Please note: This Nioh 3 weapons tier list is based on our initial gameplay experience and insights gathered from the gaming community during the game’s early release period.
As we continue to discover new strategies, combos, and build synergies, weapon rankings may shift. We’re committed to keeping this tier list updated as the meta evolves and more optimal playstyles emerge.
Choosing the right weapon in Nioh 3 can make or break your experience. With 14 different weapon types split evenly between Samurai and Ninja classes, knowing which ones pack the biggest punch is crucial for survival.
This Nioh 3 weapons tier list breaks down every weapon to help you dominate the battlefield, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran.
Understanding Nioh 3’s Weapon System
Before diving into rankings, here’s what you need to know:
- 7 weapons exclusive to Samurai class
- 7 weapons exclusive to Ninja class
- Weapons cannot be shared between classes
- Each weapon scales with specific stats
- All weapons are viable with proper skill investment
The beauty of Nioh 3 lies in its flexibility. While some weapons perform better overall, your playstyle and build matter more than tier rankings alone.
Nioh 3 Best Samurai Weapons Tier List
S-Tier Samurai Weapons
Switchglaive:
The Switchglaive tops our nioh 3 best samurai weapons list for good reason. This shape-shifting weapon transforms between three forms—glaive, guillotine, and scythe—making it incredibly versatile.
Why it’s S-Tier:
- Adapts to any combat situation
- Excellent damage output
- Stance-switching mastery unlocks devastating combos
- Scales with Skill, Intellect, and Magic
However, the Switchglaive tier ranking comes with a caveat: it’s complex. Beginners might find the constant form changes overwhelming, but mastering it makes you nearly unstoppable.
Axes:
Don’t let their slow speed fool you. Axes (including Hammers) deliver massive damage that staggers even the toughest enemies.
Strengths:
- Highest single-hit damage among Samurai weapons
- Excellent Ki-breaking potential
- Heavy Stance charged strikes are devastating
Weaknesses:
- Slow attack animations
- High Ki consumption
- Limited combo options
A-Tier Samurai Weapons
Spears: The Spear secures a solid spot in the Nioh 3 weapons ranking thanks to its consistency. It’s perfect for players who want reliable damage without flashy mechanics.
What Makes Spears Great:
- Superior range for safe poking
- Best crowd control weapon
- Easy-to-learn combos
- Scales with Constitution, Heart, and Skill
Dual Swords: Fast, fluid, and fun—Dual Swords offer quick combos that build stagger efficiently. While they deal less damage than heavier options, their speed compensates well.
Cestuses: New to the series, Cestuses bring close-quarters brawling to Samurai. These fist weapons deliver rapid strikes and work beautifully with aggressive playstyles, though their short range demands precision.
B-Tier Samurai Weapons
Swords: The starting weapon sits in B-tier not because it’s weak, but because it’s simply average. Swords are the jack-of-all-trades in the Nioh 3 weapon tier list samurai ninja rankings—perfect for learning game mechanics but lacking specialization.
Odachi: The Nioh 3 Odachi vs Axe debate often comes down to preference. Odachi offers better crowd control than Axes but sacrifices some raw power. Its slow speed and weight make positioning crucial.
Nioh 3 Best Ninja Weapons Tier List
S-Tier Ninja Weapons
Talons: Talons dominate as the nioh 3 best ninja weapons choice. These claw weapons embody everything Ninja gameplay represents: speed, aggression, and style.
Why Talons Excel:
- Lightning-fast attack speed
- Aerial combo potential
- Izuna Drop finisher for massive damage
- Scales with Heart, Stamina, and Intellect
Tonfa: The Nioh 3 tonfa vs talons comparison is tight, but Tonfa edges ahead for Ki-breaking potential. These weapons stagger enemies relentlessly while consuming minimal Ki themselves.
Tonfa Highlights:
- Best poise damage among Ninja weapons
- Impenetrability skill enables parrying
- Close-range devastation
- Scales with Constitution, Strength, and Skill
A-Tier Ninja Weapons
Dual Ninja Swords: Similar to their Samurai counterparts but faster and more vicious, Dual Ninja Swords offer excellent mobility. This places them high for their versatile movesets and low Ki consumption.
Ninja Swords: The single Ninja Sword outperforms the Samurai Sword thanks to increased speed. It’s among the best weapons for beginners who want something simple yet effective.
Hatchets: These throwable weapons combine melee combat with ranged options. While not top-tier, Hatchets provide unique tactical advantages, especially with skills like Piercing Hurl.
B-Tier Ninja Weapons
Kusarigama: The hook-and-chain weapon has fans, but the Kusarigama tier ranking sits lower due to its complexity. Mastering the Kusarigama’s chain mechanics takes serious practice, and even then, it feels weaker in boss fights.
Splitstaves: Once powerful in previous Nioh games, the current performance comparison shows Splitstaves falling behind. They lack the Stance system from earlier titles, making them less effective despite their whip-like versatility.
Hatchets: While unique, Hatchets struggle with DPS compared to other Ninja options, landing them in B-tier.
Best Weapons in Nioh 3 for Beginners
Starting your Nioh 3 journey? Focus on these beginner-friendly weapons:
Samurai Beginners:
- Sword – Learn fundamentals safely
- Spear – Maintain distance while dealing damage
- Dual Swords – Fast enough to escape danger
Ninja Beginners:
- Ninja Sword – Straightforward and reliable
- Dual Ninja Swords – Good balance of speed and power
- Tonfa – Forgiving thanks to Impenetrability parry
Nioh 3 Top Weapons Meta 2026
The nioh 3 weapons tier list 2026 meta favors versatility and Ki efficiency. Currently, the most popular choices are:
- Switchglaive (Samurai) – Highest skill ceiling
- Talons (Ninja) – Best overall damage output
- Tonfa (Ninja) – Superior Ki-breaking
- Spears (Samurai) – Consistent performance
Remember, the meta shifts with patches and player discovery. What matters most is finding weapons that match your playstyle.
Does the Weapon Tier List Really Make a Difference?
Here’s the truth: weapon tier lists are guidelines, not rules.
Every weapon becomes powerful when you:
- Invest in proper stat scaling
- Unlock key Martial Arts/Ninjutsu
- Master combo timings
- Build equipment sets around them
The best weapon is always the one you enjoy using most. Tier rankings help you make informed choices, but skill and practice trump tier placement every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Switchglaive (Samurai) and Talons (Ninja) are considered the best weapons in Nioh 3 for their versatility, damage output, and fluid combat mechanics. However, Tonfa and Spears also rank extremely high depending on your playstyle.
No, Samurai weapons are exclusive to Samurai form, and Ninja weapons are exclusive to Ninja form. You can switch between forms outside combat and respec your build anytime, but you cannot mix weapon types between classes.
For beginners, the Sword (Samurai) and Ninja Sword (Ninja) are the easiest to learn. Spears also work great for Samurai beginners due to their range and safety, while Tonfa are beginner-friendly for Ninja thanks to their parry ability.
Absolutely. While the Switchglaive has a steep learning curve due to its stance-switching mechanics, mastering it makes you incredibly versatile in combat. Once you understand form changes and combos, it becomes one of the most powerful weapons in the game.
Both are S-tier choices. Talons excel at raw damage and aerial combos, while Tonfa specialize in breaking enemy Ki and stagger-locking. Choose Talons if you prefer aggressive offense, or Tonfa if you want more defensive options with Impenetrability parrying.
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