Switchglaive is the best weapon for the Samurai Art Style in Nioh 3. It is the most unique weapon in the game, forming into three different forms depending on the stance (High, Medium, and Low). Moreover, it is one of the hardest-hitting weapons in the game that can help you take down any boss or mob without a sweat. However, like every weapon, getting the most out of the Switchglaive requires you to acquire certain weapon skills to perform deadly combos. Moreover, the character’s stats and secret skills play a crucial role in making a build. This guide will break down everything that you need to know about the best Switchglaive build in Nioh 3.
Best Switchglaive Build – Nioh 3
This Switchglaive build in Nioh 3 prioritizes high damage output with Onmyo Magic and elemental effects, while keeping a great balance of range and speed. The Switchglaive is one of the most versatile and flexible weapons for Samurai Art Style. It is one of those weapons that you can use and turn into numerous builds. The Switchglaive offers a precise playstyle of range, speed, and damage, allowing the character to be mobile and effective throughout the fight. It primarily scales with Magic stat, benefiting the Onmyo Magic, but for this build, it is crucial to invest in various stats for a proper outcome. Last but not least, you have to be fluent in stance switching with this weapon for the full combo potential. Looking to embark on a great fantasy action-adventure? Purchase Nioh 3 Steam Key from LootBar.
Pros | Cons |
Great combo potential with stance switching. | High learning curve due to complex moveset. |
High DPS alongside range and mobility. | Requires Stance and Ki management. |
Great synergy with Onmyo Magic and elemental effects. |
Best Stats to Invest for Switchglaive Build
The first thing you need to focus on for the best Switchglaive build is the stats. You need to invest points properly to scale the weapon damage, as well as enhance the character’s potential for Ki and Stamina. Here are the main stats that you need to invest in for this build.
- Intellect: Increases the maximum damage output, improves Ki recovery speed, and extends effects duration.
- Magic: Increases the maximum damage output, enhances Omnyo Magic potential, and grants more talisman slots.
- Heart: Increases maximum Ki and improves Ki recovery speed.
- Constitution: Increases maximum HP of the character.
- Stamina: Increases maximum equipment weight (essential for heavy armor sets).
Special Effects to Look for in the Equipment
Special Effects for Switchglaive
For a consistent fighting chance, you must choose viable special effects for Switchglaive. For you to deal good damage and perform fluent combos, you must focus on the following special effects.
- Melee Damage
- Melee Attack Ki Damage
- Ki Recovery Speed
- Ki Pulse Recovery
- Low Stance Martial Art Ki Consumption
- Mid Stance Martial Art Ki Consumption
- High Stance Martial Art Ki Consumption
Switchglaive is best when you maintain pressure through fluent combos. You can only perform these combos through stance switching, so it is best to prioritize effects that help with Ki recovery speed and Ki consumption for all three stances. With low Ki consumption and high Ki recovery speed, you will be able to perform combos for longer and survive through groups of enemies with ease.
Special Effects for Armor
Now, in addition to looking for effects for the Switchglaive, you also need to look for effects in an armor set that also enhances the potential of this weapon. Here are some key special effects to look for while choosing the armor set for this build.
- Defense
- Toughness
- Damage Taken
- Ki Recovery Speed
- Ki Pulse Recovery
- Dodge Ki Consumption
All of these special effects will help with the survivability while allowing you to keep the offensive pressure. There are some Armor Sets that greatly synergize with the Switchglaive weapon in Nioh 3 that you can equip for this build.
- Wayfarer Set: Provides the Single Sword’s Reverie special effect.
- Tiger of Kai Set: Provides the Swift Silence and Daring Defense special effects.
- Sincere Buddha Set: Provides the Protection of Kannon special effect.
Special Effects for Accessories
Lastly, for the accessories, focus on the following special effects.
- Ki Recovery Speed
- Dodge Ki Consumption
With more Ki recovery speed and dodge Ki consumption effects, you will be able to perform longer attacks. Ki is essential for this build, as you will be switching between the attacks for a fluent combo.
Crucial Martial Arts and Secret Skills for Switchglaive Build
Martial Arts skills and secret skills for the Switchglaive weapon are essential to form a deadly build. Starting with the base martial arts skills in the Samurai tree, you must focus on unlocking the stances. From there, you can work on other skills and then acquire the Secret Skills for greater potential.
Martial Arts for Switchglaive
- Switch Stance: Blade (Costs 1 Samurai Point)
- Switch Stance: Edge (Costs 1 Samurai Point)
- Switch Stance: Retribution (Costs 1 Samurai Point)
- Kibosh Kicker (Costs 1 Samurai Point)
- Cyclone Wind (Costs 2 Samurai Point)
- Infinite Retribution II (Costs 2 Samurai Point)
- Arc of Chaos Fire (Costs 1 Samurai Point)
- Stallion Strike (Costs 1 Samurai Point)
Secret Skills for Switchglaive
Look for the following Secret Skills Text out in the world to strengthen your Switchglaive build in Nioh 3.
- Amplification
- Awakening
- Oppressive Strength
- Polished Form
- Resilient Arts
- Running Water
- Unshakable
- Weight Bearer
Best Guardian Spirit for Switchglaive
You can use the Guhin as the main guardian spirit for the Switchglaive build. Alternatively, Kusanagi is another great choice.
Guhin Guardian Spirit
- ATK: 10
- DEF: 10
- Element: Wind
- Special Effects
- Guardian Spirit Skill: Eight-Handed Blade
- Special Effects
- Reduces Martial Arts Ki Consumption by -8.4%
- Reduces Damage Taken by -4.2%
- Increases Strong Break Attack by 11%
- Faster Winded Recovery
- Melee Damage vs Winded Enemy increases by 8.4%
Kusanagi Guardian Spirit
- ATK: 12
- DEF: 7
- Element: Fire
- Guardian Spirit Skill: Heaven’s Fire
- Special Effects
- Increases Martial Arts Damage by 6.3%
- Increases Fire Damage Reduction by 13
- Increases Ki Pulse Recovery by 10.8%
- Increases Arts Proficiency Damage by 6.9%
- Increases Spirit Force Charge by 11%
Best Soul Cores for Switchglaive
Lastly, for the Omnyo Magic, you need to use the following Soul Cores.
- Nuppeppo Soul Core (Yang Position)
- Gaki Chief Soul Core (Yin Position)
- Otoroshi Soul Core (Yin Position)
- Nurikabe Soul Core (Yin Position)
Nuppeppo Soul Core is one of the best for survivability effects, such as Life and Life Recovery. Moreover, when you summon it, it attacks with a spinning attack that hits multiple enemies. All the Yin Soul Cores will help you with further Life Recovery, increased Defense, and Ki Recovery Speed.
Conclusion
The best Switchglaive build in Nioh 3 is all about how fluent you can perform combos by changing the stances. If you are familiar with this weapon, then you will be able to utilize it to its full potential. This weapon hits hard and is great for both single and multi-target clearings. However, the Switchglaive build heavily relies on Ki and Stance management. You must have lower Ki Consumption and higher Ki Recovery Speed to perform combos without worrying about stopping mid-way. Looking to step into the great action-adventure of Nioh 3? Get the Nioh 3 Steam Key from LootBar for a great price.














