Nioh 3 Dual Swords Guide双刀
Twin katanas featuring quick attacks and unique charged lunges. Excels at applying status effects through rapid consecutive hits.
Overview
The Dual Swords are one of the fastest Samurai weapons in Nioh 3, designed for aggressive players who thrive on relentless pressure and rapid status application. Wielding twin katanas allows you to chain long combo strings that quickly build up elemental effects like Lightning, Fire, or Water on enemies. These blades scale with Heart as their primary stat, sharing this scaling with the standard Sword but trading single-hit power for superior attack speed and combo potential. What sets them apart in Nioh 3 is the unique charged lunge mechanic — by holding the heavy attack button, you perform a devastating gap-closing thrust that transitions into extended combo chains. This weapon rewards an aggressive, in-your-face playstyle where constant attacks keep enemies staggered and unable to retaliate.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- • Fastest Samurai weapon — Dual Swords combo chains are nearly endless
- • Best weapon for applying elemental status effects through sheer hit count
- • Charged lunge attacks close distance instantly for punishing retreating enemies
- • Sign of the Cross skill deals massive burst damage rivaling Odachi hits
Weaknesses
- • Low damage per hit — Dual Swords rely on combo length for total damage
- • Short reach leaves Dual Swords users vulnerable to polearm enemies
- • High Ki consumption during extended Dual Swords combo strings
- • Requires aggressive positioning that punishes mistakes harshly
Key Characteristics
- •Fastest attack speed among Samurai weapons
- •Unique charged lunge attacks for gap-closing
- •Excellent for elemental status effect buildup
- •Lower damage per individual hit but high DPS through combos
Moveset Guide
Sign of the Cross (十文字斬り) is the Dual Swords' signature burst damage skill — this cross-slash deals enormous damage and should be used whenever bosses are out of Ki
Charged lunge in Mid Stance closes distance instantly — use it to re-engage after dodging away, maintaining constant pressure
Water Sword (流水剣) lets you dodge through attacks while dealing damage — essential for surviving aggressive boss patterns
Low Stance has the highest hit count per combo — combine with Lightning talismans to proc Lightning status in 2-3 combo chains
God of Wind (風神) in High Stance is a devastating skill that launches enemies, setting up aerial follow-ups or ground punishes
Stance Guide
High Stance (上段)
High Stance Dual Swords deal the most damage per swing and include powerful skills like God of Wind. Use this stance when enemies are stunned or out of Ki for maximum damage windows.
Mid Stance (中段)
Mid Stance Dual Swords provide the best balance between speed and safety. The Mid Stance charged lunge is the weapon's best gap-closer. Use this stance as your default for most combat encounters.
Low Stance (下段)
Low Stance attacks are incredibly fast with minimal Ki cost. This is the best stance for applying elemental status effects and for dodging through enemy attack patterns.