Nioh 3 Weapons
Nioh 3 features 17 weapon types split between Samurai and Ninja combat styles. Each weapon has unique movesets, scaling stats, and playstyles.
How to Choose a Nioh 3 Weapon
Choosing the right weapon in Nioh 3 is the most important decision you make when building your character. Your weapon determines your primary scaling stat, combat style (Samurai or Ninja), available skills, and overall playstyle. Every weapon can clear all content in the game, so pick based on what feels fun rather than tier rankings alone.
Samurai weapons use the traditional stance system — High Stance for damage, Mid Stance for balanced defense, and Low Stance for speed and evasion. Each stance has distinct combos and a unique Ki Pulse rhythm. Ninja weapons replace stances with Mist evasion and Evade counters, rewarding reactive play and aerial combos. You can equip one melee weapon from each style simultaneously, switching between them mid-combat.
Consider your preferred range (Spear for distance, Cestus for close-quarters), damage style (Odachi for burst, Dual Swords for sustained DPS), and stat investment. Each weapon's primary scaling stat provides secondary benefits — Constitution adds HP, Heart adds Ki recovery, Magic enhances Onmyo spells. See our Stats Guide for detailed scaling breakdowns.
Samurai Weapons (7)
Samurai weapons use the traditional Ki Pulse and Stance system. Switch between High, Mid, and Low stances for different attacks and Ki recovery options.
Ninja Weapons (7)
Ninja weapons focus on speed and mobility. Use Mist (霞) for evasion, Evade (識破) for counters, and chain aerial combos for devastating damage.
Ranged Weapons (3)
Ranged weapons can be used in both combat styles. Essential for pulling enemies, hitting weak points, and dealing damage from safety.
Nioh 3 Weapon Tips
Every weapon in Nioh 3 has a proficiency level that increases as you use it in combat. Higher proficiency unlocks new skills in the weapon's skill tree, so spending time with a weapon before judging it is important. Proficiency gains are based on damage dealt, not kills, so fighting stronger enemies levels your weapon faster.
You can switch weapons freely at any Shrine without penalty. If you want to try a new weapon type, respec your stats to match its primary scaling attribute and practice in earlier missions where enemies are less punishing. Many players keep a secondary weapon from the opposite combat style for situational flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weapons are in Nioh 3?
Nioh 3 has 17 weapon types: 7 Samurai melee weapons, 7 Ninja melee weapons, and 3 ranged weapons (Bow, Rifle, Hand Cannon). Each melee weapon type has its own skill tree and unique moveset.
Can I use both Samurai and Ninja weapons?
Yes. You equip one melee weapon from each combat style, giving you access to both a Samurai and Ninja weapon during combat. You can switch between them at any time, though each requires different stat investments for optimal damage.
What is the best weapon for beginners in Nioh 3?
The Sword is the best starting weapon. It has a balanced moveset, forgiving timing, and scales with Heart for good Ki recovery. The Spear is also beginner-friendly thanks to its safe range advantage.
Can I respec to try a different weapon?
Yes. You can reallocate all stat points at any Shrine using a Book of Reincarnation. This lets you switch your primary scaling stat to match a new weapon without losing progress.
Do ranged weapons need stat investment?
Ranged weapons scale with their own stats (Heart for Bow, Skill for Rifle, Stamina for Hand Cannon) but serve a support role. Most players invest minimally in ranged scaling and focus on their melee weapon's primary stat instead.