Nioh: Which Weapons Are Right For You?
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Choosing The Right Weapons
After clearing Nioh's introductory dungeon, you're asked to choose which weapons you want to prioritize pouring points into. Each of the five weapon types sport their own particular strengths and weaknesses; however, with little opportunity to experiment with how each weapon feels, it can be difficult to decide what works for you.
To help you in this decision, we've compiled a guide detailing what each weapon has to offer, as well as information on the statistics they're tied to and the starter Guardian Spirits that support them best.
Check out our other Nioh guides, like our beginner's guide and our guide on what the game doesn't tell you. You can also check out the game's coolest armor sets for a sneak peak at the loot you may find.
For more about the history of Nioh, check out our feature discussing how the game is a return to form for its developer Team Ninja, as well as our feature on its evolution from JRPG to action game.
Know Your Statistics
First off, it's important to understand Nioh's various statistics; each are tied to a particular weapon or ability. For example, the Skill stat affects the power of Dual Swords and Guns, as well as your ability to activate the special effects of more technical armor. Early on, you're asked to choose two of the five different weapon types that you wish to specialize in: Sword, Dual Swords, Spear, Axe, and Kusarigama.
Nioh allows you to use any of its five different weapon types at any time, but the two you choose give you stat bonuses that follow you into the first real dungeon of the game. Below you can find details on each statistic and the weapon it supports:
- Body: Determines the power of Spears/Polearms, as well as Life and resistance to poison and paralysis.
- Heart: Determines the power of Swords and Bows, as well as Ki (Stamina).
- Stamina: Determines Life and how much weight you can carry.
- Strength: Determines the power of Axes/Hammers, as well as the ability to activate the special effects of heavy armor.
- Skill: Determines the power of Dual Swords, as well as the ability to activate the special effects of technical armor.
- Dexterity: Determines the power and capacity of Ninjutsu.
- Magic: Determines the effect and capacity of Onmyo Magic.
- Spirit: Determines the power of your Guardian Spirit.
Sword
The Sword is the most reliable and well-balanced weapon type in the game, offering both short and long range attacks. It's perfect for beginners, as it's the easiest to use and is often unhindered by tight, enclosed spaces. Its Ki consumption is forgiving, offering you a sufficient amount of leftover Ki to use to dodge out of a sticky situation. The Sword is a perfect complement to any other weapon type you choose.
(Attribute Bonus: Heart +1)
Dual Swords
The Dual Swords lack attack power, but their ability to quickly string together multiple hits makes them worthwhile. It's at its best against groups of enemies, as the barrage of quick hits it inflicts can easily whittle away enemy health bars, with little commitment or cost to your maneuverability. Patience and fast reflexes are key with the Dual Swords, as its underwhelming attack power sometimes extends the duration of encounters.
(Attribute Bonus: Skill +1)
Spear
The Spear is a great long-ranged melee weapon, allowing you the ability to poke enemies before they get too close. It also sports a variety of wide, sweeping attacks, which makes it a great fit against groups of enemies attempting to assault you. It's the perfect middle ground between the Sword and Axe, offering decent attack power and relative speed. However, the Spear can prove cumbersome in enclosed spaces, as it can ricochet wildly if struck against a wall.
(Attribute Bonus: Body +1)
Axe
The Axe can inflict devastating damage to enemies if you're able to land its slow, heavy blows. The weapon demands precision and accuracy to be most effective; however, be wary of using it against faster enemies, as poorly timed execution can prove punishing. The Axe is best paired with a faster weapon to better balance out its slow attack speed. In addition, its attacks are difficult to deflect, which makes it a great choice to break an enemy's guard.
(Attribute Bonus: Stamina +1)
Kusarigama
The Kusarigama allows for quick, close-range strikes as well as ranged attacks thanks to its distinct design. However, its true potential is realized through its unlockable Skills, which provide it with an array of ways to set up deadly combos. For this reason, it's more of an advanced weapon, as effective use of its Skills along with its varying repertoire of attacks requires thoughtful and precise execution. If you're able to fully grasp all that the Kusarigama has to offer, it can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying weapons to use.
It's worth noting that the Kusarigama's attack power isn't tied to a specific statistic, though its damage is improved greatly when you put points into Skill or Dexterity.
(Attribute Bonus: Dexterity +1)
What Starter Guardian Spirit Suits Your Weapons?
On top of deciding what two weapons to specialize in, you're also asked to choose your first Guardian Spirit. You're given three choices: Kato, Isonade, and Daiba-washi. Each offers their own unique stat bonuses that benefit certain playstyles. For example, Daiba-washi is perfect for Dual Swords users, enhancing your quick attack damage and evasive abilities. The Guardian Spirit you choose will also give you an attribute bonus.
While you gain more Guardian Spirits the further you get in the game, you're stuck with your starter for a while, so choose wisely.
Kato
Kato is the go-to Guardian Spirit if your focus is on dealing damage. Its stat bonuses provide boosts in both close range attack and Skill damage, as well as reduced Ki consumption for critical attacks. It's a perfect fit for Axe users, but can also be effective with Sword and Spear users too.
(Attribute Bonus: Strength +1)
Isonade
Isonade is for more defensive players, as its stat bonuses benefit those who fight and traverse environments with caution. One of its major bonuses is Sense Enemies, which allows you to better detect the presence of nearby enemies with your radar. In addition, it amplifies close combat damage against humans and reduces the Ki consumption. Isonade's benefits allow you to respond to surprise threats more effectively, while allowing you some leeway towards recovering from damage. If you like using more calculated weapons, such as the Spear, Axe, or even the Kusarigama, this is the Guardian Spirit for you.
(Attribute Bonus: Spirit +1)
Daiba-Washi
If you value speed over brute force, Daiba-washi is the perfect choice. It reduces evasive maneuver Ki usage, while adding bonuses to your quick attack damage. The added boosts in both luck and equipment drop rate are also added perks. Daiba-washi is the Guardian Spirit to use if you're set on using the Sword, Dual Swords, or Kusarigama.
(Attribute Bonus: Skill +1)
Regret Your Weapon Decisions? Respec!
If you start to regret your weapon choices as you learn more about the tactics and unlockable Skills they each have to offer, don't fret. There's an item you can purchase called the Book of Reincarnation that allows you to completely respec all of your stats and skills. It can be bought at Tome's Blacksmith shop for 10,000 gold.
Unfortunately, this won't save you from your choice of Guardian spirit. You'll have to progress through the game in order to gain access to the rest of the starters.