This is one of those topics every Nioh 2 player ends up arguing about at some point, usually while face-down after getting punted across the arena by a Yokai who clearly skipped leg day everywhere except the shins. The truth is that some weapons lean far better into boss fights than others. You can clear the game with anything if you are stubborn enough, but certain tools make the whole experience feel less like punishment and more like tactical artistry.
Overview
Boss battles in Nioh 2 reward fast pressure, strong Ki damage, tight spacing and the ability to punish openings without overextending. Weapons that control tempo and shred Ki tend to outperform everything else. Add a little burst damage and you have the recipe for fights that feel controlled instead of chaotic.
Best Weapons For Bosses In Nioh 2
Dual Swords
Dual Swords thrive in boss encounters because they are quick, precise and excellent at harvesting Ki from enemies. The high stance flurries hit harder than people expect and mid stance gives you enough safety to maintain pressure without being reckless. You can bait attacks, slip in with God of Wind, and watch a boss crumble as their Ki shatters. They also scale well with agility focused builds which makes the whole kit feel smooth and reactive.
Switchglaive
The Switchglaive feels like cheating once you understand its modes. The scythe form reaches far and chunks Ki with surprising weight. The glaive form gives mobility and fast combos for punishing openings. The sword form lets you poke without committing to danger. It is basically three weapons stitched together in a way that lets you adapt to every boss pattern. It hits hard, controls space and lets you toggle styles mid-flow which feels incredibly satisfying.
Hatchets
Hatchets look funny at first, then you realise they turn boss fights into kinetic chaos in your favour. You can stick close, back off, throw, leap attack and reset tempo constantly. Their Ki damage sneaks up on you as soon as you start optimising stance play. When a boss enters the Yokai Realm and you simply say “no thanks” by kite-throwing into a punished sprint attack, it becomes clear why so many high level players swear by them.
Odachi
If you want raw control, Odachi is your friend. It is slower than the fast weapons but has two massive advantages. First, its Ki damage is monstrous which means you can break bosses and turn the fight into a power fantasy. Second, the burst of a well-timed Moonlit Snow absolutely caves in health bars. If you are patient and like your attacks to feel like they carry geological weight, Odachi turns every clean hit into a small event.
Tonfa
Tonfa shine because they interrupt rhythm. Their pressure is relentless once you get rolling and their Ki shredding potential in close quarters is huge. They are the perfect tool for aggressive players who want to stay practically glued to the boss but still feel safe. When you weave in Tonfa Gun or Demon Dance, everything becomes a blur of stuns, staggers and well deserved smugness.
Honorable Mentions
Spear is excellent for cautious players who want range and harassment. Axe dishes out hilarious damage when you land the big hits, although bosses rarely wait politely for you to finish winding up. Both can work, they just require more matchup knowledge and commitment.
Tips To Maximise These Weapons In Boss Fights
• Prioritise Ki damage, it wins more fights than pure raw attack
• Learn the Burst Counter timing for your chosen guardian spirit
• Keep stance switching fluid, even one smart switch can salvage a bad exchange
• Manage Ki like you are budgeting rent, never go fully broke in front of a boss
• Use Yokai Abilities to punish the long punish windows bosses offer
Seven Swords Takeaway
The best weapon is the one that matches your temperament, but these options consistently perform across the entire roster of bosses. Whether you want to slice rapidly, hit like a falling tree or whirl around the battlefield like you drank ten espressos, Nioh 2 gives you a path to dominate. Once you understand Ki pressure and learn a boss’s habits, the right weapon turns you from a panicked survivor into someone who walks into the arena with a quiet, slightly unhinged confidence.
