Switchglaive is currently the best Samurai weapon in ‘Nioh 3.’ With its versatility and devastating power, it has been rated SS-tier by the fans, and its ability to transform between three different weapon forms gives it unmatched flexibility during those tough boss fights and melee attacks.
But that same flexibility that makes it so deadly also has a downside. The Switchglaive is Ki-intensive, and it’s hard to master, requiring strong stance management. While that in itself is extremely hard, you also need the right build, or else you will run out of stamina before landing a hit. So here are the best Switchglaive Samurai builds.
How To Manage The Switchglaive Core Skills?
The core stats to prioritize are Skill, Intellect, Heart, and Magic. Skill and Magic directly scale the Switchglaive’s damage output, while Intellect boosts Effect Duration and Ki Recovery Speed. The heart is essential for expanding the Ki pool, which this weapon chews through fast.
For Samurai skills, unlock High and Low Stances first since they are required to access the Switchglaive’s full moveset. Deflect is a must-have for parrying, and Flux II allows players to perform a Ki Pulse while switching stances. This keeps Ki flowing and combos alive.
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Running Water is another critical pickup. It turns dodges into Ki Pulses, letting players recover stamina while evading. Ki Pulse: Heaven boosts damage after a perfect pulse in High Stance, and Unshakable reduces damage taken during trades.
Different Martial Arts And Guardian Spirits
Now this is where the Switchglaive really gets interesting. Kibosh Kicker and Cycline Wind both provide excellent cover while you switch stances. Meanwhile, Stallion Strike adds to your airborne offense. If you add the “Arc of Chaos Fire,” then you get your mid-range in check as well against ranged targets.
To chain through these moves across the different stances, Flux is very important, and it will keep your Arts Proficiency active. Meanwhile, for heavier sets like the Swallowtail Cuirass and Tatenashi, you might need to sacrifice your agility for your defense.
Not to mention, unless you keep your encumbrance between 60 and 65 percent, your agility suffers massively. Those who are going into the C-rank, it will have even more Ki-extensive per swing. If you are rocking this build, then the Kongojishi Guardian Spirit would be a great offering for both close combat damage and Ki Recovery bonuses.
It will help with your stance switching. For Soul Cores, meanwhile, the Ibaraki Doji core might be your best bet since it delivers a devastating Yokai Summon, and the Kamaitachi core adds Wind Familiar attacks for extra elemental pressure.
Best Weapon Choices For Switchglaive In ‘Nioh 3‘
Early on, players should equip whatever the highest-level Switchglaive they find. A weapon with Imbue Wind is a bonus since it increases Ki Damage dealt to enemies. In the late game, the Extinction, Deviant’s, and Kanemitsu Switchglaives are the top choices. Crucible Weapons also work well for the extra perks they provide.
In combat, the Switchglaive rewards constant aggression and stance flow. High Stance delivers scythe-like swings with massive damage but slow recovery. Mid Stance offers fast Odachi-style combos. Low Stance functions like a one-handed sword with quick, nimble strikes.
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The real damage comes from chaining Martial Arts across all three stances without repeating the same move. Use Frost Moon skills during Ki Pulses to extend combos for free. When enemies lose their Ki, switch to High Stance and unleash a full Arts Proficiency combo for devastating burst damage.
