Guardian Spirits are special entities in Nioh 2 that the player can imbue with characters to gain protection and special effects. Nioh 2 Guardian Spirits are unique in that they can be attuned to Soul Cores and thus unlock Yokai Skills for players to activate special abilities. This page covers a full list of Nioh 2 Guardian Spirits, the buffs they provide, their stats, and their special effects.
How to use Yokai Shift in Nioh 2
Activate Yokai Shift by pressing △ + O (B + Y on Xbox/Steam controller) when the Amrita Gauge is full. Activating Yokai Shift will replace your Life Gauge and Ki Gauge with the Yokai Shift Gauge. While in Yokai Shift, any damage you receive will not affect your health or Ki, depleting your Yokai Shift Gauge instead. The Yokai Shift Gauge will also deplete with time, transforming you back into human form when it is fully depleted.
How to use Yokai Skills in Nioh 2
Attune your Guardian Spirit with a specific Soul Core and you'll be able to perform the Yokai Skills associated with the core. Press R2+triangle or Square during combat if you have enough Anima.
Each Soul Core possesses a unique power, each requiring differing amounts of Yokai Force to activate. A Guardian Spirit can be attuned to up to two (eventually three) Soul Cores, each one corresponding to a different slot and activation command.
Nioh 2 Guardian Spirit & Soul Core Guide
Nioh 2 Build Guides
Nioh 2 Guardian Spirits Guide
Guardian Spirits in Nioh 2
Makami
A wolf spirit that increases Fire Resistance.
Atk. Power: x1.10- Def. Power: x0.90
Atk. Power
Def. Power- Attu. Limit: 20
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Attu. Limit
Yokai ShiftSpecial Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Melee Attack Ki Consumption -10.0%
Final Blow Damage +12.5%- Fire Resistance +12.0
- Yokai Ability Damage (All) +15.0%
Ame-no-Mitori
An eagle spirit that boosts Ki recovery rate.
- Atk. Power: x1.00
- Def. Power: x1.05
- Attu. Limit: 21
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Yokai ShiftSpecial Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Running Speed +10.0%
- Ki Recovery Speed +12.5%
- Divine Rice Drop Rate +8.8%
- Lightning Damage +20.0%
Kagewani
A shark spirit that boosts Life.
- Atk. Power: x0.85
- Def. Power: x1.20
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Y. ShiftSpecial Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Life +200
- Tenacity (Damage Over Time)
- Strong Attack Ki Damage +15.0%
- Life Drain (Yokai Ability Hit) A
Okuri-Inu
A dog-like spirit that increases Amrita Gauge Charge.
- Atk. Power: x0.98
- Def. Power: x1.07
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Melee Damage vs Unscathed Enemy +10.0%
- Anima +2.0
- Amrita Gauge Charge +10.0%
- Critical Yokai Shift (Dark Realm) +40%
Masaru
A monkey spirit that enables auto-Grave recovery.
- Atk. Power: x1.02
- Def. Power: x1.00
- Attu. Limit: 23
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Increased Attack (Amrita Absorption)
- Auto-Grave Recovery +25.0%
- Imbue Purity (Strong Attack) +10
- Amrita Sensor
Shirohami
A viper spirit that increases the soul core drop rate.
- Atk. Power: x1.12
- Def. Power: x0.88
- Attu. Limit: 21
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Life Drain (Melee Kill) 50
- Imbue Poison (Yokai Abilities) +50
- Soul Core Drop Rate +5.0%
- Poison Accumulation (Enemy) +15.0%
Hyobishin
A Panther spirit that boosts Guard and Anima.
- Atk. Power: x1.12
- Def. Power: x0.88
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Attack Bonus (Amrita Gauge) B+
- Yokai Ability Damage (Brute) +18.0%
- Dispel Ailments (Strong Attack) 30.0%
- Anima Charge (Critical) +20.0%
Nekomata
A Cat Spirit that increases the Feral Yokai Abilities
- Atk. Power: x1.10
- Def. Power: x0.90
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Throwing Weapon Damage +5.0%
- Yokai Ability Damage (Feral) +20.0%
- Extended Burst Counter: Feral
- Anima Bonus (Ninjutsu Hit) A
Yaonami-Hime
A mermaid spirit that enables Life Drain (Water) attack.
