Nioh 3 Hatchets Guide手斧
Throwable small hatchets via charged heavy attacks. Offers unique ranged options for a melee weapon with flexible engagement range.
Overview
The Hatchets are a unique melee-ranged hybrid weapon in Nioh 3 that lets you throw them at enemies via charged heavy attacks, creating a playstyle unlike any other melee weapon. Unlike ranged weapons that consume ammo, thrown Hatchets have unlimited uses, giving users permanent access to ranged damage without resource management. In melee range, they deliver fast dual-wielded chops that deal solid damage with moderate Ki cost. This weapon scales with Stamina as its primary stat, providing equipment load capacity alongside damage. The true power of the Hatchets in Nioh 3 comes from constantly alternating between thrown attacks for safe ranged damage and melee combos when enemies close the gap. This dynamic range management makes them one of the most versatile weapons in the game for players who enjoy adapting their combat style on the fly.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- • Unlimited ranged attacks — thrown Hatchets require no ammo or resources
- • Flexible engagement — the Hatchets work at both melee and mid-range
- • Charged Hatchets throws deal significant damage from safe distance
- • Stamina scaling lets Hatchets users wear heavier armor for survivability
Weaknesses
- • Jack of all trades — the Hatchets don't excel at pure melee or pure ranged
- • Thrown Hatchets deal less damage than dedicated melee combos at close range
- • Charged throws leave Hatchets users briefly vulnerable during wind-up
- • Lower melee damage compared to dedicated close-range Ninja weapons
Key Characteristics
- •Unique melee-ranged hybrid — throw Hatchets via charged heavy attacks
- •Flexible engagement range from point-blank to mid-range throws
- •Charged Hatchet throws deal heavy damage at range without ammo limits
- •Hybrid playstyle rewards dynamic range management
Moveset Guide
Charged heavy attack throws your Hatchets at enemies — hold triangle to wind up and release for a powerful ranged strike that hits from mid-range
Piercing Hurl (貫通投げ) throws both weapons in rapid succession — this is the highest ranged damage skill and should be used at every safe opportunity
Melee combos are fast dual-wielded chops — use them when enemies close the gap, then transition back to thrown attacks when they retreat
The thrown attacks can hit enemy weak points from distance — aim for heads and horns to deal critical damage without entering melee range
Mist (霞) backward into a throw is an incredibly safe pattern — dodge away from danger and immediately hurl them during the Mist recovery
Combat Techniques
• Use Mist (霞) to create distance, then throw for safe ranged damage — this is the Hatchets' safest combat loop against dangerous enemies
• Aerial throws hit at a downward angle — jump and throw for better accuracy against smaller enemies and to hit enemies behind shields
• Evade (識破) with this weapon opens up a melee counter-slash — transition from the counter into melee combos or retreat into ranged throws
• Combine Ninjutsu buffs with thrown attacks to add elemental damage to every ranged strike for consistent status buildup at range