This Nioh 2 tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Characters Rankings
| Tier | Role | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Switchglaive Mage | 9.5/10 | Spell-buffed melee fighter who debuffs enemies and amplifies damage through Onmyo magic. |
| A | Odachi Strength | 8.5/10 | Heavy hitter who keeps distance with long reach and punishes openings with devastating combos. |
| A | Dual Swords Agility | 8.5/10 | Lightning-fast attacker who chains combos endlessly and dodges through everything in Low Stance. |
| S | Tonfa Ki Breaker | 9.5/10 | Relentless attacker who breaks enemy ki meters through aggressive pressure and combo extensions. |
| A | Fists Anima Build | 8.5/10 | Martial artist who generates Anima rapidly to spam powerful yokai abilities between combo strings. |
Detailed Characters Analysis
Switchglaive Mage (S-Tier)
The Switchglaive scales with Magic stat, letting you stack Onmyo magic power alongside weapon damage. Spells like Extraction Talisman and Familiar boost DPS while debuff talismans (Sloth, Weakness) trivialize bosses. The weapon's three stance forms cover all ranges.
Best with: Grace of Tsukuyomi set, Switchglaive with Magic scaling, Onmyo Austerity accessories Stat focus: Magic > Constitution > Courage > Heart
Odachi Strength (A-Tier)
The Odachi has enormous range and the highest per-hit damage of any weapon. Moonlit Snow combo in High Stance shreds bosses. Scales with Strength and Heart, making it straightforward to build. The reach lets you outspace most yokai attacks.
Best with: Warrior of the East set, Odachi with Strength scaling, Heavy armor Stat focus: Strength > Heart > Stamina > Constitution
Dual Swords Agility (A-Tier)
Fastest weapon type with incredible combo potential and the Sign of the Cross skill for burst damage. Low ki cost per hit makes stance-switching fluid. The God of Wind skill series chains into itself for sustained DPS during long openings.
Best with: Ninigi's Grace set, Dual Swords with Skill scaling, Light armor for dodge bonus Stat focus: Skill > Heart > Courage > Dexterity
Tonfa Ki Breaker (S-Tier)
Tonfas deal the most ki damage in the game, specializing in breaking enemy ki bars for finishing blows. Demon Dance skill in Mid Stance has built-in dodges while attacking. The Kannagi skill does massive ki damage. Against human bosses, Tonfas are unmatched.
Best with: Izanagi's Grace set, Tonfas with Courage scaling, Ki damage accessories Stat focus: Courage > Constitution > Heart > Stamina
Fists Anima Build (A-Tier)
Fists were added in DLC and offer a martial arts moveset with built-in dodge attacks. Excellent Anima generation lets you spam Soul Core abilities constantly. Unbroken skill in High Stance delivers a devastating charged punch. The Limitless skill chain is one of the most satisfying combos.
Best with: Magatsuhi's Grace set, Fists with Strength scaling, Anima Bonus accessories Stat focus: Strength > Courage > Constitution > Stamina
Weapons Rankings
| Weapon | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Switchglaive | Magic builds, versatile playstyle, beginners | A transforming weapon that shifts between scythe (High), glaive (Mid), and sword (Low) forms with stance changes. |
| Odachi | Strength builds, large yokai fights, range advantage | A massive two-handed sword with the longest melee range. |
| Dual Swords | Speed builds, combo-focused playstyle, human boss fights | The fastest weapon type with low ki cost per attack. |
| Tonfa | Ki-breaking builds, human bosses, aggressive playstyle | Short-range weapons that excel at ki damage and combo extensions. |
| Fists | Anima builds, Soul Core spam, DLC content | DLC weapon with a martial arts moveset including kicks, punches, and grapples. |
Weapons Analysis
Switchglaive: A transforming weapon that shifts between scythe (High), glaive (Mid), and sword (Low) forms with stance changes. Each form has completely different movesets. Scales primarily with Magic, making it the go-to for Onmyo builds. Its versatility and Magic scaling make it the most recommended first weapon.
Odachi: A massive two-handed sword with the longest melee range. High Stance attacks deal enormous damage but are slow. The Moonlit Snow combo (High Stance quick attack chain) is one of the highest DPS combos in the game. Scales with Strength.
Dual Swords: The fastest weapon type with low ki cost per attack. Sign of the Cross is a charged quick-draw slash dealing massive burst damage. God of Wind combo chains endlessly for sustained DPS. Scales with Skill stat.
Tonfa: Short-range weapons that excel at ki damage and combo extensions. Demon Dance in Mid Stance dodges while attacking. Kannagi skill deals massive ki damage that can break any enemy's guard. Scales with Courage.
Fists: DLC weapon with a martial arts moveset including kicks, punches, and grapples. Built-in dodge frames on many attacks. Excellent Anima generation from rapid hits. The Limitless skill chain extends your combo indefinitely while maintaining i-frames.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in Nioh 2 centers on ki pulse and yokai shift. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one.
What's strong right now:
- Switchglaive Mage with Switchglaive is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- stance switching builds are gaining ground as players find new synergies.
- Dual Swords Agility remains essential for learning hard content.
What's underrated:
- Odachi Strength is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Dual Swords offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Fists Anima Build builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Role | Best Weapon | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Switchglaive Mage | Switchglaive | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Odachi Strength | Odachi | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Dual Swords Agility | Dual Swords | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Tonfa Ki Breaker | Tonfa | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Fists Anima Build | Fists | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
For full build guides, see Nioh 2 builds. For progression help, check the walkthrough.