- Atk. Power: x1.05
- Def. Power: x0.97
- Attu. Limit: 23
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Life Drain (Water Attack) B
- Auto-Recovery (Critical)
- Water Resistance +20.0
- Anima Bonus (Saturated Enemy) A
Rokugezo
An elephant spirit that increases the player's toughness.
- Atk. Power: x1.07
- Def. Power: x0.95
- Attu. Limit: 23
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Yokai Ability Damage (Force Boost) +25.0%
- Toughness +20
- Anima Bonus (Timely Guard) 3.0
- Lightning Resistance +20.0
Usura-Hicho
A butterfly spirit that boosts Life Recovery.
- Atk. Power: x0.90
- Def. Power: x1.15
- Attu. Limit: 20
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Life Recovery (Purification) 100
- Dodge Ki Consumption -10.0%
- Water Damage +15.0%
- Active Skill Ki Damage +10.0%
Shin-Roku
A deer spirit that provides Life Drain (Stong Attack)
- Atk. Power: x1.02
- Def. Power: x1.00
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Life Drain (Strong Attack) 50
- Lightning Damage +15.0%
- Anima Bonus (Electrified Enemy) A
- Anima Charge (Unscathed) +10.0%
Hiyokucho
A dual-head bird that boosts Ki
- Atk. Power: x1.00
- Def. Power: x1.05
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Ki +80
- Medicine Burst +15.0%
- Melee Damage (Critical) +15.0%
- Ki Recovery Bonus (Amrita Gauge) A
Tengen Kujaku
A peacock spirit that boosts Anima Bonus
- Atk. Power: x1.05
- Def. Power: x0.97
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Stance-Based Amrita Bonus
- Extended Elemental Weapon +10.0%
- Anima Bonus (Elemental Attack) A
- Enemy/Treasure/Amrita/Kodama Sensor
Nine Tails
A Fire Fox that increases Fire Damage
- Atk. Power: x0.90
- Def. Power: x1.15
- Attu. Limit: 23
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Fire Resistance +20.0
- Luck (Yokai Shift) +70
- Fire Damage +15.0%
- Anima Bonus (Scorched Enemy) A
Atlas Bear
A Bear that provides damage bonus
- Atk. Power: x1.15
- Def. Power: x0.82
- Attu. Limit: 20
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Damage Bonus (Low Ki)
- Faster Winded Recovery
- Melee Damage +5.0%
- Life Drain (Grapple) 200
Genbu
A tortoise spirit that increases defense
- Atk. Power: x0.80
- Def. Power: x1.25
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Stalwart (Onmyo Magic)
- Damage Taken -5.0%
- Elemental Damage Taken -15.0%
- Anima Bonus (Onmyo Magic Hit) A
Gyokuto
A Rabbit guardian spirit that reduces ki consumption.
- Atk. Power: x0.85
- Def. Power: x1.20
- Attu. Limit: 20
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Elixir Efficacy +10%
- Dash Ki Consumption -15%
- Untouched Elixir +10%
Saoirse
An aquatic guardian spirit boost defense.
- Atk. Power: x0.95
- Def. Power: x1.10
- Attu. Limit: 20
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Enemy & Amrita Sensor
- Defence Bonus (Amrita Gauge) A
- Amrita Gauge Charge +15.0%
- Anima Bonus (Amirta Absorption) A
Yumehami
A guardian spirit that provides Anima bonus.
- Atk. Power: x1.05
- Def. Power: x0.97
- Attu. Limit: 21
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Anima Bonus (Gold Earned) B+
- Melee Ki Damage +20.0%
- Extended Yokai Shift +20.0%
- Faster Ki Recovery (Amrita Absorption)
Isanagami
A whale guardian spirit that increases Tea Utensil Drop Rate.
