If you’re diving into the world of Nioh 2, you already know that the game offers an exhilarating challenge. From its intense combat to the intricate skill progression, it’s a journey that requires both strategy and skill. One of the most exciting aspects of Nioh 2 is its extensive array of weapons, each with its own unique playstyle and strengths.
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But with so many options available, choosing the right weapon can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the game or just looking to optimize your build. That’s where this Nioh 2 Weapon Tier List comes in! In this guide, we’ll break down the best weapons in the game and rank them based on their effectiveness, versatility, and overall power. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find this list helpful in picking the weapon that best suits your playstyle.
Nioh 2 Weapon Tier List: S-Tier Weapons
Dual Swords
- Playstyle: Agile, fast-paced, and deadly
- Strengths: High attack speed, excellent combo potential, and great for crowd control.
The Dual Swords are arguably one of the best weapon choices in Nioh 2 for players who love speed and mobility. These swords offer lightning-fast attacks and allow for constant movement, making it easy to dodge incoming blows while dealing damage. The stance-switching mechanics of the Dual Swords make it possible to chain together long combos, which is perfect for racking up damage in a short period.
In Human Form, Dual Swords feel like a breeze to use. You can tear through enemies with ease, using quick strikes and the ability to dodge out of danger while maintaining an offensive stance. Their high Ki damage and quick combo builds give them an edge over many other weapons.
Odachi
- Playstyle: Powerful, wide-reaching, and devastating
- Strengths: Huge AoE (Area of Effect) attacks, great for dealing with groups of enemies.
The Odachi might be slower than the Dual Swords, but it compensates for that with its colossal damage output and range. The sheer size of this weapon allows you to hit multiple enemies at once, making it an excellent choice for crowd control. While it’s slower to swing, the Odachi’s ability to stun enemies and deal massive damage in a wide radius makes it a staple in the S-Tier.
It’s also one of the best weapons in Yokai Form due to its strong charged attacks that can decimate large groups of enemies. If you want a weapon that lets you go in swinging and leave a path of destruction in your wake, the Odachi is a fantastic choice.
A-Tier Weapons: Strong and Reliable
Katana
- Playstyle: Balanced, versatile, and reliable
- Strengths: Balanced between speed and power, perfect for a variety of builds.
The Katana is a classic choice for players who want a well-rounded weapon that can adapt to any situation. It’s not as fast as the Dual Swords or as heavy-hitting as the Odachi, but it strikes the perfect balance between attack speed and power. The Katana is especially strong in Human Form and works well in both aggressive and defensive playstyles.
The Iai Stance (a specific stance in the game) with the Katana offers incredible counterattacks, and its ability to parry and defend against incoming attacks makes it a great option for players who enjoy a balanced approach to combat. It’s reliable, flexible, and easy to use, making it a strong weapon in the A-Tier.
Spear
- Playstyle: Long-range, pokey, and tactical
- Strengths: Great reach, quick strikes, and excellent for maintaining distance.
The Spear is an excellent weapon for players who prefer a tactical, distance-based combat style. With a long reach and fast, efficient strikes, the Spear excels at keeping enemies at bay. Its Thrust Stance lets you quickly poke enemies, and its ability to attack from range helps you avoid damage while slowly chipping away at your opponent’s health.
While the Spear doesn’t deal as much raw damage as the Odachi, its ability to control space and keep enemies at a distance makes it a strong contender for an A-Tier weapon.
B-Tier Weapons: Solid Choices, but Not for Everyone
Axe
- Playstyle: Slow, heavy-hitting, and punishing
- Strengths: Massive damage, perfect for breaking enemy stances.
The Axe is a weapon that focuses on raw, brutal power. Each swing is a calculated attack designed to land devastating blows, but it’s a weapon that requires precise timing. Due to its slow swing speed, you’ll need to anticipate enemy movements and carefully position yourself for optimal damage.
While the Axe is strong in Yokai Form, it’s not the most forgiving weapon. If you love smashing enemies with bone-crushing force and don’t mind the slower pace of combat, the Axe might be a great fit for your build. However, if you’re looking for something more versatile or faster, you might want to look elsewhere.
Kusarigama
- Playstyle: A hybrid weapon, combining speed and range with a unique spinning mechanic
- Strengths: Aerial mobility, range, and status effects.
The Kusarigama offers a combination of speed and reach, making it a unique weapon in Nioh 2. It’s especially useful in Yokai Form, where the ability to perform spinning attacks and hit from a distance is invaluable. The Kusarigama’s Scythe Mode allows for wide sweeps, while the chain portion of the weapon provides mobility and range.
Though its unique mechanics can be challenging to master, the Kusarigama is a great weapon for players who enjoy a more dynamic and tricksy combat style. It’s solid in the B-Tier, but it’s definitely not for everyone, especially if you prefer straightforward weapons.
C-Tier Weapons: Niche and Situational
Tonfa
- Playstyle: Fast, combo-heavy, and defensive
- Strengths: Great for defensive players and counterattacking.
The Tonfa is a weapon that focuses on defense, using quick strikes to stagger enemies and build pressure. It’s fast and relies heavily on combos, but its damage output isn’t as high as some of the other weapons. If you enjoy a defensive, counter-heavy playstyle, the Tonfa might be for you. But if you’re looking for raw damage or versatility, it can feel a bit underwhelming compared to the higher-tier weapons.
Honorable Mentions
Switchglaive
- Playstyle: Fluid, versatile, and stylish
- Strengths: Great mobility and a mix of ranged and melee attacks.
While the Switchglaive doesn’t rank as high as the weapons mentioned above, it’s an extremely fun weapon to use due to its smooth and stylish combat flow. It’s great for players who enjoy versatility, as it lets you switch between long-range and melee attacks with ease.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the best weapon in Nioh 2 depends on your playstyle. Whether you enjoy fast-paced, agile combat with the Dual Swords or you prefer the slow but powerful hits of the Odachi, each weapon brings something unique to the table. If you’re just starting out, the Katana is an excellent all-around weapon to try. On the other hand, if you love power and massive AoE attacks, the Odachi is a must-have.
Remember, the right weapon can elevate your gameplay experience and allow you to take on even the toughest bosses in Nioh 2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons to find what feels right for you. Good luck, and happy slaying!
This tier list gives you an overview of each weapon’s strengths, and now it’s up to you to decide which one matches your style. Keep honing your skills, and you’ll be ready to face whatever challenges come your way!
