Quick Answer
Nioh 3 features 13 distinct weapon types, returning classics like the Katana, Switchglaive, and Splitstaff alongside new Aerial Combat weapons. The primary scaling mechanics now adapt dynamically based on your Guardian Spirit, allowing for more flexible builds. The Sword remains the best starting option for beginners due to its balanced stats.
Punti di forza
- New Aerial Weapons – Nioh 3 introduces weapons designed for vertical combat and air combos.
- Dynamic Scaling – Weapon scaling now shifts slightly based on your equipped Guardian Spirit.
- Best Starter – The Katana remains the most balanced choice for learning Ki Pulse mechanics.
- Switchglaive Returns – The fan-favorite magic weapon is back with new transformation attacks.
Vediamo di seguito i dettagli.
Complete Nioh 3 Weapons List
Il Nioh 3 weapons list includes 11 returning types and 2 brand new categories focused on aerial mobility. Each weapon features a unique skill tree, three stances (High, Mid, Low), and specific stat scaling that determines damage output.

Returning Favorites in Nioh 3
Veterans will feel right at home with the core arsenal. These weapons have received updated movesets to accommodate the new verticality of Nioh 3’s maps.
- Katana (Sword): The jack-of-all-trades. Excellent for parries and balanced offense. Scales with Heart.
- Dual Swords: High attack speed and defense. Best for applying status effects. Scales with Skill.
- Spear: Superior reach and crowd control. Ideal for keeping enemies at bay. Scales with Constitution.
- Axe / Hammer: Slow, heavy hitters that decimate Ki. High risk, high reward. Scales with Stamina.
- Kusarigama: A complex weapon mixing range and close-quarters strikes. Scales with Dexterity.
- Odachi: A massive greatsword with wide swings and stance-switching combos. Scales with Strength.
- Tonfa: Relentless combo machines designed to break enemy guards. Scales with Courage.
- Hatchets: Ranged throwing axes that allow for hit-and-run tactics. Scales with Skill.
- Switchglaive: A transforming weapon that changes form with stances. Scales with Magic.
- Splitstaff: A fluid weapon that extends its reach on command. Scales with Magic.
- Fists: Extremely fast, close-range brawling weapons. Scales with Strength.
What are the New Weapons in Nioh 3?
Nioh 3 introduces weapons specifically designed to interact with the new jump mechanics and vertical level design.
The Chain-Scythe: Distinct from the Kusarigama, this weapon focuses on aerial pulls and grappling. It allows players to pull themselves toward enemies or yank smaller foes into the air for juggling combos. It scales primarily with Skill and Dexterity.
The War Fan (Tessen): A deceptive weapon that combines swift melee strikes with magical projectiles. The War Fan excels at mid-range zoning and has unique “gliding” attacks that extend airtime. It is a top choice for Magic builds, offering a different flavor than the Switchglaive.
Hidden and Unlockable Nioh 3 Weapons
Beyond the starting types, Nioh 3 contains secret weapon variants unlockable through specific boss encounters and Dojo missions. Rumors persist of a “Living Weapon” type that consumes Amrita to function, similar to the Yokai Shift mechanics of the previous game. Keep an eye out for “Ancient Texts” which are required to forge these unique items at the Blacksmith.
What are the Best Starting Weapons?
Your choice of starting weapon grants you a small stat bonus, but more importantly, it determines your initial learning curve. Here is how to choose based on your experience level.
Top Picks for Nioh 3 Beginners
For players new to the franchise, the Katana (Sword) is the undisputed king. Its moveset is straightforward, teaching you the fundamentals of spacing and Ki management without complex gimmicks. The Lancia is a close second, offering a safety net of extra range that helps you survive mistakes against aggressive Yokai.
Best Weapons for Advanced Players
Veterans looking for a challenge should look toward the Fists or the new Chain-Scythe. Fists require aggressive stamina management and perfect timing to maintain “Unbroken” stacks for high damage. The Chain-Scythe demands precise spacing and aerial positioning, making it risky but rewarding for players who have mastered the movement system.
Choosing a Weapon Based on Playstyle
If you prefer a defensive playstyle, Dual Swords or the Odachi offer excellent blocking capabilities and super-armor trades. For magic-focused players, the Switchglaive remains the best option to synergize with Onmyo magic, while Ninjutsu users will find the Kusarigama naturally complements their stat spread.

How Does Nioh 3 Weapon Scaling Work?
Nioh 3 retains the familiar B+/C/D scaling system but introduces a new layer of complexity with Guardian Spirit resonance.
Understanding Nioh 3 Stat Affinities
Every weapon scales off three stats, with one primary stat providing the biggest damage boost. Investing in your weapon’s primary stat is the most efficient way to increase DPS in the early game.
