Nioh 3 Weapons Guide – All Weapons, Best Weapons for Samurai and Ninja

In Nioh 3, combat is divided into two distinct fighting styles: Samurai and Ninja. Each style comes with its own set of seven weapons, and you can only use those weapons while in that form. Because the game heavily rewards combos, timing, and commitment, your weapon choice matters a lot. Picking something that fits how you like to play can make boss fights smoother and prevent unnecessary frustration later. Our Nioh 3 Weapons Guide lists all weapons for both Samurai and Ninja, and also mentions the best for both of them.

Weapons Guide – Nioh 3

As we discussed above, there are two classes:

• Samurai
• Ninja

We will discuss weapons in both of these classes one by one.

All Samurai Weapons

S-Tier Weapons

1. Axes

Axes are all about raw strength. They swing slowly, but every hit carries serious weight. These weapons are excellent for breaking enemy flow, staggering tougher opponents, and punishing openings with big damage. While careless attacks can leave you vulnerable, good timing turns Axes into one of the most powerful Samurai choices available.

Axes shine when you stay aggressive and keep pressure on enemies. Heavy stance attacks hit especially hard, while low stance offers safer pokes if you want more control. They are demanding but incredibly rewarding once you learn their rhythm.

• Best suited for: High damage output, staggering enemies, punishing bosses
• Main stats: Constitution, Stamina, Strength
• Recommended skills: Mad Spinner, The Adamantine, Titanic Strength

2. Switchglaives

Switchglaives are flexible but complex. Their strength comes from constantly changing forms and stances during combos, which allows players to adapt to almost any situation. In skilled hands, this weapon can maintain nonstop offense and overwhelm enemies quickly.

However, Switchglaives are not very forgiving. Players who struggle with stance switching may find it difficult to use effectively. Their high ranking comes from potential rather than ease of use, making them better suited for players willing to invest time into mastering them.

• Best suited for: Flexible combat, long combos, aggressive play
• Main stats: Skill, Intellect, Magic
• Recommended skills: Switch Stance: Blade, Edge, Retribution

A-Tier Weapons

1. Dual Swords

Dual Swords focus on speed and consistency rather than heavy bursts of damage. They allow for steady pressure, quick recovery, and safer engagements over long fights. While they lack the crushing power of Axes, their balance makes them dependable in nearly all encounters.

They are a solid choice for players who want a fast-paced Samurai style without committing to extremely close-range combat.

• Best suited for: Fast attacks, steady damage, safe pressure
• Main stats: Heart, Strength, Magic
• Recommended skills: Deflecting Cut, Moon Shadow, Water Sword

2. Spears

Spears are one of the easiest Samurai weapons to pick up. Their reach helps control space, making fights against multiple enemies more manageable. The combos are simple, effective, and easy to repeat without much risk.

Although Spears lack flashy moves or massive burst damage, their reliability makes them useful throughout the entire game, especially for players who value consistency.

• Best suited for: Range control, crowd management, dependable combat
• Main stats: Constitution, Heart, Skill
• Recommended skills: Chidori, Triple Threat, Windmill Wind

3. Cestuses

Cestuses are aggressive, close-range weapons that reward relentless pressure. Their fast strikes and combo potential allow players to stack damage quickly when staying on the offensive.

The downside is their very short reach. Poor positioning can lead to heavy punishment, and finding good versions early can be inconvenient. They work best for players who enjoy staying right on top of enemies.

• Best suited for: Close combat, fast combo chains
• Main stats: Heart, Stamina, Strength
• Recommended skills: Stomp, Takedown II, Unbroken

B-Tier Weapons

1. Sword

The standard Sword is balanced and easy to understand. It’s excellent for learning core mechanics like stance changes, Ki management, and basic combo flow. For new players, it provides a smooth introduction to Nioh’s combat system.

That said, many other weapons outperform it once you gain experience. The Sword rarely feels weak, but it also rarely feels exceptional compared to other options.

• Best suited for: Beginners, learning fundamentals
• Main stats: Heart, Strength, Intellect
• Recommended skills: Backwave, Iai Quickdraw, Sword of Salvation

2. Odachi

The Odachi delivers wide, powerful swings that are useful for controlling groups of enemies. It can deal serious damage when spacing is handled well, especially with charged attacks.

However, its slower speed makes it less forgiving, and it doesn’t feel as consistent as other heavy Samurai weapons. It rewards patience more than aggression and suits players who prefer a measured pace.

