Nioh 3: Best Ninja & Samurai Weapon

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the best Nioh 3 weapon choices for both the Samurai and Ninja playstyles. With 14 distinct weapon types, seven for each class, finding the right fit for your build is crucial for mastering the game's challenging combat. We will explore the top-tier options for each class, detailing their strengths, playstyles, and recommended skills to help you specialize. This analysis is based on versatility, beginner-friendliness, and overall combat effectiveness observed during extensive gameplay.

Best Nioh 3 Weapon: How To Choose

We found that Nioh 3’s decision to split its 14 weapon types between two playable styles, the Samurai and the Ninja, fundamentally changes the approach to combat. If you want to use the swift and deadly Talons or the classic Tonfa, you must be in your Ninja form. Conversely, heavy hitters like the Odachi and the pulverizing Axe are gated to the Samurai. This design means you will need to choose weapons that not only suit your preferred playstyle but also complement the unique skillset of each class, whether it's the Samurai's Ki-focused Stances or the Ninja's Ninjutsu tactics.

We recommend selecting two or three weapons to specialize in for each class, as this allows for a deeper understanding of their complex combo systems. We know from our Nioh 3 builds guide that the best builds often arise from synergy between your chosen weapon and your character's stats and skills. Understanding how a weapon like the Switchglaive scales with Magic or how the Cestus benefits from Strength is the first step toward creating a powerful and effective character.

Best Ninja Weapon

We see the Ninja as the master of swift, hit-and-run tactics, utilizing a suite of tools and Ninjutsu to control the battlefield. The Ninja weapon set, which includes the Talons, Tonfa, Dual Ninja Swords, Hatchets, Ninja Swords, Kusarigama, and Splitstaves, is designed to complement this agile playstyle. These weapons are generally faster than their Samurai counterparts and are built to synergize with endless projectiles and stealthy maneuvers.

Our top weapon choices for the Ninja are:

• Talons
• Tonfa

To master these weapons, we suggest you focus on an aggressive, close-range style of combat. The Talons reward relentless slashing combos, while the Tonfa excel at breaking an enemy's posture with rapid, blunt strikes from behind.

Ninja Sword

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Ninja Sword (via Game8)
We recommend using the Ninja Sword for a reliable, no-nonsense approach to combat, focusing on learning enemy patterns before committing to assassinations.

• Its main benefit is delivering balanced speed and power for consistent damage.

The Ninja Sword is a Uchigatana that feels like a less vanilla version of the Samurai's starting weapon due to its additional speed. We found it served well when learning the attack patterns of early bosses. This weapon allows you to link your standard sword strikes directly into an Izuna Drop, a powerful grapple move made famous by Ryu Hayabusa.

Dual Ninja Swords

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Dual Ninja Sword (via Game8)

We advise using these weapons to chip away at a boss's health with quick, multi-hit attacks that build status effects.

• Their main benefit is excellent mobility combined with vicious, rapid-fire combos.

These twin blades are a faster, more vicious version of the Samurai's Dual Swords. We noted their remarkable mobility, with techniques like Abscission allowing you to clear distance and Spinning Drill letting you perform a series of slashes while tumbling. The build for these weapons focuses on their Magic scaling to inflict Confusion on enemies by stacking Burn and Saturated status effects.

Kusarigama

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Kusarigama (via Game8)

We suggest using the Kusarigama to control spacing by using its long chain to pull enemies closer or to pull yourself toward them.

• Its main benefit is providing the longest range of all Ninja weapons.

The Kusarigama is a sickle attached to a long chain, a classic shinobi tool that is tricky to master. Its most effective use comes from hooking an opponent to set them up for combos, similar to Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. Our build utilizes the weapon's Magic scaling to quickly apply the Saturated status effect with Water-based attacks.

Tonfa

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Tonfa (via Backdash)

We recommend an aggressive, close-range playstyle that focuses on getting behind enemies to unleash devastating combos that shatter their Ki.

