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Nioh 3 Weapon Tier List & Directory: Best Starter Weapons

Complete Nioh 3 Weapons Guide. Tier list for Katana, Dual Swords, Spear, Axe, Kusarigama, and new DLC weapons. Find the best weapon for your playstyle.

Nioh 3 Weapons Directory

Choosing a weapon in Nioh 3 is like choosing a character in a fighting game. Each has unique movesets, optimal stats, and playstyles.

Weapon Tier List (Early Access)

TierWeaponWhy?
SFists, SwitchglaiveInfinite combos, high mobility, oppressive against humans.
ASplitstaff, Chain Blade (New), Dual SwordsStrong range or damage output. Chain Blade has amazing crowd control.
BKatana, Odachi, SpearSolid, reliable, but require good fundamentals.
CAxe, HatchetsHigh damage but risky animations or high skill floor.

New Weapon: Chain Blade (Kusarigama Evolution)

  • Scales with: Dexterity (A), Skill (B), Heart (C)
  • Playstyle: Mid-range zoning & aerial resets.
  • Special: Can grapple enemies and pull yourself towards them.
  • Best Skill: Serpent's Bite (Hold Triangle) - Throws the blade to impale an enemy, then pulls you in for a finisher.

Classic Weapons

1. Katana (Sword)

  • Scales with: Heart
  • Pros: Balanced, excellent parries (Haze, Water Shadow), high ceiling.
  • Cons: Low block stability, requires Ki management.
  • Signature Skill: Iai Quickdraw - The classic high-damagesheath attack.

2. Dual Swords

  • Scales with: Skill
  • Pros: Fast attacks, best block stats, easy status application.
  • Cons: Low range, low single-hit damage.
  • Signature Skill: Sign of the Cross - Fast dash-slash.

3. Spear

  • Scales with: Constitution
  • Pros: Best range, safe pokes, anti-human cheese (Spearfall).
  • Cons: Bounces off walls in narrow corridors.
  • Signature Skill: Triple Threat - Three thrusts with massive reach.

4. Switchglaive

  • Scales with: Magic
  • Pros: Versatile (transforms between Spear/Axe/Scythe), pairs perfectly with Onmyo Magic.
  • Cons: Complex to master inputs.
  • Signature Skill: Cyclone - Spin-to-win AoE.

5. Fists

  • Scales with: Strength
  • Pros: Highest DPS potential, breaks guard easily, "Unbroken" stack mechanic.
  • Cons: Short range, very high Ki consumption.
  • Signature Skill: Beyond Infinity - Extremely rapid flurry of punches.

How to Choose?

  • Want Magic? Go Switchglaive or Splitstaff.

  • Want Ninja stuff? Go Kusarigama or Chain Blade.

  • Want Tank? Go Axe or Odachi.

  • Want pure skill expression? Go Fists or Katana.

  • Reach weapons: spacing control

Starter Suggestions

  • Choose one weapon and practice for 2–3 sessions
  • Pair your weapon with a matching style loop