Backstabbing is a standard technique in third-person action games, so you may have been a little surprised when you snuck up behind your first enemy in Nioh 2 and couldn’t perform the move. While Nioh 2 does have a backstab move, it is not a default technique, and instead is something you will need to unlock through the game’s skill trees.
If you want to use the backstab technique in Nioh 2, you will need to work on your Ninja skills, as it can be found in the Ninja skill tree.
The Sneak Attack skill that allows you to backstab can be unlocked with one skill point, but only after you unlock the Tiger-running skill first. Once you have the Sneak Attack skill unlocked, you can backstab enemies by hitting Triangle behind an enemy that is unaware of your presence.
How to get Ninja Skill Points
To get Ninja skill points in Nioh 2 you can use an item called a Ninja’s Lock. This can be obtained by finished missions, as a drop from some enemies and bosses, or it can be randomly looted throughout the game. You can also use Ninja items that you pick up around the levels, and will gain familiarity and Ninja skill points by using them.
If you need help with other aspects of Nioh 2, we have guides on how to purify a Shrine, understand how to effectively Burst Counter, and how to beat Gozuki. We can even fill you in on those little round ghost cats you might have seen in different locations.