• Their main benefit is having the highest Ki damage of all Ninja weapons.

The Tonfa are blunt weapons that excel at wrecking enemy poise with rapid strikes. In Nioh 3, they feel even better at this task, and the Impenetrability Ninjutsu gives the Ninja an effective parry, making them nearly unstoppable. We encourage combining this weapon with Water and Lightning elements to stack Saturation and Electrified status effects, slowing enemies and making them take more damage.

Hatchets

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Hatchets (via Backdash)

We advise a hit-and-run strategy, using the Hatchet's throwable nature to deal damage from a distance before closing in for melee strikes.

• Their main benefit is offering both ranged and melee hack-and-slash action.

The Hatchets are fun, if somewhat erratic, weapons that can be thrown at enemies, even from mid-air. Their best tactics involve tossing them to deal damage from afar while using Ninjutsu like Tile Shaker to parry incoming attacks. Our build focuses on using the Hatchets primarily as long-range weapons, creating space to safely attack foes.

Splitstave

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Splitstave (via Backdash)

We suggest mastering the Fluid Form ability to chain attacks together by timing your button presses to extend the staff into a whip-like weapon.

• Its main benefit is its versatility, acting as both a polearm and a blunt multi-hit weapon.

The Splitstaff can break apart like nunchaku to whip around foes, offering good Ki damage and fast, multi-hit bashes that make enemies stagger quickly. Since this weapon scales with Magic, we recommend a build that takes advantage of Onmyo Magic and Talismans. Imbuing the weapon with the water element to build up Saturation is highly effective, as it causes enemies to take increased damage.

Talons

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3 Talons (via Backdash)

We recommend an aggressive, in-your-face combat style that uses the Talons' speed to overwhelm enemies with a flurry of slashes and kicks.

• Their main benefit is being the fastest weapon in the game, encouraging relentless offense.

These claw-like weapons feel tailor-made for the Ninja's hit-and-run style, delivering incredibly fast and potent combos both on the ground and in the air. Equipping the Talons allows you to end a combo with an Izuna Drop, a devastating move where you lift a Ki-depleted enemy into the air and slam them into the ground. Our build focuses on using the Talon's heavy damage output through a combination of skills like Whirling Tiger and Spinning Kicks.

Best Samurai Weapon

We define the Samurai as a warrior focused on balancing Ki usage, mastering multiple Stances, and executing perfectly timed parries. The Samurai's arsenal reflects this philosophy, including the Sword, Dual Swords, Spear, Axe, Odachi, Switchglaive, and the new Cestus. These weapons are about managing stamina and finding the right moment to unleash powerful, decisive blows.

Our top weapon choices for the Samurai are:

• Axes
• Switchglaives

To use these effectively, we advise you to manage your positioning and timing carefully. The Axe demands you maintain constant offense to leverage its raw power despite its slow speed, while the Switchglaive's potential is only unlocked through expert Stance switching mid-combo.

Samurai Swords

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3 Sword (via MSN)

We suggest using the Sword to learn the fundamentals of Nioh's combat, including linking attacks, deflecting, and managing Ki Pulse.

• Its main benefit is being the most versatile and balanced weapon in the Samurai's kit.

The Sword is the Samurai's starting weapon, and it serves as an excellent tool for teaching beginners the game's core mechanics. It offers a straightforward and consistent moveset across all three Stances, without any flashy or over-the-top attacks. Our build focuses on steady Ki control, using Heart for damage and Ki, and Stamina to wear heavier armor for better survivability.

Dual Sword

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Dual Sword (via 52PK)

We recommend this weapon for players who want something faster than a single Sword but with better range than the Cestus.

• Their main benefit is their ability to unleash a barrage of elemental attacks and build upon blocking tactics.

