There are two broad Martial Arts playstyles available in Nioh 3: Samurai and Ninja, which determine variations in combat flow. Investing points in their skill trees also permits access to unique movesets and abilities.
This guide for Nioh 3 lists the best weapons for Samurai and Ninja builds, as well as the recommended weapon skills for them.
Samurai Martial Arts
Sword/Katana
The medium range of the tried and true Sword class is mitigated by a faster attack speed in comparison to long arms. Crowd control can be difficult however, and combat positioning can be the difference between winning and losing battles.
- Iai Quickdraw
- Night Rain
- Swallow’s Wing
Odachi
The Odachi has maximum reach and offers excellent crowd control, allowing you to sweep around while dealing damage and simultaneously keep enemies at bay.
Relying on heavy armor becomes necessary with this weapon, due to its lowered speed which can often leave you wide open to counterstrikes.
Management of Ki consumption can pose a problem initially, when you lack experience with the weapon.
- Ground Sweeper
- Groundquake Lightning
- Sunset Breeze: Earth
Cestus
The Cestus affords a Samurai high speed combat potential that is almost, but perhaps not quite on par with the Ninja Talons. Distance to the enemy will be extremely close range, but rapidity of strikes and chaining of combos can melt enemies far quicker than their ability to retaliate.
- Rising Gale
- Limitless
- Dancing Kick
Ninja Martial Arts
Dual Ninja Swords
What’s better than a single Ninja Sword if not dual-wielded Ninja Swords. Not only does attack speed increase significantly, but so does the opportunity for chained combos and multiple strikes.
Proper Ki management becomes critically important with Dual Ninja Swords, and range is also somewhat reduced in comparison to the lone Ninja Sword.
- Drifting Counter
- Water Sword
- Spinning Drill
Kusarigama
A weapon with dual-range potential, the Kusarigama can be used for both up close and personal attacks, as well as crowd control from a safe distance.
Problems can occur if you lack a feel for timing combos against mobs, though you can use it to quite effectively kite and deplete the health of enemies.
- Crimson Flurry
- Foot Sweep
- Whirlwind
Talons
The fastest weapon class available to Ninjas, the Talons are all about damage output based on pure speed. Rapid combos chained together are the name of the game, with all kinds of elemental status effects stacking up along the way.
Extreme close range is obviously an issue, but speed and skill can make up for it.
- Mist Slash
- Whirling Tiger
- Spinning Kicks
Those are the best weapons and associated skills for both Samurai and Ninja Martial Arts playstyles in Nioh 3.
