Understanding which weapons to choose in Nioh 2 is a very important choice. During the tutorial mission players will stumble across a massive assortment of weapons sticking out of the ground and are forced to pick two. This decision isn't easy, so this guide is here to help indecisive players.
Each weapon has a completely different playstyle associated with it. There are also several strengths and weaknesses that players should keep in mind while using different kinds of weapons. The best thing that a player can do is decide what build they want their character to be before choosing a weapon. Throughout the course of this guide each weapon will be explained as well as what kinds of builds will benefit from it.
Choosing a Sword in Nioh 2
Players who choose to use a sword can expect to gain a +1 increase to the heart skill. This will increase their Ki and also give players resistance to fire damage. The sword is a great all around weapon for beginner players. Swords have both decent speed and damage output, so choosing a sword is a good idea for almost any character build. The sword is particularly good for closing the distance on enemies and quick heavy attacks.
Choosing a Spear in Nioh 2
Spears are a very popular choice in Nioh 2 for good reason. Players will receive a +1 increase to constitution, which in turn will affect health and lightning resistance. Spears are very good for players who want to keep their distance from enemies and jab at them from afar. The downside to this weapon is that it uses a lot of Ki, but is capable of very fluid motions. Players who want a good mix of speed and damage and have Ki to spare should pick up the spear.
Choosing an Axe in Nioh 2
The axe adds a +1 increase to stamina, which will affect player health and maximum equipment weight. The axe is one of the stronger weapon classes in the game and therefore players will need to ensure they have a lot of Ki to wield it. The axe is capable of taking out several enemies in just a few quick blows, but players should keep in mind that attacks can be very slow. This weapon is perfect for players who use heavy armor and have high health.
Choosing the Hatchets in Nioh 2
Players who choose to wield the dual hatchets will gain a +1 increase to skill which gives special effects to light armor. Hatchers are very light weight, quick, and can be chained together into deadly combos. While these weapons can be thrown at enemies, most attacks have very short reach. The hatchets are perfect for players who prioritize speed and high Ki recovery.
Choosing the Tonfa in Nioh 2
The tonfa are another set of weapons that is built for fast characters. These weapons will provide a +1 increase to courage which will affect player's Ki recovery speed and resistance to lightning. The tonfa are capable of quickly eliminating an enemies Ki bar. Heavy attacks with the tonfa can also cause massive damage. Faster players will prefer this weapon.
Choosing the Kusarigama in Nioh 2
Using a kusarigama will provide players with a +1 to dexterity which will affect the effectiveness of ninjitsu. This weapon is by far one of the most interesting as it is ultimately just a blade and bludgeon chained together. This makes the kusarigama perfect for crowd control when surrounded by several enemies. This may not be most player's main weapon, but it may be a good secondary weapon to keep around.
Choosing the Switchglaive in Nioh 2
The switchglaive will give players a +1 increase to magic which gives them access to more omyo magic skills. Fans of Bloodborne will probably find the switchglaive very familiar as it behaves much like that game's trick weapons. By switching stances the weapon can change from a sword to a spear, to finally a scythe that deals massive damage. This is by far the most versatile weapon in the game and one that players of any build can probably find a use for.
Choosing the Dual Swords in Nioh 2
The dual swords give a +1 to skill which gives players special effects for light armor. There really isn't much difference between the swords and the hatchets other than the fact that the swords can't be thrown. These are probably the most underperforming weapons in the game, so players would be better off choosing something else.
Choosing the Odachi in Nioh 2
By choosing the Odachi players will be given a +1 to strength which can activate special skills for heavy armor and increase water resistance. The massive katana is by far one of the strongest weapons in the game, but it is sadly the slowest as well. Players who use this will have access to large amounts of damage and reach. The Odachi is perfect for those who are going for strong characters with heavy armor.
Nioh 2 can be played on PlayStation 4.
