If you’re looking for the best weapons in Nioh 3, the big thing to know is that the game splits its combat into two styles: Samurai and Ninja. Each style has seven weapon types, and they are exclusive to that form.
That matters a lot, because Nioh 3 is still a combo-focused action RPG. Picking a weapon that matches your playstyle early can save you a ton of frustration, especially when bosses start punishing slow swings or greedy combos.
This Nioh 3 weapon tier list ranks every weapon based on overall usefulness, damage, versatility, and how easy it is to get consistent results with it.
Nioh 3 Weapon Tier List (All Weapons)
Samurai Weapon Tiers
S-Tier: Axes, Switchglaives
A-Tier: Cestuses, Dual Swords, Spears
B-Tier: Swords, Odachi
Ninja Weapon Tiers
S-Tier: Talons, Tonfa
A-Tier: Dual Ninja Swords, Hatchets, Ninja Swords
B-Tier: Kusarigama, Splitstaves
S-Tier Samurai Weapons
Axes
Axes are one of the best weapons in Nioh 3 if the goal is simple: hit hard and stagger enemies. They are slow, but the damage makes up for it. Axes also do a great job against tougher enemies since they can break momentum and punish openings with big swings.
They are not beginner-friendly in the sense that you can get punished for whiffing. But once a player gets used to timing, Axes become one of the strongest Samurai options.
Best for: High damage, stagger, boss punishment
Switchglaives
Switchglaives are easily one of the strongest Samurai weapons, but they come with a learning curve. The weapon’s strength comes from switching forms and stances mid-combo. When played well, it can keep pressure on enemies and stay useful in almost any situation.
It is not the best pick for a brand-new player, but it is absolutely worth learning if someone wants a top-tier weapon with strong flexibility.
Best for: Versatility, combos, aggressive play
A-Tier Samurai Weapons
Dual Swords
Dual Swords are fast, safe, and consistent. They do not hit as hard as Axes, but they are easier to use in long fights and they work well against most enemies.
They are also a great option for players who like a faster Samurai style without giving up range completely.
Best for: Speed, steady damage, safe pressure
Spears
Spears are one of the best beginner weapons for Samurai. They have good reach, easy combos, and solid crowd control. Spears also make it easier to fight enemies that like to rush or surround you.
They are not flashy and they do not have the burst damage of Axes. But they are reliable in almost every part of the game.
Best for: Range, crowd control, consistency
Cestuses
Cestuses are a strong close-range weapon with fast hits and great combo potential. They can build damage quickly when a player commits to pressure.
The main issue is reach. If you misjudge distance, you can get punished hard. Cestuses also feel less convenient early on due to weapon drop availability.
Best for: Close-range DPS, fast combos
B-Tier Samurai Weapons
Swords
The standard Sword is balanced and easy to learn. It is a great weapon for understanding stance flow, Ki Pulses, and the basics of Nioh combat.
The problem is that other Samurai weapons do the same job better. Sword is never bad, but it rarely feels like the best option.
Best for: Beginners, balanced play
Odachi
Odachi is a heavy weapon with strong swings and good crowd control. It can do great damage, especially when the player understands spacing and enemy patterns.
But it is slow, and it does not feel as consistent as Axes or Spears. It is a weapon that rewards patience more than aggression.
Best for: Slow heavy hits, spacing play
S-Tier Ninja Weapons
Talons
Talons are one of the best Ninja weapons in Nioh 3 because they match the Ninja playstyle perfectly. They are fast, aggressive, and great for hit-and-run combat.
They also work well for players who want constant pressure, especially when enemies are vulnerable or low on Ki.
Best for: Speed, combos, status pressure
Tonfa
Tonfa are arguably the strongest Ninja weapon overall. They hit quickly, burn very little Ki, and they are excellent at breaking enemy poise. If a player likes staying close and bullying enemies out of their attacks, Tonfa do that better than almost anything else.
The weakness is range, but Tonfa are so strong up close that it rarely matters.
Best for: Stagger, close-range damage, boss control
A-Tier Ninja Weapons
Ninja Swords
Ninja Swords are a faster and more aggressive version of the Samurai Sword. They are easy to pick up, quick to use, and reliable across most encounters.
They do not have the raw power of Tonfa or the combo chaos of Talons, but they are consistent and beginner-friendly.
Best for: Reliable Ninja play, clean combos
Dual Ninja Swords
Dual Ninja Swords are fast, mobile, and great for staying on top of enemies. They feel like a more aggressive version of Dual Swords, with more movement baked into their attacks.
They are strong, but they are usually outclassed by Tonfa when it comes to raw stagger and damage.
Best for: Mobility, pressure, speed builds
Hatchets
Hatchets are a fun and flexible weapon thanks to their ability to mix melee attacks with throws. They give Ninja a different kind of range option, and they can be useful in fights where staying too close is risky.
The downside is that Hatchets do not dominate any category. They are good, but they rarely feel like the best choice.
Best for: Hybrid melee and ranged play
B-Tier Ninja Weapons
Kusarigama
Kusarigama has great reach and a cool moveset, but it is harder to use well than most Ninja weapons. It often requires better timing and spacing to get full value.
It can work, but it usually takes more effort for less reward compared to Talons or Tonfa.
Best for: Range, technical play
Splitstaves
Splitstaves have a versatile moveset and can adapt well once mastered. The issue is that they have a higher skill floor, and many players will get more consistent results from easier weapons.
They are not bad, but they are not the best weapon choice for most players.
Best for: Advanced combo players
If you want the best weapon to use in Nioh 3 without stressing about complicated setups, the Odachi is the easiest top-tier pick. If you prefer speed and aggressive pressure, Claws are right there with it.