Nioh 3 Weapons Guide

Master all 17 weapon types across Samurai, Ninja, and Ranged categories

Beginner Recommended

S
TIER

Sword - Best for Beginners

Sword is the most beginner-friendly weapon with a balanced moveset and forgiving timing windows. It performs exceptionally well in all three stances with good damage, range, and versatility. The Heart attribute scaling boosts both damage and Ki recovery.

Alternative: Spear offers the longest attack range and high survivability with Constitution scaling.

Samurai Weapons (7)

Samurai weapons use the traditional Ki Pulse and Three Stance system (High/Mid/Low). These weapons focus on balanced combat with strong defense and counter-attack options.

S Tier

Sword

太刀 • Heart Scaling

DMG: 60% RNG: 55% SPD: 65%

Balanced moveset, effective in all stances. Best beginner choice.

Iai Quickdraw Burst Ki Recovery
A Tier

Dual Swords

双刀 • Heart Scaling

DMG: 50% RNG: 40% SPD: 80%

Fast attacks with rapid status effect buildup.

Quick Combos Status Builder
S Tier

Spear

槍 • Constitution Scaling

DMG: 55% RNG: 85% SPD: 50%

Longest range, high survivability. Excellent crowd control.

Max Range HP Boost Tornado
S Tier

Odachi

大太刀 • Stamina Scaling

DMG: 85% RNG: 75% SPD: 35%

Highest damage with wide sweeps. Moonlit Snow burst damage.

Highest DMG Heavy Armor Wide Sweeps
B Tier

Axe

大斧 • Constitution Scaling

DMG: 80% RNG: 50% SPD: 30%

Extreme single-hit damage but very slow attack speed.

High Burst Break Guard
A Tier

Switchglaive

薙刀鎌 • Skill Scaling

DMG: 65% RNG: 60% SPD: 55%

Mid-range skill weapon. Core of Onmyo Switchglaive build.

Onmyo Synergy Versatile
B Tier

Cestus

手甲 • Heart Scaling

DMG: 55% RNG: 25% SPD: 75%

Fist weapon with rapid combo attacks but short range.

Fast Combos Close Range

Ninja Weapons (7)

Ninja weapons focus on speed and mobility, using "Kasumi" dodge, "Mikiri" counter, and aerial combos. High skill ceiling with devastating damage potential.

A Tier

Ninja Sword

忍刀 • Strength Scaling

DMG: 55% RNG: 50% SPD: 65%

Basic Ninja weapon, balanced stats for all situations.

Balanced Ninja Style
S Tier

Dual Ninja Swords

忍双刀 • Heart Scaling

DMG: 60% RNG: 40% SPD: 85%

Dual-wield blades with extremely fast DPS output.

Highest DPS Aerial Combos
S Tier

Tonfa

拐 • Constitution Scaling

DMG: 55% RNG: 30% SPD: 80%

High mobility with excellent close-range suppression.

High Mobility Aerial Chain
A Tier

Kusarigama

鎖鎌 • Constitution Scaling

DMG: 50% RNG: 80% SPD: 70%

Mid-range control with high skill ceiling. Ninjutsu synergy.

Control High Skill
A Tier

Hatchets

手斧 • Stamina Scaling

DMG: 60% RNG: 40% SPD: 60%

Throwing weapon with devastating aerial combos.

Throwable Aerial Damage
B Tier

Splitstaff

分銅棍 • Strength Scaling

DMG: 50% RNG: 55% SPD: 60%

Staff weapon with good range and area attacks.

Range AoE
B Tier

Talons

手甲鉤 • Heart Scaling

DMG: 55% RNG: 20% SPD: 75%

Claw weapon for rapid tearing damage. High risk/reward.

Bleed Close Combat

Ranged Weapons (3)

Ranged weapons can be used with both Samurai and Ninja combat styles. Essential for pulling enemies, exploiting weaknesses, and dealing safe damage.

Bow

弓 • Heart Scaling

Pull enemies, attack weak points, and use elemental arrows for status buildup.

  • Pulling single enemies
  • Weak point headshots
  • Fire/elemental arrows

Rifle

鉄砲 • Heart Scaling

Long-range precision shots. Perfect for eliminating threats before engaging.

  • Sniping from distance
  • Precise weak points
  • Safe opener damage

Hand Cannon

手砲 • Strength Scaling

Devastating single-shot damage. Breaks enemy guards and depletes stamina.

  • High burst damage
  • Guard breaking
  • Ki depletion

Three Stance System

Samurai weapons use three stances that significantly change attack properties. Mastering stance switching is key to combat mastery.

High Stance

上段

High Damage High Ki Cost Hyper Armor

Use during boss attack recovery frames for maximum damage. Best for burst windows.

Medium Stance

中段

Balanced Best Defense Steady Output

Default combat stance. Balanced offense and defense for most situations.

Low Stance

下段

Fast Attacks Low Ki Cost High Mobility

Quick status buildup and evasion. Lowest Ki consumption for extended combos.

Weapon Tier List

Samurai Weapons

Tier Weapon Reason
S Sword, Spear, Odachi Strong in all difficulties, excellent versatility
A Dual Swords, Switchglaive Strong with specific builds or situations
B Axe, Cestus Viable but outclassed by S-tier options

Ninja Weapons

Tier Weapon Reason
S Dual Ninja Swords, Tonfa Highest DPS, excellent mobility and aerial chains
A Ninja Sword, Kusarigama, Hatchets Strong options with skill ceiling
B Splitstaff, Talons Situational or require specific builds

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