The Memories of the Blade side quest in Nioh 3 challenges even experienced players with its intricate puzzles and formidable enemies. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate every challenge and claim your legendary rewards.
Table of Contents
Nioh 3 Overview
| Quest Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Quest Name | Memories of the Blade |
| Type | Side Quest |
| Recommended Level | 52+ |
| Location | Forgotten Shrine |
| Main Reward | Legendary Katana “Moonlit Edge” |
| Duration | 45-60 minutes |
| Difficulty | ★★★★★ |
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Locate the Forgotten Shrine
Travel to the mountainous region marked on your map. The shrine is hidden behind a waterfall—look for the glowing blue marker near the cliffside. Stock up on elixirs, sacred water, and yokai incense before entering.
Step 2: Collect Three Ancient Fragments
Search the shrine grounds for three blade fragments scattered across different chambers:
- Fragment 1: Behind the meditation room’s statue (destroy wooden planks)
- Fragment 2: In the underground catacombs guarded by Oni warriors
- Fragment 3: At the shrine’s peak after defeating shadow yokai
Each fragment triggers a mini-boss encounter, so prepare your best stance and guardian spirit. For advanced combat techniques, check Team Ninja’s official strategies.

Step 3: Solve the Blade Altar Puzzle
Place the three fragments on the central altar in chronological order based on inscriptions:
- Dawn Fragment (sunrise symbol)
- Twilight Fragment (sunset symbol)
- Midnight Fragment (moon symbol)
Incorrect placement triggers trap mechanisms—save your progress at nearby shrines frequently.
Step 4: Spirit Trial Combat
Face three legendary samurai spirits in successive battles without healing between rounds. Each spirit specializes in different weapon types:
- Spirit 1: Dual swords (focus on dodging)
- Spirit 2: Spear (maintain distance, counter-attack)
- Spirit 3: Odachi (use quick stance for mobility)
Master the Burst Counter mechanic here—it’s essential for survival. Explore more gaming walkthroughs on TechnoSports.
Step 5: Claim Your Legendary Reward
After defeating all three spirits, the Moonlit Edge katana materializes at the altar. This weapon features unique moonlight buff that increases attack damage during nighttime missions.
Essential Tips
Preparation is Key: Bring yokai incense to control corruption levels during extended battles.
Ki Pulse Mastery: Perfect your ki pulse timing—you’ll need maximum stamina throughout.
Guardian Spirit Choice: Lightning-based spirits work exceptionally well against the shadow yokai enemies.
Co-op Advantage: Summoning allies makes spirit battles significantly more manageable.
For continuous updates on Nioh 3 and gaming news, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Can I retry the Spirit Trial if I fail without restarting the entire quest?
A: Yes, failing respawns you at the altar with fragments intact, but you’ll lose any buffs and consumables used during the attempt.
Q: Is the Moonlit Edge katana worth completing this difficult side quest?
A: Absolutely—its unique nighttime damage boost and superior scaling make it one of the best katanas for late-game content and DLC missions.