Nioh 3
Nioh 3 Hoko and Shield: what the Hell Rising weapon does
Hoko and Shield is a Hell Rising weapon set that combines a short spear with active shield defense. Team NINJA confirms both Samurai and Ninja style versions, with moves that let you defend while attacking and throw the shield as a tactical option.
How the weapon plays#
The short spear supplies reach and quick pressure while the shield creates safer attack windows. This is not simply a spear cosmetic: the official description calls out simultaneous defense and offense plus a throwable shield, so positioning and timing are central to the kit.
- Use the guarded attack when trading into a predictable strike.
- Keep enough Ki to disengage; blocking without an exit plan can still leave you vulnerable.
- Treat the shield throw as a spacing tool until its exact damage, tracking and recovery are tested on the live build.
Team NINJA has not published complete motion values or a final skill tree on its overview page. We therefore do not claim that one style, stat or combo is the confirmed best.
Samurai or Ninja style?#
Both versions are officially confirmed, but their complete move lists should be judged in-game. Start with the style that matches your existing play: Samurai if you prefer direct guard-and-counter exchanges, Ninja if you already build around mobility and Ninjutsu. Respec only after testing both in the dojo or a low-risk mission.
For the DLC setting, see Hell Rising's 1651 Edo guide. Endgame players should also read Enlightened One's Journey and the Nioh 3 guide hub.
Source check#
Verified August 7, 2026 against Team NINJA's official DLC description and PC Gamer's Hell Rising report.