The Nioh 3 Infernal Weapons Set is the standout preorder bonus for early buyers, but figuring out how to claim it and whether it actually helps your early-game progression can be confusing. Early purchase windows, edition differences, and bonus redemption steps all affect what you receive, so understanding the full reward structure matters before you commit. This guide breaks down every preorder and early purchase bonus, explains exactly how to redeem them, and shows you which rewards are worth using in your first ten hours.
Infernal Weapons Set Contents and Claim Steps
The Nioh 3 Infernal Weapons Set contains 14 weapon types, covering every melee option available in the base game. According to the official Nioh 3 Steam store page, this set is a Digital Deluxe Edition bonus, meaning it is not included with the Standard Edition or the Season Pass alone. Players who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition receive all 14 weapon types immediately upon redemption, but you need to manually claim them from the in-game boon menu before they appear in your inventory.
Claiming the set takes less than a minute once you know where to look. After completing the opening mission and reaching the first shrine, open the Boons tab from the shrine menu, then select Infernal Weapons Set to redeem all 14 weapons at once. The game places them directly into your equipment inventory, and each weapon starts at level 1 with a fixed special effect. Because the set includes one weapon for every category, you can test different playstyles without spending gold at the blacksmith.
| Weapon Type | Early-Game Value | Recommended Style |
|---|---|---|
| Katana | High — balanced damage and speed | Samurai |
| Dual Swords | High — rapid ki damage | Ninja |
| Spear | Medium — long reach but slower recovery | Samurai |
| Axe | Medium — high damage, slow swing | Samurai |
| Kusarigama | High — excellent crowd control | Ninja |
| Odachi | Medium — strong but ki-heavy | Samurai |
| Tonfa | High — fast ki breaking | Ninja |
| Switchglaive | Medium — stance-dependent scaling | Both |
| Hatchets | Medium — ranged throw option | Ninja |
| Fists | High — aggressive ki pressure | Both |
| Splitstaff | Medium — versatile reach | Both |
| Bow | Utility — ranged headshot damage | Both |
| Rifle | Utility — burst damage opener | Both |
| Hand Cannon | Utility — stagger and break | Both |
The Infernal Weapons Set does not scale with your level, so you will outgrow the base versions by the second region. However, the special effects on each weapon are fixed and useful through the mid-game if you soul match them. Community reports suggest the set's main value is the ability to test every weapon class before committing upgrade materials, which saves significant resources for new players.
Hellfrost Armor Bonus and Early Purchase Window
The Nioh 3 early purchase bonus is separate from the Digital Deluxe Edition and applies to all editions bought within the launch window. Players who purchase any version of Nioh 3 before the early purchase period ends receive the Hellfrost Armor Set, a cosmetic and functional bonus that also unlocks two additional armor sets inspired by previous protagonists. According to the PlayStation.Blog announcement, redeeming the Hellfrost Armor Set in game grants the Youngblood Armor (Samurai) worn by William in Nioh and the Lone Wolf's Armor (Ninja) worn by Hiddy in Nioh 2.
The early purchase window typically lasts two to four weeks after launch, but the exact cutoff date varies by platform and region. Steam players can check the store page timer before checkout, while PlayStation players see the early purchase label on the product listing. If you buy after the window closes, the Hellfrost Armor Set is not retroactively granted, and there is currently no paid DLC to unlock it later.
How to Redeem the Hellfrost Armor Set
Redeeming the Hellfrost Armor bonus follows the same Boons menu process as the Infernal Weapons Set. You need to reach the first shrine after the opening mission, open the Boons tab, and select Hellfrost Armor Set to receive the base armor plus both bonus armor sets. The three armor sets arrive as separate inventory entries, so check your equipment list carefully if you only see one new set at first.
The Hellfrost Armor Set itself provides a fixed defensive bonus and cold resistance, while the Youngblood and Lone Wolf sets are purely cosmetic skins that can be applied over any equipped armor. This layered reward structure means the early purchase bonus gives you both a functional starter set and two cosmetic options for fashion-focused players.
