The Nioh series thrives on mastery. Weapons are more than tools of destruction; they define your stance, pacing, and tactical decisions. Both Nioh and Nioh 2 offer deep weapon systems rooted in historical Japanese martial arts, with each type catering to a distinct playstyle. Choosing a weapon isn’t just about damage numbers. It’s about rhythm, matchups, ki management, and adaptability.
Here is a breakdown of the best-performing weapons across both games, with a focus on their unique traits and how to wield them effectively.
Odachi
The odachi is a sweeping greatsword with long reach, excellent crowd control, and formidable stagger potential. It rewards deliberate, methodical play and punishes reckless aggression. Its strong attacks in mid stance are ideal for interrupting yokai, while low stance grants surprising fluidity for such a heavy weapon.
How to Master It:
- Learn to cancel into key pulse early, especially after charged attacks.
- Use “Groundquake” and “Moonlit Snow” to pin enemies with high ki damage.
- Combine high stance burst attacks with yokai skills for boss fights.
Kusarigama
The kusarigama is unpredictable and relentless. Its chain attacks allow you to keep enemies off-balance at medium range, while the sickle portion offers fast, multi-hit strikes. Its low stance combos shine against human foes and ki-drained enemies.
How to Master It:
- Keep moving. Use low stance to kite and whittle down stamina.
- Mix ranged chains with close-range punishment in high stance.
- Capitalise on confusion status and elemental buffs for devastating synergy.
Dual Swords
Dual swords offer a blinding flurry of strikes with excellent ki efficiency. They are especially strong against human enemies and can dominate through sheer pressure. Mid and low stances provide exceptional flexibility, making this a top-tier weapon for reactive players.
How to Master It:
- Time your ki pulses tightly to keep pressure constant.
- Use “Sign of the Cross” in high stance for massive burst damage.
- Apply parries and quicksteps to weave through openings mid-combo.
Spear
The spear is a versatile mid-range weapon that can zone, crowd-control, and punish in equal measure. Its reach allows you to control space and keep aggressive enemies at bay. High stance is slower but devastating; low stance is key for evasive play.
How to Master It:
- Use “Twilight Shadow” and “Spearfall” to dominate human opponents.
- Rotate between stances to control distance dynamically.
- Buff with elemental talismans to cover the spear’s lower raw output.
Switchglaive (Nioh 2)
Exclusive to Nioh 2, the switchglaive shifts between scythe, polearm, and sword modes. It excels at adapting to the flow of combat and is ideal for players who thrive on versatility. The scaling with magic also allows excellent synergy with Onmyo.
How to Master It:
- Use each form tactically. Sword mode for speed, scythe for burst, polearm for reach.
- Combine yokai shift abilities with form switches for relentless aggression.
- Pair with elemental buffs and status magic to maximise potential.
Fists (Nioh 2)
Introduced in Nioh 2, fist weapons focus on close-quarters pressure, guard breaks, and unrelenting combos. Their short range is compensated by speed and the ability to chain special moves into devastating sequences.
How to Master It:
- Use high stance to break guards quickly, then punish with grapple attacks.
- Build confusion and weaken status to lower enemy resistance.
- Focus on ki damage and managing aggression without overextending.
Tonfa
Tonfa are all about disruption and speed. Their relentless strike patterns and high ki damage make them top-tier against defensive or slow opponents. They can stunlock or stagger bosses when properly executed.
How to Master It:
- Target ki depletion, especially with “Demon Dance” in high stance.
- Use evasive attacks from low stance to reset distance and tempo.
- Master timing to weave yokai skills into pressure strings.
Katana
The katana is balanced and reliable, suitable for almost any situation. It has no glaring weaknesses but rewards high-level execution. With the right skills and familiarity, it’s a deadly choice for skilled players.
How to Master It:
- Use “Iaijutsu” and “Quickdraw” for burst damage from high stance.
- Switch to mid stance for punishing whiffs or dealing with agile enemies.
- Perfect your flux transitions and ki pulses to stay in control.
The Seven Swords takeaway
While every weapon in Nioh and Nioh 2 can be effective in the right hands, mastering one requires more than knowing its moveset. It’s about adapting to enemies, making use of stance transitions, and integrating yokai skills and buffs fluidly. The best weapon is the one that matches your reflexes, temperament, and tactical mind. Experiment, practise, and commit. The games reward nothing less.
