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Improve a favored weapon with Soul Matching — guide illustration
Weapons, armor and proficiency

Improve a favored weapon with Soul Matching

Uses Blacksmith Soul Matching to carry a worthwhile weapon forward when a new drop would otherwise replace it.

PC / Global, Nioh: Complete Edition with all three expansions
WHERE & HOW TO FARM

Where to farm

Blacksmith services in the Starting Point after the Blacksmith has been unlocked.

Soul Matching combines a selected item with a material item at the Blacksmith, letting you improve a favored piece when the displayed result justifies the cost. Use it selectively: early equipment is often replaced by ordinary drops, while a weapon with useful effects or a strong build fit may merit the investment. The interface shows the proposed result and cost before confirmation. Compare those details with a fresh drop, then commit only if the upgrade advances your current goal. The method consumes the chosen material item, so inspect it carefully first.

See farming steps ↓
GET STARTED

How to farm

Before you go

  • Unlock the Blacksmith through story progression.
  • Have a favored weapon and a spare item eligible to use as Soul Match material.
  • Have enough gold and accept the displayed service cost.
  1. Return to the Starting Point and open the Blacksmith menu.
  2. Choose Soul Match and select the weapon you intend to retain as the base item.
  3. Select a suitable higher-level material item from inventory.
  4. Review the proposed level and any effect changes shown in the service preview.
  5. Check the gold cost and ensure the material is not a piece you want to keep.
  6. Confirm only if the resulting weapon is a meaningful improvement.
  7. Equip the result and store, sell, or offer the remaining unwanted gear.

Farming tips

  • Keep an eye on inherited effects and the result preview; do not assume every property will remain useful.
  • Save expensive investment for gear that supports your current build or a clear progression goal.

Repeat, collect and use

Soul Matching can be performed again with eligible materials and sufficient gold, but every transaction consumes a material item and costs currency.

Common mistakes

  • Using a useful or rare item as material by accident; inspect the selected item before confirming.
  • Upgrading every temporary weapon; wait for a piece worth keeping.
  • Ignoring the listed cost and result; back out if the gain does not justify the spend.

When to stop or switch

Stop investing when a better drop replaces the weapon or the service cost exceeds the value of the improvement.

Sources & fact checks
steamcommunity.com ↗
REWARD DETAILS & CONDITIONS

Sources & rewards

Farming route

Improve a favored weapon with Soul Matching

Blacksmith services in the Starting Point after the Blacksmith has been unlocked.

  • Unlock the Blacksmith through story progression.
  • Have a favored weapon and a spare item eligible to use as Soul Match material.
  • Have enough gold and accept the displayed service cost.
Rate not listed

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