The Samurai's Dual Swords are twin katanas that offer an excellent middle ground between speed and power. They come with a variety of Martial Arts that enhance your defensive capabilities, allowing you to build upon your Deflect parries with counter-attacks like Deflecting Cut. We found that they also look incredibly cool in every stance, which is a nice bonus.

Spears

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Spears (via MSN)

We advise picking up the Spear if you want a consistent, no-nonsense weapon with high offensive output and useful range.

• Its main benefit is providing reliable damage and speed without complex mechanics.

The Spear is a simple and clean weapon for skewering yokai, offering easy-to-chain combos that balance damage and speed. We see it as a great choice for those who like the power of the Axe but would rather not deal with its slow, spinning attacks or the constant Stance switching required by the Switchglaive. Our build focuses on hit-and-run combat, emphasizing quick strikes and evasive maneuvers.

Axes

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Axes (via MSN)

We recommend maintaining constant offensive pressure to make up for the Axe's slow attack speed, using Heavy Stance for devastating charged strikes.

• Their main benefit is delivering unparalleled raw power and pulverizing force.

Axes, which also include Hammers, are powerhouses that can smash through enemy defenses, though they are incredibly slow. Martial Arts like Mad Spinner can feel uncontrollable at times, but the sheer damage from a charged Heavy Stance strike is undeniable. Our build emphasizes Stamina to boost melee damage and wear heavy armor, along with Magic to enhance Talisman effectiveness.

Odachi

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Odachi (via MSN)

We suggest using the Odachi's long reach for crowd control and poking at enemies with Low Stance before switching to High Stance for a powerful charged strike.

• Its main benefit is its ability to carve off huge chunks of a boss's health bar with its massive blade.

The Odachi is a huge blade favored by a select group of players for its excellent crowd control and high damage potential. While we found it to be slower and less consistent than the Spear, its ability to hit multiple enemies with wide, sweeping attacks is a significant advantage. Our build prioritizes Stamina to increase melee damage and equip heavy armor for maximum defense.

Switchglaives

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Switchglaives (via MSN)

We recommend this weapon only for expert players who have mastered Nioh's Stance switching system, as its effectiveness depends entirely on changing forms mid-combo.

• Its main benefit is its immense combo potential and offensive output when its forms are switched fluidly.

The Switchglaive is likely the most complicated weapon in the game, as it transforms from a glaive to a guillotine to a scythe depending on your Stance. For those who can successfully pull off Stance switches during combos, the offensive output is immense, making it an S-Tier weapon. However, for anyone not comfortable with constant Stance switching, we would rank it much lower.

Cestuses

Image Credit: KOEI TECMO GAMES, Nioh 3, Cestuses (via MSN)

We recommend staying aggressive and close to your enemy, using skills to stack multiple Martial Art combos for relentless pressure.

• Its main benefit is demolishing any enemy's guard with powerful, Ki-breaking attacks.

The Cestus is a welcome new addition to the Samurai's arsenal, a fast-moving and heavy-hitting fist weapon that also incorporates kicks into its combos. These blunt, armored gloves excel at breaking enemy Ki with powerful multi-hit attacks that can quickly demolish a foe's guard. While their range is low, we found that forging them at the blacksmith is the most reliable way to acquire them, as loot drops are quite rare.

Nioh 3 Guides

Once you begin your journey, you will find that leveling up and gathering Amrita are crucial for your progress. We have created a comprehensive Nioh 3 leveling guide to help you with this. This guide details the most efficient methods for farming Amrita, from completing Myths and clearing Enemy Bases to defeating Formidable Enemies. We also break down how to increase your Exploration Levels, explaining what each level does and how to unlock new abilities by exploring the world.

Before you dive into the intense world of Nioh 3, we have prepared a guide that covers the essential lore, plot, and gameplay mechanics from the previous games. This " Before You Buy " resource is designed to catch you up on the story so far and explain the core systems that define the series. It provides the context needed to fully appreciate the new narrative and gameplay evolutions in the latest installment.