Nioh 2 Best Weapons Tier List

There are a lot of great weapons in Nioh 2. But of course, the best weapon is the one that fits your personal build the best. However, it’s entirely possible to highlight a number of weapons objectively better than the rest. 

Each weapon in the list below offers a unique feature that you may not find in any other weapon in the game, and that’s why they’re so valuable. We also provide you with the locations of the smithing texts and recipes for each weapon, so you can easily track them down and add them to your build

Tier-S Weapons

Seething Dragon

Seething Dragon is a great mid-range weapon that is far more special than you might think. It’s the only weapon in the game that has a fixed faster Ki recovery bonus, and one of the few that has Imbue Corruption.

The smithing text for crafting this switchglaive can be found as a drop from two bosses:

• Saito Yoshitatsu (The Point of No Return mission)
• Imagawa Yoshimoto (Imagawa Diehard mission)

Seething Dragon also scales with Onmyo Magic skills. Here are the recommended ones for this weapon:

• Barrier Talisman
• Thunderstorm Shot Talisman
• Incantation Mastery
• Whirling Blade

Firefly Blade

Firefly Blade, a Japanese Odachi greatsword, can be an excellent alternative to scythes and switchglaives. It has the same reach, but the damage output is higher. The only downside is that you can’t use magic skills like in the case of  Seething Dragon.

The distinct feature of the Firefly Blade is its Amrita Absorption ability, which recovers your health. Combine it with Yoshiie’s Birthright gear, and you will be practically ubeatable.

You can craft this weapon using the following recipe:

• 1x Tamahagane
• 1x Lacquer
• 1x Spirit Stone Arm
• 1x Kappa Shell

Tier-A Weapons

Earthfall Kusarigama

The speed and range of the Earthfall Kusarigama is perfect for Dexterity builds. Its main effect is Imbue Purity, which inflicts extra Ki damage to your enemies depending on the level of their Purity resistance.

Since Earthfall Kusarigama is compatible with Ninjutsu, and Dexterity scaling performs exceptionally well for Ninjutsu in Nioh 2, it makes this weapon the best Dexterity weapon in the game as of now.

This Kusarigama can be crafted using the following recipe:

• 2x Ingot
• 2x Leather Cord
• 2x Kappa Shell
• 1x Petrified Eye

Barbarian’s Hatchets

Although this incredibly fast pair of hatchets can deal a lot of damage when thrown, its main selling point is the unique and undeniably useful increased item drop rate effect.

If you’re looking to not only kill your enemies but also make sure that they drop good loot, then Barbarian’s Hatchets would be the best choice in that case.

These hatchets can be crafted with the help of this recipe:

• 3x Leather Cord
• 3x Wood
• 1x Poison Pearl
• 1x Bladed Horn

White Bone Spirit Tonfa

If you’re looking to enter the dark realm of Yokai spirits, then this would be the best weapon choice. White Bone Spirit Tonfa has increased damage against Yokai enemies.

Obviously, this is a highly specialized weapon, which you can only use against one type of enemy. But there is no better weapon if you want to unlock Yokai skills and weapons.

A smithing text for White Bone Spirit Tonfa is dropped by Imagawa Yoshimoto boss during The Hidden Monsters of Okehazama mission.

Tier-B Weapons

Onimaru Kunitsuna

All new players should start with simple swords. Onimaru Kunitsuna is one of the five great swords in Nioh 2, which has an increased attack effect when consuming Amrita.

This is an excellent weapon with a great balance of stats. You can obtain it by completing one of The Way of the Ninja missions beginning from the Adept stage or higher, which becomes available after you reach Level 27.

Little Crow / Quickdraw

Skill and maneuverability are the two main effects of this dual sword weapon. If you’ve started with a normal sword, and want to switch to something more sophisticated, then Little Crow & Quickdraw is a great choice.

This amazing pair of swords can be crafted using the following recipe:

• 5x Tamahagane
• 1x Wood
• 1x Lacquer
• 1x Karasu Tengu Feather

Mataza’s Long Spear

Usually, spear is a safe choice due to its range, which can keep you at a distance while you’re poking your enemies to death. Mataza’s Long Spear is unique in this regard, as it has increased thrust damage, which can be found in only three other weapons.

The extra thrust damage can really hurt your opponents, and at the same time, it keep you at a safe distance from their own attacks.

The smithing text for Mataza’s Long Spear can be found as a drop from the Maeda Toshiie boss during the Mataza of the Spear mission.

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These were the best weapons in Nioh 2. For more related guides, check out our growing hub page.