Nioh 3: The Ultimate Guide to Changing Your Appearance and Using Character Codes

If you’ve ever spent 30 minutes meticulously crafting the perfect samurai or ninja in a Soulslike game, only to be horrified by the abomination that appears on screen, you’re not alone. The character creation system in Nioh 3 is both a blessing and a curse—it offers incredible customization options but can sometimes feel like you’re playing character roulette.

Whether you want to transform your warrior into a battle-hardened veteran or simply fix that unfortunate nose you accidentally gave them, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing appearances in Nioh 3, plus how to use and share character codes to access the best community creations.

How to Change Your Appearance in Nioh 3

Unlike some games where you can tweak your character’s look from the start, Nioh 3 requires you to complete a specific milestone before unlocking the appearance-changing feature. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Defeat the Jakotsu-baba Boss

The gatekeeper to your character’s makeover destiny is none other than the Jakotsu-baba boss in the Hamamatsu Castle Crucible. This challenging encounter will test your skills, but victory brings sweet rewards—namely, access to the Eternal Rift hub area where all the appearance magic happens.

Step 2: Navigate to the Eternal Rift

Once you’ve unlocked the Eternal Rift, fast travel there and head upstairs in the building on your left. Continue past Saito Fuku into the room where you’ll find a mirror sitting atop a box with a cushion in front of it. This mirror is your gateway to transformation.

Step 3: Access the Appearance Menu

Interact with the mirror, and you’ll be presented with three options:

Change Appearance: Modify your character’s hair, body, and facial features
Equipment Appearance: Customize the visual appearance of your gear through transmogrification
Transform: A more advanced option that becomes available later in the game

Step 4: Customize Your Look

The change appearance menu offers extensive customization options. You can adjust everything from hair color and style to facial features, body proportions, and even scars or tattoos. The interface is intuitive, allowing you to preview changes in real-time.

Pro Tip: Different Appearances for Ninja and Samurai Forms

One of Nioh 3’s coolest features is the ability to have distinct appearances for your ninja and samurai forms. Simply uncheck the “Same appearance for both styles” box in the Change Appearance menu to design them individually. Imagine transforming from a stealthy shadow warrior into a noble samurai—the possibilities are endless!

How to Use Character Codes in Nioh 3

Nioh 3’s character code system is a game-changer for players who either lack the patience for character creation or want to try out incredible designs created by the community. Here’s how to use these codes:

Step 1: Find Character Codes

The best place to discover amazing character codes is the Nioh subreddit, where creative players share their masterpieces. You can also find codes on gaming forums, social media, and dedicated Nioh communities. Some players recreate famous characters from anime, movies, or history, while others craft entirely original designs.

Step 2: Input the Code

When you enter the character creator at the start of the game (or when using the mirror later), scroll down to “Options” and select “Input Code.” Enter the code you’ve obtained, and watch as your character transforms into the shared creation.

Step 3: Share Your Own Creations

If you’ve created something spectacular, you can share it with the world! Select “Create/Manage Codes” to generate a unique code for your character. Share this code with friends or post it online for others to enjoy.

The Character Code System: A Community Revolution

The character code feature in Nioh 3 represents a significant evolution in how players interact with character creation systems. Instead of every player being limited to their own design skills (or lack thereof), the community can now share and build upon each other’s creativity.

This system has led to some fascinating trends:

Celebrity recreations: Players recreating famous actors, musicians, and historical figures
Crossover characters: Bringing characters from other games, anime, or movies into the Nioh universe
Historical accuracy: Detailed recreations of famous samurai and historical figures from Japanese history
Fantasy races: Creative interpretations of elves, orcs, and other fantasy races using the game’s customization tools

Tips for Creating the Perfect Character

Whether you’re using a character code or creating from scratch, here are some tips to help you craft the perfect warrior:

Start with the face: The facial features are the most noticeable aspect of your character, so get these right first
Consider your playstyle: A stealthy ninja might benefit from a more subtle appearance, while a samurai could go for something more imposing
Use reference images: If you’re trying to recreate a specific look, have reference images handy
Experiment with hairstyles: The right hairstyle can completely transform a character’s appearance
Don’t forget about scars and tattoos: These can add character and tell a story about your warrior’s past

Why Appearance Matters in Nioh 3

In a game where you’ll spend dozens of hours battling demons and undead warriors, having a character you’re proud of can significantly enhance your experience. Your character becomes your avatar in this dark, supernatural version of feudal Japan, and seeing them grow stronger while looking increasingly badass is incredibly satisfying.

Moreover, Nioh 3’s multiplayer elements mean you’ll occasionally encounter other players. Having a unique or impressive character design can make these interactions more memorable and even spark conversations with fellow samurai enthusiasts.

The Future of Character Customization in Gaming

Nioh 3’s approach to character customization and sharing represents a trend we’re likely to see more of in future games. The ability to easily share and download character designs creates a collaborative creative environment that extends the game’s longevity and community engagement.

As games continue to evolve, we might see even more sophisticated sharing systems, perhaps with rating mechanisms, search filters, or even contests for the best character designs. The line between player and creator continues to blur, and Nioh 3 is at the forefront of this exciting development.

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