- Atk. Power: x1.07
- Def. Power: x0.95
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Life +250
- Increased Attack (Medicine)
- Melee damage vs Saturated Enemy +15.0%
- Tea Utensil Drop Rate +10.0%
Hakutaku
A goat form guardian spirit increases Yokai Ability Damage.
- Atk. Power: x0.95
- Def. Power: x1.10
- Attu. Limit: 23
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Life Drain (Lightning Attack) B+
- Increased Defense (Medicine)
- Yokai Ability Damage (Phantom) +20.0%
- Soul Core Drop Rate +8.0%
Inosasao
A boar guardian spirit that reduces damage taken.
- Atk. Power: x1.15
- Def. Power: x0.82
- Attu. Limit: 21
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Defence Bonus (Amrita Gauge) B+
- Charge Attack Boost +15.0%
- Damage Taken (Mid-Attack) -15.0%
- Anima Bonus (Damage Taken) A
Yatagarasu
A crow spirit that increases untouched ammo.
- Atk. Power: x1.00
- Def. Power: x1.05
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Untouched Ammo +20%
- Imbue Fire (Ranged Attack) +50
- Melee Damage vs. Scorched Enemy +15%
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Weapon Hit) A
Itokuri
A spider guardian spirit that increases item drop rate.
- Atk. Power: x1.02
- Def. Power: x1.00
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Item drop rate +5%
- Luck +40
- Imbue Paralysis (Yokai Abilities) +50
- Paralysis Accumulation (Enemy) +15%
Mizuchi
A Dragon guardian spirit that increases Anima Bonus (Water Attack).
- Atk. Power: x1.07
- Def. Power: x0.95
- Attu. Limit: 20
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
Kurama Tengu
A great Tengu from Mount Kurama that increases Ki recovery.
- Atk. Power: x1.08
- Def. Power: x0.94
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Active Skill Ki Consumption -10%
- Yokai Ability Damage (Purified Enemy) +20%
- Dodge Ki Consumption -12%
- Ki Recovery (Unscathed) +14%
Ho
A male bird guardian spirit that increases High Attack Damage.
- Atk. Power: x1.03
- Def. Power: x0.99
- Attu. Limit: 25
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- High Attack Damage +8%
- Imbue Purity (Strong Attack) +15
- Amrita Earned +5%
- Luck +45
Blue Dragon
A Dragon guardian spirit that reduces the elemental damage taken.
- Atk. Power: x0.97
- Def. Power: x1.08
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
Kuzunoha the Fox
A Guardian Spirit that takes the form of a white fox, and the foremost messenger of the fox deity, Inari.
- Atk. Power: 1
- Def. Power: 1.05
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
Janomecho
A humanoid guardian spirit possessing butterfly wings and antenae, Janomecho is said to have a strong connection with death and the soul, and that all who speak its real name die-- hence why people call it janomecho, a type of butterfly known as "Minois dryas" in English.
- Atk. Power: 1.14
- Def. Power: 0.88
- Attu. Limit: 22
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Anima Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage)A-
- Dodge Ki Consumption -8.0%
- Ki Recovery (Critical) +15%
- Auto-Charge Amrita Gauge (Critical)
- Attack Bonus (Health Lost) A
Ho-oh
A guardian spirit that reduces the damage taken from Yokai.
- Atk. Power: 1.02
- Def. Power: 1.02
- Attu. Limit: 26
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Purified Accumulation (Enemy) +8%
- Damage Taken vs. Yokai -7%
- Damage vs. Purified Enemy +10%
- Calming Breath
Oh
A female bird-like spirit that helps life recover.
- Atk. Power: 0.98
- Def. Power: 1.07
- Attu. Limit: 25
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
- Charge Bonus (Cumulative Damage) A-
- Guard Ki Consumption -8%
- Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption) 30
- Faster Ki Recovery (Timely Guard)
- Lucky Drop (Accessory)
Amabie
A jumping fish spirit that can improve your healing ability.