Understanding Weapon Rarity in Nioh 3
Like its predecessors, Nioh 3 uses a color-coded loot system. Weapons come in five rarities: Common (White), Uncommon (Yellow), Rare (Blue), Exotic (Purple), and Divine (Green). In New Game Plus cycles, you will encounter Ethereal (Orange) gear. Higher rarity weapons not only have better base stats but also possess more slots for special effects, allowing for deeper customization at the Blacksmith.
Impact of Guardian Spirits on Scaling
New to Nioh 3 is the ability for Guardian Spirits to influence weapon scaling. Certain “Feral” type spirits may boost Skill scaling on heavy weapons, while “Phantom” types might enhance Magic scaling on physical weapons. This system allows for more creative build diversity, letting you use weapons that might not typically fit your stat distribution.
Nioh 3 Weapon Tier List & Meta
While every weapon is viable, some excel in specific roles. Based on early meta analysis, here is how the arsenal stacks up.
High DPS Weapons in Nioh 3
For raw damage per second, Fists e Dual Swords remain at the top. Their ability to chain rapid hits allows them to melt boss health bars, provided you can maintain the stamina to keep the pressure on. The new Chain-Scythe also shows potential for high burst damage during air combos.
Best Crowd Control Weapons in Nioh 3
When facing groups of enemies, the Odachi e Switchglaive (in scythe form) are unmatched. Their wide horizontal swings can hit multiple targets at once, preventing you from getting surrounded. The War Fan also excels here, using wind magic to push enemies back.
Nioh 3 Ki Damage Specialists
Breaking an enemy’s guard to open them up for a grapple is crucial. The Tonfa e Hammer are the kings of Ki damage. A few well-placed strikes with these weapons can deplete a Yokai’s purple Ki bar, leaving them vulnerable to a high-damage finisher.
Common Mistakes With Nioh 3 Weapons
Even experienced Souls-like players often stumble on Nioh’s unique mechanics. Avoid these pitfalls to master your weapon of choice.
Ignoring Ki Pulse Mechanics in Nioh 3
The Ki Pulse is not optional; it is the heartbeat of combat. Failing to pulse after a combo leaves you without stamina to dodge or block. Heavy weapons like the Axe are practically unusable without mastering the Ki Pulse timing, as they consume massive amounts of stamina per swing.
Misunderstanding Weight Thresholds
Your armor weight directly affects your agility and Ki recovery. Wearing heavy armor with a weapon that requires high mobility (like Dual Swords) can feel sluggish. Ensure your equipment weight stays below 70% (B Agility) for a balanced experience, or below 30% (A Agility) for maximum speed with light weapons.
Neglecting Weapon Familiarity
Sticking to one weapon builds “Familiarity,” which boosts its damage and unlocks inherited stats. Swapping weapons too frequently prevents you from reaching maximum potential. Pick a main weapon and stick with it until you max out its familiarity bar.
Master Every Weapon Faster
Nioh 3 is a massive game, and grinding for proficiency points to unlock weapon skills can take dozens of hours. XMODhub offers a safe way to speed up this process in single-player mode.
Accelerating Weapon Proficiency
Instead of farming the same mission repeatedly, you can use proficiency multipliers to unlock the full skill tree for your weapon in a fraction of the time. This allows you to experience the complete moveset of complex weapons like the Switchglaive without the grind.
Unlocking Skills with XMODHUB
Testing builds is easier when you have the resources. XMODhub provides tools to manage your Amrita and gold, letting you experiment with different reforging options and weapon tempers to find the perfect god-roll for your playstyle.
❤️ Salute infinita
Never die to cheap one-shots again. Perfect for learning boss patterns without restarting.
❤️ Infinite Ki
Unlimited stamina lets you practice long combos and blocking without getting winded.
💰 Infinite Amrita
Get unlimited XP to level up your stats and meet weapon requirements instantly.
📈 Max Familiarity
Instantly max out weapon familiarity to unlock inherited traits and peak damage.
⚔️ Uccisioni con un colpo solo
Clear tedious mobs instantly to speedrun through levels and reach the boss faster.
Queste mod in evidenza sono solo l'inizio. Sia che vogliate evitare il noioso grinding, sperimentare diversi stili di gioco o accelerare la vostra progressione, Il kit di strumenti completo di XMODhub offre decine di opzioni in più, adatte al vostro stile di gioco.
Domande frequenti
Siete pronti a migliorare il vostro gioco?
Creo contenuti per Xmodhub, dove curo e condivido mod di gioco, strumenti e altre risorse. Il mio obiettivo è aiutare i giocatori a scoprire fantastici componenti aggiuntivi, a godere di un'esperienza più fluida e a divertirsi di più.


