Nioh 3: Weapon Tier List

Nioh 3 expands on combat in the series, with the protagonist having two combat art styles. The Samurai and Ninja Art Styles both have their own unique weapon types, requiring the player to equip two loadouts at once. Nioh 3 allows players to use and switch freely between the art styles (loadouts) during combat. However, the expansive list of 14 weapons, 7 for Samurai and 7 for Ninja style, with three additional ranged weapons, can be overwhelming. Despite the strengths and weaknesses of all weapons, Nioh 3 has designed all weapons in a way that any weapon can be used to clear out all parts of the game. The player can freely choose to learn and master a weapon to unlock its full potential, but not all weapon types are fluid, mobile, and easy to master. This guide will break down the weapon tier list for Samurai and Ninja in Nioh 3.

Nioh 3 Weapon Tier List

Our weapon tier list majorly relies on the DPS capability of the weapons that are also easy to learn and master. While some weapons can deal serious damage, the overall feel and mobility might not be there, which can feel underwhelming. Moreover, some weapons can feel light and fluid, but require serious effort in mastery compared to others. So, if you are open to ideas and looking to know which weapons to give it a whirl, then this tier list will give you a good idea of it. Looking to experience the latest adventure in the Nioh series? Purchase the Nioh 3 Steam Key from LootBar for a great price.

Samurai Weapon Tier List

Below, you can find the weapon tier list for the Samurai Art Style in Nioh 3.

Ninja Weapon Tier List

Below, you can find the weapon tier list for the Ninja Art Style in Nioh 3.

S-Tier (Samurai Weapons)

The S-tier Samurai Weapons include Switchglaive and Spear due to high DPS, with easy to master capability.

Switchglaive

Switchglaive is the best weapon for Samurai, period, due to its ability to change into three different forms, depending on the stance (High, Mid, and Low). It deals devastating damage and is the most reliable option to take down any boss or mobs in the game. Moreover, it is the most flexible weapon that you can pair with any other to make a different build.

Spear

Spear is not only a reliable option with basic combat maneuvers, but a strong choice to deal great damage. It is a beginner-friendly weapon with a poke-style attack and a one-two combo, with a very easy mastery opportunity to unlock its full potential.

S-Tier (Ninja Weapons)

The S-tier Ninja Weapons include Tonfa and Talons due to high DPS and great mobility.

Tonfa

The Tonfa is the best weapon in the game to target the enemy’s Ki and stun them. Its fast-paced combo attacks let you stun-lock the enemies swiftly. You can easily tackle bosses with this weapon and then deal devastating damage with a Samurai weapon.

Talons

The Talons are like Tonfa, but they target the enemy’s HP instead of Ki. It has fast-paced combo attacks that let you hit hard and swiftly to deal immense damage. Moreover, the aerial maneuver of this weapon is unmatched, allowing you to be in the air for a while.

A-Tier (Samurai Weapons)

The A-tier Samurai Weapons include Odachi and Sword for great DPS, but with higher consumption of Ki.

Odachi

Odachi is one of the great weapons in Nioh 3, very similar to the spear, due to its ranged attacks. You can perform long sweeping attacks, dealing serious damage on every hit. Its damage output is almost similar to the Axes, but consumes less Ki compared to them.

Sword

A sword is another great weapon that is very easy to use and master, like the spear. However, it does not have a high damage output, unless you pair it with the correct Martial Arts. It uses the basic one-two combo, enough to let you survive, even the difficult fights.

A-Tier (Ninja Weapons)

The A-tier Ninja Weapons include Dual Ninja Swords and Ninja Swords due to high mobility and decent damage output.

Dual Ninja Swords

The Dual Ninja Swords offer more thrust attacks than any other weapon. You must push forward while performing combos to get the most out of the attack. Due to high mobility, you can use it as a hit-and-run weapon, giving you breathing room after every push.

Ninja Swords

The Ninja Sword is one of the better weapons in the game, with decent damage output and an easy learning curve. You can easily master this weapon to unlock its full potential. Moreover, due to its versatility and flexibility, it can be easily adjusted to any build.

B-Tier (Samurai Weapons)

The B-tier Samurai Weapons include the Axe and Dual Swords, dealing high damage but with a few drawbacks.

Axe

The Axe is one of the hardest-hitting weapons in the game. It chips away enemies and bosses’ health like it's nothing, but it consumes a lot of Ki. Utilizing this weapon will require you to have a lot of points in Ki. Moreover, due to the weight of the weapon, the mobility gets lower, which can be a disadvantage against certain encounters.

Dual Swords

The Dual Sword is one of the better choices when it comes to choosing something reliable and easy. This weapon offers a strong attack with high mobility, making you move like a Ninja. You can thrust against the enemies with its attack and move swiftly.

B-Tier (Ninja Weapons)

The B-tier Ninja Weapons include Hatchets and Kusarigama due to range and crowd control with decent damage output.

Hatchets

The hatchets are some of the unique weapons in the game. You can throw the hatchets at the enemies, increasing the overall range. The hits deal considerably less damage compared to other weapons in Ninja’s arsenal.

Kusarigama

The Kusarigama is a good weapon with decent damage output. What this weapon does best is crowd control. You can pull smaller enemies toward you and push yourself close to bigger enemies for interesting plays. Moreover, the weapon’s hits also deal decent Ki damage, allowing you to stun-lock enemies with its combo.

C-Tier (Samurai Weapon)

The C-tier Samurai Weapon includes Cestuses due to low damage output, but with great mobility.

Cestuses

Cestuses are the melee weapon option in Nioh 3. Wearing Cestuses requires you to get close and personal with the enemy. The hits deal low damage, but they deal high Ki damage, better for stun-locking enemies. It is best to pair this weapon with a good Ninja weapon.

C-Tier (Ninja Weapon)

The C-tier Ninja Weapon includes Splitstaff due to its great range, but at a cost of a lot of Ki.

Splitstaff

Splitstaff is a great weapon against a group of enemies. It has a high range and lets you attack from a decent distance while dealing good damage. However, its attacks consume a lot of Ki, which only recovers with Samurai’s Ki Pulse.

Conclusion

Nioh 3 offers an in-depth combat system with a wide variety of weapons, both for Samurai and Ninja Art Styles. As the player can wield one weapon from each art style, they can pick and choose the weapons for the preferred combat experience. Although some weapons are far more destructive than others, it all comes down to the preference of the player. Every weapon type is strong enough to challenge every boss. However, for beginners, it is best to choose the ones with better damage output and a learning curve for a better experience. Want to start the action-packed adventure of Nioh 3? Purchase the Nioh 3 Steam Key from LootBar.