- Atk. Power: 0.81
- Def. Power: 1.24
- Attu. Limit: 23
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Ranged Hit) A-
- Medicine Efficacy (Critical) +50%
- Paralysis Resistance +50
- Dispel Ailments (Medicine) 100%
- Protection (Medicine)
Suzaku
A phoenix spirit that deals burn damage.
- Atk. Power: 0.97
- Def. Power: 1.08
- Attu. Limit: 24
- Y. Shift: Phantom
Special Effects:
Sohaya
A white dragon-like spirit that can shoot enemies from afar.
- Atk. Power: 1.20
- Def. Power: 0.82
- Attu. Limit: 26
- Yokai Shift: Feral
Special Effects:
Baku
A boar-like spirit that corrupts enemies.
- Atk. Power: 1.11
- Def. Power: 0.91
- Attu. Limit: 26
- Yokai Shift: Brute
Special Effects:
- Anima Bonus (Guard) A-
- Corrupted Accumulation (Enemy) +8%
- Pleiades (Amrita Absorption)
- Melee Damage vs Corrupted Enemy +10%
- Anima Charge +10%
Guardian Spirit Combination Effects
After enough progression has been made in game, the player can have two Guardian Spirits at a time, with one being the Primary Guardian Spirit, having access to the full extent of its benefits, and the other being a Secondary Guardian Spirit, having half the effectiveness of special effects with this symbol. In addition, you gain another passive bonus for having a certain combination of Guardian Spirits:
Guardian Spirit Combination (In Order of Priority) |
Special Effects |
| Masaru + Yumehami | Amrita Earned + 1.0% |
| Usura-Hicho + Shirohami | |
| Usura-Hicho + Hyobishin | Ki Recovery Speed + 2.0% |
| Usura-Hicho + Tengen Kujaku | |
| Nine Tails + Hiyokucho | |
| Nine Tails + Inosasao | Toughness +5 |
| Atlas Bear + Hyobishin | High Attack Damage +2.0% |
| Atlas Bear + Tengen Kujaku | |
| Hyobishin + Tengen Kujaku | |
| Shin-Roku + Nekomata | Ki Recovery (Critical) +5.0% |
| Genbu + Isanagami | Onmyo Magic Power + 20 |
| Hakutaku + Mizuchi | Life Drain (Elemental Attack) C |
| Saoirse + Gyokuto | |
| Kurama Tengu + Ho | Quick Attack Damage +3.0% |
| Ho + Oh | Melee Damage vs. Purified Enemy +3.0% |
| Baku + Yumehami | Max Yokai Ability Ki Damage +3.0% |
| Baku + Sohaya | Amrita Bonus (Inflict Purified) C |
| Matching Elements (Except for Purity and Corruption) | Increased [Element] Damage +5.0% |
| Matching Types | Yokai Ability Damage (Type) +5.0% |
| Brute + Feral | |
| Brute + Phantom | |
| Feral + Phantom | |
| Purity + Corruption | Anima Bonus (Confused Enemy) D |
AnonymousMan i hate that you now need to Level the right stats to use a Guardian Spirit effectiv. Back then you could Just Level "Spirit" was way better For Mages and Any other Build
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
well i whish more spirits would be more viable ...
also would be nice if the secondary skills would be the skills that stand out on the spirits.
For example ho-oh*s "Calming Breath" skill or Genbu*s "Stalwart".
Secondary spirits feel kind of weak ...
- Anonymous
Late to the party, but the requirements might be a good addition if anyone feels like it.
- Anonymous
How to activate guardian spirit on death? It was happening I. My 1st playthrough but in my 2nd playthrough I changed the stat and skill and now it's not happening.
- Anonymous
I've been using 2 lightning guardians with about 5 pieces of the Obsidian Samurai set for increased effectiveness. This set up has carried me through most of the game, as it would appear not many enemies are too resistant to lightning.
- Anonymous
Does 2nd guardian spirit gets the benefit of soul core passive?
- Anonymous
Onmyo mains not looking like they have a whole lot of options...
Can someone put where to unlock each of these on this page?
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