Hellfrost vs Infernal: Which Bonus Matters More
The two bonus categories serve different purposes, and comparing them directly misses the point. The Infernal Weapons Set solves the weapon testing problem by giving you every weapon type early, while the Hellfrost Armor Set solves the early defense gap with a solid armor set that carries through the first region. If you can only secure one bonus, the weapons are more valuable because weapon variety affects your playstyle more than armor stats in the opening hours.
| Bonus Type | What You Get | Functional Value | Cosmetic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infernal Weapons Set | 14 weapon types | High — test all playstyles | Low |
| Hellfrost Armor Set | Base armor + cold resistance | Medium — early defense boost | Medium |
| Youngblood Armor | Samurai skin | None — cosmetic only | High |
| Lone Wolf's Armor | Ninja skin | None — cosmetic only | High |
Chijiko and Kodama Netsuke Charm Bonuses
The Nioh 3 Chijiko Netsuke Charm and Nioh 3 Kodama Netsuke Charm are accessory bonuses tied to different purchase tiers. The Chijiko Netsuke Charm comes with the Season Pass, while the Kodama Netsuke Charm is exclusive to the Digital Deluxe Edition. Both charms occupy the accessory slot and provide passive bonuses that stack with your other equipment effects.
The Chijiko Netsuke Charm grants a small boost to Amrita Gauge Charge Rate, which helps you activate Yokai Shift more frequently in the early game. The Kodama Netsuke Charm increases Kodama Blessing Duration, extending the temporary buffs you receive from Kodama shrines across each region. Neither charm is game-breaking, but both smooth out the early-game resource curve in meaningful ways.
Accessory Slot Strategy with Netsuke Charms
Accessory slots are limited, and the Netsuke charms compete with other early accessories that provide damage or defense bonuses. Community testing suggests the Chijiko charm is the stronger early choice because faster Yokai Shift activation provides both offensive and defensive utility, while the Kodama blessing extension only matters if you actively collect Kodama and refresh blessings at shrines. If you are still learning the game's rhythm, the Kodama charm's longer blessing windows reduce the pressure to re-activate buffs between deaths.
The Nioh 3 best accessories breakdown covers how these charms compare to other early accessory options, but the short version is that both Netsuke charms are worth equipping until you find accessories with higher rarity and better fixed effects. Accessory drops are rare in the first region, so the guaranteed bonuses from these charms fill a real gap in your loadout.
| Charm | Source | Primary Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chijiko Netsuke Charm | Season Pass bonus | Amrita Gauge Charge Rate up | Aggressive players |
| Kodama Netsuke Charm | Digital Deluxe bonus | Kodama Blessing Duration up | Exploration-focused players |
Edition Comparison and Bonus Stacking
The Nioh 3 preorder bonus structure rewards higher-tier purchases with more items, but the stacking logic confuses many buyers. The Standard Edition includes only the Hellfrost Armor Set during the early purchase window, while the Digital Deluxe Edition adds the Infernal Weapons Set and the Kodama Netsuke Charm. The Season Pass, whether purchased separately or bundled with the Deluxe Edition, adds the Chijiko Netsuke Charm and access to future DLC content.
This means the Digital Deluxe Edition is the only way to receive all five bonus categories: the Hellfrost Armor Set, the two bonus armor skins, the Infernal Weapons Set, and both Netsuke charms. If you buy the Standard Edition and add the Season Pass later, you still miss the Infernal Weapons Set and the Kodama Netsuke Charm because those are Deluxe-exclusive bonuses. For a complete bonus collection, the Deluxe Edition is mandatory.
Which Edition Gives You the Best Value
The value calculation depends on whether you plan to play the DLC. If you only want the base game and the early purchase armor, the Standard Edition is sufficient. If you want every weapon type early and both Netsuke charms, the Digital Deluxe Edition is the only path. The Season Pass adds future DLC content, but its charm bonus is modest compared to the Deluxe-exclusive weapon set.
| Edition | Infernal Weapons | Hellfrost Armor | Chijiko Charm | Kodama Charm | DLC Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | Yes (early window) | No | No | No |
| Standard + Season Pass | No | Yes (early window) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Digital Deluxe | Yes (14 types) | Yes (early window) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Claiming All Bonuses on a New Character
Bonus redemption is tied to your account, not your save file, so every new character you create can claim the same bonuses from the Boons menu at the first shrine. This is particularly useful if you want to experiment with different weapon builds across multiple playthroughs. The Infernal Weapons Set gives you immediate access to all weapon types on every character, which removes the early-game weapon acquisition grind entirely.
