Nioh 2 Benevolent Grave
In Nioh 2, the world is filled with danger, demons, and death around every corner, but not every grave you encounter holds a vengeful spirit. Among the many gameplay mechanics that set Nioh 2 apart, the Benevolent Grave offers a unique feature that blends cooperative support with spiritual lore. These glowing blue graves serve as a silent yet powerful tool to aid players on their journey. Whether you’re battling powerful yokai or navigating treacherous environments, understanding how Benevolent Graves work can make a real difference in surviving the punishing world of Nioh 2.
What Is a Benevolent Grave?
Concept and Lore
A Benevolent Grave in Nioh 2 is a glowing blue marker left behind by another player, representing their fallen character. Unlike the red Bloody Graves that summon AI-controlled revenants for challenging battles, Benevolent Graves allow you to summon a helpful NPC companion. These spirits, modeled after real players’ builds, fight alongside you for a limited time. In terms of in-game lore, they are viewed as helpful souls that still seek purpose, providing aid to other warriors during times of need.
Function in Gameplay
Activating a Benevolent Grave costs Ochoko Cups, a valuable resource that also fuels multiplayer interactions in Nioh 2. Once summoned, the AI-controlled ally will assist you in battle, using the skills, armor, and weapon choices of the player who placed the grave. This makes them excellent backup during boss fights or when facing overwhelming odds in challenging areas.
How to Use a Benevolent Grave
Summoning an Ally
To activate a Benevolent Grave, approach the glowing blue tombstone and interact with it. You will need to spend Ochoko Cups based on the level of the helper you are summoning. Higher-level allies typically cost more cups but are better equipped to handle stronger enemies.
Duration and Limits
Once summoned, your companion will follow and fight with you until one of the following conditions is met:
- The summoned spirit is defeated in battle
- You reach a boss area
It’s important to note that you cannot summon a Benevolent Grave if you are already playing in co-op with other real players.
Benefits of Using Benevolent Graves
Combat Support
The AI-controlled companions can be very useful in combat. They can draw enemy aggro, giving you room to heal or reposition. Their attacks are often aggressive and based on high-level builds, providing extra damage against tough yokai or bosses. If you’re playing solo or struggling with a particular encounter, a Benevolent Grave can be the deciding factor between life and death.
Strategy Enhancement
Using Benevolent Graves can help players experiment with different strategies. For example, if your own build is focused on ranged attacks, summoning a close-range melee fighter can help balance your team. You can also learn about different gear combinations by observing how these AI spirits perform in battle, gaining insight into alternative playstyles.
Creating Your Own Benevolent Grave
How to Leave a Grave
You can create your own Benevolent Grave for others to summon by using a Righteous Jasper. This item can be found throughout the game or purchased from Kodama Bazaar at Shrines. When you use a Righteous Jasper, a blue grave is created at your location. Your character’s current stats, gear, and abilities are saved to that grave, making it available for other players to summon as a helpful spirit.
Benefits for You
If another player uses your Benevolent Grave, you will receive Ochoko Cups and other rewards, even if you are offline. This passive multiplayer system creates a sense of community, allowing players to support one another indirectly while still progressing on their individual journeys.
Differences Between Benevolent and Bloody Graves
Key Contrasts
While both types of graves appear throughout Nioh 2, their purposes are quite different:
- Benevolent Graves: Blue glow, summon helpful AI allies, cost Ochoko Cups, based on other players’ builds.
- Bloody Graves: Red glow, summon hostile revenants, drop loot when defeated, used to challenge fallen players’ ghosts.
Knowing the difference at a glance can prevent confusion during urgent moments, especially in areas where both types are scattered across the battlefield.
Best Times to Use Benevolent Graves
Before Boss Fights
Benevolent Graves are ideal before challenging boss encounters. Having an extra sword (or spear, or axe) at your side gives you a tactical advantage. The AI can distract the boss, giving you time to heal or unleash charged attacks from a safe distance.
During Tough Missions
Some side missions or main story areas throw multiple strong enemies at you in close quarters. A Benevolent Grave can even the odds, especially if you’re underleveled or still learning enemy attack patterns. Summoning an ally can provide breathing room in chaotic combat situations.
For Testing Builds
Curious about how your build performs? Leave a Benevolent Grave and see how often other players summon you. The more your build is used, the more you’ll receive in rewards. It’s also a great way to fine-tune your gear for balance, damage, and survivability based on your AI’s effectiveness.
Tips for Efficient Use of Benevolent Graves
- Stock up on Ochoko Cups during missions, especially from Bloody Grave fights.
- Use Benevolent Graves only when absolutely needed save your cups for the toughest moments.
- Equip balanced gear if you plan to leave your own grave AI builds don’t always replicate niche tactics well.
- Use Righteous Jasper near shrines or crossroads where players are likely to pass through.
The Benevolent Grave in Nioh 2 offers a subtle but powerful way to blend community-driven support with solo gameplay. Whether you’re struggling against relentless yokai or testing out new strategies, summoning a helpful spirit can ease the burden without removing the challenge. It adds depth to the game’s already intricate systems while strengthening the unspoken bond between Nioh 2 players around the world. So next time you see that blue glow on the battlefield, don’t pass it by it might just be the help you need to overcome the impossible.