# In-Game Familiarity Rewards The New Nioh 3 By Team Ninja Features Familiarity-Based Shrine Credit By Colin Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-02-06 | Updated 2026-02-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nioh-3 References: [pcgamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/dont-throw-away-your-old-well-loved-weapons-in-nioh-3-trade-them-for-in-shrine-credit-instead/)  Nioh 3, developed by [Team Ninja](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-knight-witch), introduced a gameplay twist that rewards players for sticking with equipment, featuring an item 'familiarity' meter that increases as you use gear and boosts its value when offered at shrines. The mechanic turns worn weapons and armor into a resource for Amrita—experience currency—rather than just disposable loot. Players can lock favored items to avoid accidental scrapping, choose between selling or salvaging unused gear, or bring high-familiarity pieces to a shrine via the Preparations > Make an offering option. The game pairs this with familiar systems like Soul Match for upgrades and blacksmith scrapping, creating a loop between usage, reward, and progression. For players, the familiarity system changes inventory habits: retaining and using weapons becomes an intentional strategy to maximize Amrita gains and free levels. As loot-heavy titles continue to refine reward loops, Nioh 3’s approach highlights a trend toward valuing player attachment and playtime in resource design. Image Credit: Team Ninja ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 65% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Familiarity-based Rewards Systems:** This trend highlights an innovative approach in game design where player attachment to in-game items is used as a progression and reward mechanism. - **Player-centric Inventory Management:** Games are evolving to incorporate systems that incentivize players to carefully manage and utilize their inventory for strategic advantages. - **Value Amplification of In-game Resources:** In-Game assets are being designed to grow in value through use, encouraging continued engagement and strategic play from users. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming Industry:** The gaming sector continues to innovate with mechanics that enhance player engagement by rewarding effective resource use and item attachment. - **Virtual Goods and Currency Market:** Platforms dealing with in-game currencies and items are exploring new value models that hinge on emotional connection and strategic utilization by players. - **Digital Experience Design:** This industry is seeing disruptive innovations as traditional notions of virtual asset disposal are transformed into new systems of value and reward. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [High-Profile Game Crossovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/call-of-duty-mobile-nier.md) - [Historic AR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/historic-ar-experience.md) - [Extended Survival Game DLCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elden-ring-nightreign-1.md) - [College Gaming Discounts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netease-games.md) - [Large-Scale Multiplayer Game Modes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marvel-rivals-hive-mind.md) - [Multi-Genre Game Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omeda-studios-predecessor.md) - [Live-Service Action Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/destiny-rising.md) - [Secure Digital Game Transactions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lootbar.md) - [Cinematic Anime Action Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solo-leveling-karma.md)