Nioh 2 offers a broad selection of melee weapons, each with distinct scaling, movesets, and synergy with various builds. Choosing the right weapon often comes down to playstyle, but some clearly perform better across a wider range of encounters. This tier list evaluates each weapon based on versatility, DPS potential, Ki management, utility in both PvE and endgame content, and overall player adoption in high-difficulty missions.
S-Tier: Dominant and Versatile
Switchglaive
The Switchglaive excels in versatility. It shifts between three weapon forms in real time, allowing adaptive responses to enemy types. Scales with Magic, making it ideal for Onmyo-focused builds. Its reach, spin attacks, and access to powerful buffs through elemental talismans make it especially strong in late game and NG+.
Splitstaff
This weapon’s rhythmic combo system and Ki-efficient strikes make it deadly in the hands of a player who masters its timing. It scales well with Constitution and Courage, offering excellent synergy with tankier or elemental builds. Its spinning AoE combos devastate crowds and apply pressure in boss fights.
A-Tier: High Potential with Skill Investment
Odachi
A heavy, long-reaching weapon with wide arcs and powerful charged attacks. Odachi benefits players who understand spacing and can commit to slower, deliberate swings. While Ki-intensive, its stance flexibility and stagger potential make it dangerous against humanoid enemies and Yokai alike.
Dual Swords
Fast, fluid, and Ki-efficient, Dual Swords allow for continuous pressure through Sign of the Cross and strong parry options. Best suited for agility-based builds and players who favour a hit-and-run style. While damage output is slightly lower without buffs, they remain one of the most consistent choices throughout the game.
Tonfa
Tonfa are relentless, encouraging an aggressive, interrupt-heavy playstyle. Their pressure potential is unmatched, especially with Ki damage-focused builds. Though they struggle with reach and require constant movement, their effectiveness in PvE is well established in the community.
B-Tier: Strong but Situational
Katana
The classic weapon of Nioh 2. While its moveset is well-rounded and it provides access to some of the best early game skills like Iai Quickdraw, it often falls behind in damage scaling and AoE potential when compared to higher-tier weapons. Still, its balanced design and ease of use make it reliable throughout the story.
Spear
Great for crowd control and maintaining distance. Spears benefit from high reach and thrusting attacks that keep you safe from retaliation. However, their limited vertical hitboxes and lack of burst damage can make boss encounters more drawn out.
Axe
The Axe hits hard and punishes heavily, especially with high Strength builds. Its drawback lies in extremely slow animations and limited combo options. With the right familiarity and patience, though, it can still thrive in specific encounters and burst windows.
C-Tier: Niche and Demanding
Kusarigama
The Kusarigama is highly technical. It offers fast combos, mid-range harassment, and solid Ki damage. However, its high-skill floor and lack of sustained DPS keep it from being as broadly viable as other weapons. With the right build, it can shine, but it requires significant dedication.
Hatchets
While Hatchets offer ranged melee options and rapid strikes, they struggle with raw damage output and Ki efficiency. Their unique mechanics can suit ranged or elemental hybrid builds, but in high-level missions, they often feel underwhelming without constant support from spells or Guardian Spirits.
The Seven Swords takeaway
The tier list above reflects general performance in most missions and NG+ scenarios. However, weapon choice in Nioh 2 remains highly build-dependent. A player using Tonfa with a fully optimised Ki Pulse and Anima build may outperform someone using a Switchglaive poorly. What elevates the top-tier weapons is their ability to function at a high level across diverse builds and situations with fewer compromises.
Experimentation, familiarity, and synergy with your preferred stats and skills remain the key to mastering any weapon in Nioh 2.
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