and a fish's tail. Saoirse can warn of impending danger and sense Amrita. She has been with William since he was a child, and is both friend and family to him now--or perhaps something more. Her name is pronounced 'SEER-shuh' and means 'freedom' in Gaelic."
How to Find: Saoirse is acquired by completing the main mission The Queen's Eyes.
Shinka
"In Japanese mythology, the holy deer is an envoy for the gods. It frequently appears before heroes to guide them to victory. The holy deer is also the physical embodiment of the power of nature, and can heal minor wounds almost instantly. This earned it the veneration of many low-level warriors, since they were the first to be injured in battle."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Strong Attack Life Drain +10
- Life +100
- Kodama Sense (Detect Kodama easier on radar)
- Earth Damage +15%
- Ki Recovery & Defense (Finished Using Living Weapon)
How to Find: Shinka is acquired by completing the sub-mission Champion of the East.
Suzaku
"Pronounced 'SUE-zah-koo.' Worshipped since ancient times as the guardian of the south and the symbol of fire. Sometimes conflated with the phoenix, it is said to appear only when the current ruler is just and highly moral. Most of the time, it possesses the body of a small bird. Its true form, a beautiful winged creature wreathed in flames, only awakens when the current ruler is selflessly motivated to accomplish something truly great."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Activate Living Weapon Upon HP reaching zero
- Vs. Fire +20
- Amrita Earned (using Living Weapon) +25%
- Fire Damage +15%
- Auto-Charge Amrita Gauge (Critical)
How to Find: Not yet confirmed; we'll be updating this gallery with the location soon.
Tengen Kujaku
"The rainbow-adorned Tengen Kujaku is said to wield tremendous power capable of seeing into the future; it is also flighty and mercurial. Those under Kujaku's protection will lead interesting lives full of drama and turmoil. Approximately one month before Nobunaga's assassination at Honnoji Temple, a great comet streaked across the nighty sky; some believe this may have actually been Tengen Kujaku."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Bonus From Amrita Absorption (Stance-Based)
- Yokai Damage Reduction by 13%
- Extend Elemental Effect +50%
- Elemental Attack Damage +10%
- Kodama Sense (Detect Kodama easier on radar)
How to Find: Tengen Kujaku is acquired by completing the main mission The Demon King Revealed.
Usura-hicho
"This striking guardian spirit is as cold as it is beautiful. Its followers swear that venerating it will protect you from ice and snow-related disasters. Other believe that the frost butterfly is a manifestation of the souls of people who have lost their lives to grief or cold."
Stat Bonuses:
- Spirit Protection +20%
- Life Recovery From Purification +150
- Evasion Ki Usage decreased by 20%
- Vs. Yokai Realm +300
- Water Damage +15%
- Strong Attack Ki Damage +15%
How to Find: Usura-hicho is acquired by completing the main mission Falling Snow in the Kinki Region.

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