Best Nioh 3 weapons and tier list

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo Games)

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Best weapons
Best Samurai weapons
Best Ninja weapons

The best weapons in Nioh 3 will change depending on whether you're in your Samurai on Ninja form, as each have their own list of compatible weapons and movesets, strengths and weaknesses. You're asked to choose a weapon for each early on, though there's nothing stopping you from trying the other weapon types when you find them, and each one has their own skill tree and abilities.

The whole thing can easily get overwhelming, which is why we've put together a full weapon tier list for all the major weapon types in Nioh 3, broken up by both the Ninja and Samurai styles. If you want to know what you should choose and how good they are, here's all the best choices, at least for melee.

Best weapons in Nioh 3

The best weapon types in Nioh 3 for each style are the Spear (for Samurai Style) and the Tonfa (for Ninja Style). Each one has its own strengths that make them the standout, though they're not so much better that it leaves the rest of the weapon options non-viable.

The Spear is relatively straightforward, made effective by its reach, control, simple moveset, and good variation between speed and damage. It doesn't really have any flaws, and certain skills in its Skill tree are hugely effective gamechangers, such as the Spear Flourish, which allows you to stagger enemies during a simple Ki Pulse.

The Tonfa are built for speed and quick impact, not to mention Ki damage. This is a highly defensive Ninja weapon that includes the ability to deflect attacks (which most don't have), and is incredibly evasive to boot. They can be a little wild to control, but once you get a grip on them, you'll find yourself outpacing pretty much every enemy and ultimately untouchable, unleashing rapid barrages of attacks before pulling back. Make sure you invest early in the Impenetrability skill, as well as working towards the Prescience skill for maximum defensive ability.

For a more general overlook on how to level up, check out our guide on the best skills in Nioh 3.

Best Samurai weapons tier list

Below are all the weapon types for Samurai style in Nioh 3, ranked in a full tier list.

S-tier
- Spear: With very long range and a good mix of stats, the Spear remains the exemplar of the Samurai weapons.
- Sword: Swords are easy to learn and effective middle-ground choices, with a fair amount of mobility built into their skill tree.
A-tier
- Dual Swords: For fast and aggressive play, Dual Swords are powerful if you can manage your Ki expenditure.
- Odachi: Slow and heavy-hitting, Odachi can be risky but good for sweeping through groups.
- Switchglaives: The complex Switchglaive has good range, but is a bit unpredictable and wild if you're not practiced.
B-tier
- Axes: Axes hit hard, but they're even slower than Odachi and struggle with defense.
- Cestuses: These fists allow for mobility, but they lack impact. If you want a weapon like this, you should really be in Ninja style.

Best Ninja weapons tier list

Here you can find all the different weapons types for the Ninja style, ranked in our curated tier list after extensive testing.

S-tier
- Tonfa: Tonfa have a great DPS rate, and allow for high defense and agility – as long as you learn to control your lunges.
- Splitstaves: Twirling barrages of attacks work both on single and multiple enemies, keeping up the pressure of offense.
A-tier
- Kusarigama: This chained weapon is good for control and range, though lacks a little in speed and damage.
- Dual Ninja Swords: Quick, aggressive weapons that don't allow for much in the way of defense, but can be effective if you learn how to manage stamina and evasion.
- Ninja Swords: An evasive take on sword play that allows for control, and rewards getting behind opponents.
B-tier
- Hatchets: Heavy weapons that can be thrown, lending to high-risk, high-reward play.
- Talons: Speedy, punching claws that chip at opponents, while lending themselves to tricky jump attacks.

Obviously there are ranged weapons available, but those are largely more designed for specific functions – the bow is used for ranged stealth kills, and the rifle used for stronger, louder shots to break through armor – but none of them really work in the middle of combat, being too cumbersome and slow to be incorporated into most skirmishes, and certainly not something you can make a build around. Treat them accordingly, swapping them around according to need and ammunition.