• Best suited for: Heavy hits, spacing-focused play
• Main stats: Stamina, Strength, Magic
• Recommended skills: Bolting Boar, Clarity, Severing Blade

All Ninja Weapons

S-Tier Weapons

1. Talons
   Talons fit the Ninja style almost perfectly. They focus on fast movement, relentless attacks, and constant pressure. These weapons shine when you want to strike quickly, retreat, and then dive back in before the enemy recovers. They are especially effective against enemies who are low on Ki, letting you keep control of the fight.

Talons work well both on the ground and in the air, making them excellent for players who like to stay mobile and aggressive. They reward nonstop offense and feel very natural for hit-and-run combat, which is why they sit firmly at the top.

• Best suited for: Fast combat, combo-heavy play, constant pressure
• Main stats: Heart, Stamina, Intellect
• Recommended Skills: Chaotic Cleave, Izuna Drop, Whirling Tiger

2. Tonfa
   Tonfa are often considered the most dominant Ninja weapon overall. They attack extremely quickly, barely drain Ki, and are incredibly effective at breaking enemy balance. If you like staying glued to enemies and shutting down their attacks, Tonfa excel at doing exactly that.

Their range is short, but that weakness rarely matters because of how powerful they are at close distance. With the right timing, Tonfa can keep bosses locked down and struggling to fight back.

• Best suited for: Staggering enemies, close combat, boss control
• Main stats: Constitution, Strength, Skill
• Recommended Skills: Dragon Slayer, Demon Dance, Impenetrability

A-Tier Weapons

1. Ninja Swords
   Ninja Swords are a fast alternative to the Samurai’s standard Sword. They are easy to understand, responsive, and effective in most situations. While they don’t overwhelm enemies like Talons or Tonfa, they offer steady performance with minimal risk.

This weapon is a good choice for players who want a straightforward Ninja experience without juggling complex mechanics.

• Best suited for: Consistent damage, simple combos, and learning Ninja combat
• Main stats: Strength, Skill, Intellect
• Recommended Skills: Leaf Glide, Haze, Izuna Drop

2. Dual Ninja Swords
   Dual Ninja Swords focus on speed and movement. Their attacks naturally push you around the battlefield, making them great for aggressive playstyles that rely on staying mobile. They allow you to keep pressure on enemies while constantly repositioning.

Although they feel strong and stylish, they are usually less effective at staggering enemies than the Tonfa, keeping them just below the top tier.

• Best suited for: Mobility-focused builds, fast pressure
• Main stats: Heart, Intellect, Magic
• Recommended Skills: Abscission, Spinning Drill, Endless Rain

3. Hatchets
   Hatchets stand out because they mix close combat with throwing attacks. They give Ninja players an option to deal damage from a short distance while still staying involved in melee. This makes them useful in situations where standing too close is dangerous.

• Best suited for: Mixed melee and ranged play
• Main stats: Stamina, Skill, Intellect
• Recommended Skills: Piercing Hurl, Tile Shaker, Wolf’s Rage

B-Tier Weapons

1. Kusarigama
   The Kusarigama offers long reach and a unique fighting style, but it asks more of the player than most Ninja weapons do. To use it well, you need good spacing and precise timing, especially when pulling enemies toward you or closing the distance.

While it looks powerful, it often takes more effort to achieve results that other weapons provide more easily.

• Best suited for: Technical play, extended range
• Main stats: Constitution, Skill, Magic
• Recommended Skills: Flying Top, Foot Sweep, Serpent Strike

2. Splitstaves
   Splitstaves can be effective once mastered, but they come with a steep learning curve. Their attacks require precise timing, and many players struggle to deal consistent damage with them compared to easier weapons.

They are not weak by design, but most players will perform better with other Ninja weapons unless they fully commit to learning their mechanics.

• Best suited for: Advanced players, complex combo plays
• Main stats: Strength, Intellect, Magic
• Recommended Skills: Changing Ways, Dragon Dance, Fluid Form

Best Weapons in Nioh 3

If you want a powerful weapon that doesn’t demand complex execution, Odachi remains one of the easiest strong picks overall. On the Ninja side, Talons are the best option for players who love speed, aggression, and nonstop pressure. Choosing the right weapon early makes a huge difference, and sticking to one that fits your comfort level will always pay off more than chasing complexity.

That is all for this guide. Additional Nioh 3 guides are linked below:

• Nioh 3 Beginner’s Guide – Tips and Tricks to Becoming a Samurai
• Nioh 3 Summoning Guide – How to Summon Friends, Benevolent Graves

This concludes our Nioh 3 Weapons Guide. If you want to add anything to this guide, feel free to use the comments section below.