If you want to pick the best weapons in Nioh 3, you first need to choose your playstyle as a Samurai or a Ninja. Each path gives you access to seven weapon types, and every one of them comes with its own strengths, weaknesses, and combat role.
All weapons can work well with the right build, but some are naturally more versatile and easier for beginners to use.
Samurai vs Ninja Combat Styles in Nioh 3
These two approaches feel very different in combat, so your weapon choice should support your Ki management and match the way you prefer to fight.
- The Samurai style is built around strong guarding, powerful burst damage, and careful stance management.
- The Ninja style focuses on agility, fast evasion, high speed, and precise backstab attacks.
Best Samurai Weapons Nioh 3
1. Odachi – it’s a massive greatsword designed for devastating single‑hit damage. It works best when you strike at the right moment, especially when enemies are vulnerable. This weapon demands good Ki control and solid stance mastery.
- Strengths: Extremely high damage, excellent burst potential
- Weaknesses: Slow attacks, punishing misses
- Best stance: High stance
Recommended Martial Arts:
- Moonlit Snow
- Retrograde Flow
- Bolting Boar
- Crashing Waves
- Thunderbolt
2. Dual Swords – they offer a faster, more aggressive option that sits between Samurai and Ninja playstyles. They shine in close‑range combat and allow you to stay offensive without draining too much Ki.
- Strengths: High combo potential, good parries
- Weaknesses: Lower damage per hit
- Best stances: High and Mid
Recommended Martial Arts:
- Punish the Proud
- Earthrender
- Spinning Dragon
- Windstorm
- Sign of the Cross
3. Spear – it’s the most defensive Samurai weapon, perfect for controlling distance and handling groups of enemies. It’s reliable in both mob fights and boss encounters, as long as you maintain proper spacing.
- Strengths: Reach, crowd control, defensive play
- Weaknesses: Requires spacing awareness
Recommended Martial Arts:
- Spear Bash
- Flying Monkey
- Cull the Herd
- Rising Dragon
- Triple Threat
Best Ninja Weapons Nioh 3
1. Kusarigama – it’s a flexible chain weapon that fits perfectly with the Ninja’s hit‑and‑run approach. It works well at both close and mid‑range, letting you pressure enemies while staying mobile.
- Strengths: Range flexibility, strong martial arts
- Weaknesses: Very poor blocking
Recommended Martial Arts:
- Pollard
- Foot Sweep
- Whirlwind Kick
- Tangle Strike
- Leaping Strike
2. Tonfa – it’s a high‑risk, high‑reward option built for nonstop close‑range pressure. It excels at staggering enemies but demands precise positioning due to its extremely short reach.
- Strengths: Fast combos, excellent stagger potential
- Weaknesses: Extremely short range
Recommended Martial Arts:
- Demon Dance
- Pulverize
- Sacred Fire
- Impenetrability
- Wasp Sting
3. Ninja Sword – it’s the most balanced and beginner‑friendly weapon in the Ninja arsenal. It offers solid speed and damage, making it easy to learn while still rewarding advanced techniques.
- Strengths: Versatile, teaches fundamentals
- Weaknesses: Limited blocking capability
Recommended Martial Arts:
- Kurama Sword Dance
- Izuna Drop
- Wagon Kick
- Cloudrunner Blade
- Kite Cross
Weapon Selection Tips
- Choose weapons that match your Ki recovery and stamina management.
- Samurai benefit from pairing heavy weapons with faster ones for balanced combat.
- Ninja builds should prioritize mobility and evasion over blocking.
Sooo… What’s the Best Nioh 3 Weapon?
There’s no single “best” weapon in Nioh 3. For Samurai, the Odachi, Dual Swords, and Spear stand out, while Ninja players will get a lot of mileage from the Kusarigama, Tonfa, and Ninja Sword.
The key is to experiment with drops and stats to find what really fits your style. Remember, that your ideal weapon depends on how you like to fight.