The Nioh 3 Hellfrost Armor Set guide goes deeper into the armor's defensive stats and how it compares to other early-game armor options, but the key takeaway here is that all bonuses are account-wide. You never need to repurchase anything or worry about losing access when starting fresh.
Optimizing the Infernal Weapons Set for Early Progression
The Nioh 3 Infernal Weapons Set is not just a collector's item; it is a practical tool for finding your preferred weapon class early. Since every weapon starts at level 1 with the same baseline stats, you can test each type against the first region's enemies without spending gold on weapon purchases. This testing phase matters because Nioh 3's weapon classes differ significantly in ki consumption, range, and stance options, and committing to the wrong weapon early can waste upgrade materials.
Once you identify a preferred weapon type, you can soul match the Infernal weapon to a higher-level weapon of the same class to carry over its fixed special effect. The special effect on each Infernal weapon is designed to complement the weapon's core playstyle, so preserving it through soul matching extends the set's usefulness well beyond the first region. For example, the Infernal Tonfa's ki damage bonus pairs well with aggressive Ninja Style pressure, while the Infernal Odachi's guard break effect supports a more methodical Samurai Style approach.
Weapon Testing Priority for New Players
If you are new to Nioh 3, prioritize testing weapons with distinct playstyles before settling on a main. The Katana, Dual Swords, and Tonfa represent the three most common entry points because they offer fast attack speed and forgiving ki costs. The Odachi and Axe demand more precise timing and ki management, so save those for later testing once you understand enemy attack patterns.
After testing all 14 types, most players settle into one or two weapon classes that match their preferred stance rhythm. The Infernal Weapons Set makes this discovery process free, which is its biggest hidden value. Without the set, you would need to purchase weapons from the blacksmith or rely on random drops, both of which limit your testing options in the opening hours.
Soul Matching the Infernal Weapons Set
Soul matching in Nioh 3 lets you transfer the level and base stats of one weapon to another, while keeping the target weapon's special effect. To soul match an Infernal weapon, select it as the base and a higher-level weapon of the same class as the material. The result is a higher-level Infernal weapon that retains its fixed special effect, extending its usefulness through the mid-game.
The cost of soul matching increases with the level difference between base and material, so aim to soul match every 10 to 15 levels rather than waiting for a large jump. Community reports indicate that soul matching the Infernal set this way keeps the weapons competitive through the third region, after which higher-rarity drops with better special effects start to outclass them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim the Nioh 3 Infernal Weapons Set?
Reach the first shrine after the opening mission, open the Boons tab from the shrine menu, and select Infernal Weapons Set. All 14 weapon types appear in your inventory immediately. You must have purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition to access this bonus.
Does the early purchase bonus expire?
Yes, the Nioh 3 early purchase bonus window typically lasts two to four weeks after launch, depending on platform and region. The Hellfrost Armor Set is not available after the window closes, and there is no paid DLC to unlock it later. Check the store page timer before checkout.
Are the Netsuke charms worth using?
Both Netsuke charms are worth using early on. The Chijiko Netsuke Charm boosts Amrita Gauge Charge Rate, letting you activate Yokai Shift faster against early bosses. The Kodama Netsuke Charm extends blessing duration, which helps exploration-focused players. Replace them once you find higher-rarity accessories with better set bonuses.
Can I claim bonuses on multiple characters?
Yes, all bonuses are tied to your account rather than your save file. Every new character you create can claim the same bonuses from the Boons menu at the first shrine. The Infernal Weapons Set is available on every character, making weapon testing free across playthroughs.
What happens if I buy the Standard Edition and Season Pass separately?
You get the Hellfrost Armor Set via the early purchase window and the Chijiko Netsuke Charm from the Season Pass, but the Infernal Weapons Set and Kodama Netsuke Charm stay locked to the Digital Deluxe Edition. Buy separately only if you value armor over the 14-type weapon testing kit.