Kusanagi
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Nioh 3
Best Switchglaive Build
This is a guide to the best build for Switchglaive in Nioh 3. See the best armor and accessories to use with the Switchglaive, which Guardian Spirit and Soul Cores to equip, as well as which stat scaling to prioritize.
List of Contents
Switchglaive Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| ✔︎ Good balance of range, speed, and damage
✔︎ Strong synergy with Onmyo Magic and elemental effects ✔︎ Versatile moveset through stance switching |
✖︎ Requires stance management to perform effectively
✖︎ Learning curve can be steep for new players due to its complex moveset |
The Switchglaive offers a well balanced playstyle that combines reach, speed, and damage, making it effective in a wide range of combat situations. Its scaling synergizes with Onmyo Magic and status effects, allowing you to apply constant pressure while enhancing your overall damage output. Meanwhile, its versatile moveset through stance switching provides flexibility for both offense and defense.
However, its effectiveness relies heavily on proper stance and Ki management, and its complex moveset can present a learning curve, making it more challenging for new players to use efficiently at first.
Best Scaling for Switchglaive
Put Points Into Intellect, Magic, and Heart
| Switchglaive Scaling |
|---|
 Skill  Intellect  Magic |
| Character Stats |
 Heart  Constitution  Stamina |
Switchglaive relies on applying pressure with support from status effects, so prioritize Intellect to increase damage, extend effect duration, and improve Ki recovery speed, helping you maintain offense longer. Magic should be your secondary stat, as it increases damage, boosts Onmyo Magic power, and grants additional talisman slots, which are essential for casting buffs and debuffs.
Next, distribute points into Heart, which increases Ki and Ki recovery, both crucial for sustaining attacks and combos that consume a large amount of Ki. Invest in Stamina only as needed to equip heavier armor with Special Effects that benefit the Switchglaive, such as the Sincere Buddha Set.
Use any remaining points to invest in stats that activate beneficial Special Effects from your armor and accessories, further strengthening your build.
Best Special Effects for Switchglaive
| Jump to Section! | |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Armor |
| Accessories | |
Best Special Effects for Weapons
| Common Special Effects | |
|---|---|
| ・Melee Attack Ki Damage
・Melee Damage ・Ki Pulse Recovery ・Ki Recovery Speed ・Low Stance Martial Art Ki Consumption ・Mid Stance Martial Art Ki Consumption ・High Stance Martial Art Ki Consumption |
|
| Fixed Special Effects | |
| ・Increased Damage Dealt (Amrita Absorption) (Seething Dragon)
・Martial Arts Ki Consumption (Extinction Switchglaive) ・Martial Art Damage (Black Lotus) ・The Protection of Kannon (Myojin Scythe) ・Swift Silence and Daring Defense (Kanemitsu Switchglaive) |
|
You may use any equipment that has one or two of the special effects listed above.
Switchglaive focuses on maintaining pressure through fluid combos enabled by stance switching, so prioritize effects that increase Ki Recovery and reduce Ki Consumption across different stances to keep your offense consistent.
Use Switchglaives that are part of an armor set, such as Myojin Scythe or Kanemitsu Switchglaive, as they provide set bonuses tailored to the Switchglaive playstyle, enhancing its offensive potential.
Best Special Effects for Armor
| Common Special Effects | |
|---|---|
| ・Ki Pulse Recovery
・Ki Recovery Speed ・Dodge Ki Consumption ・Toughness ・Damage Taken ・Defense |
|
| Fixed Special Effects | |
| ・Single Sword's Reverie (Wayfarer Set)
・Swift Silence and Daring Defense (Tiger of Kai Set) ・The Protection of Kannon (Sincere Buddha Set) |
|
You may use any equipment that has one or two of the special effects listed above.
Look for effects that support Ki management through improved Ki Recovery Speed and reduced Ki Consumption, allowing you to maintain pressure. At the same time, include defensive effects such as increased Toughness, higher Defense, and reduced Damage Taken to improve survivability.
For armor, equipping the Sincere Buddha Set grants increased Poison Resistance along with a Damage Bonus based on it, enhanced Life Recovery, Decreased Damage Taken when Deflecting, reduced Guard Ki Consumption, and Melee Damage when Unscathed. These bonuses improve survivability while allowing you to maintain offensive pressure.
Alternatively, for the early game, equipping four pieces of the Wayfarer Set provides bonuses to Strong Attacks, increased Martial Arts Ki Damage, and Life Recovery through Arts Proficiency Attacks, improving both your offense and survivability during fights.
Best Special Effects for Accessories
| Common Special Effects | |
|---|---|
| ・Ki Recovery Speed
・Dodge Ki Consumption ・Untouched Elixirs |
|
| Fixed Special Effects | |
| ・Ki Recovery Speed (Fan)
・Effect Duration (Writing Set) ・Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption) (Prayer Beads) |
|
You may use any equipment that has one or two of the special effects listed above.
For accessories, prioritize Ki-related effects such as increased Ki Recovery Speed and reduced Ki Consumption, which are essential for sustaining stance switching and continuous attacks.
Additionally, effects like Untouched Elixir, which gives a chance not to consume an Elixir when used, and Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption) are valuable for maintaining survivability during encounters.
Best Martial Arts for Switchglaive
| Jump to Section! | |
|---|---|
| Switchglaive Martial Arts | Samurai Martial Arts |
Where to Spend Skill Points?
Spend your Samurai Points to unlock the High and Low stances in the Samurai tree first, as these are required to access their corresponding movesets in the Switchglaive tree.
Switchglaive Martial Arts
| Skills | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Switch Stance: Blade (High/Mid Stance) |
1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・The Path of Three |
| Switch Stance: Edge (High/Low Stance) |
1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・The Path of Three |
| Switch Stance: Retribution (Mid/Low Stance) |
1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・The Path of Three |
| Kibosh Kicker (Low Stance) |
1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・Low Stance ・Transient Blade |
| Cyclone Wind (High/Mid Stance) |
2 Samurai Points
Prerequisite: ・High Stance ・Focused Retribution ・Merciful Retribution ・Cyclone |
| Infinite Retribution II (High Stance) |
2 Samurai Points
Prerequisite: ・High Stance ・Focused Retribution ・Infinite Retribution |
| Arc of Chaos Fire (High Stance) |
1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・High Stance ・Focused Retribution ・Arc of Chaos |
| Stallion Strike | 1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・High Stance ・Focused Retribution |
Switchglaive excels at maintaining offensive pressure through combos and stance switching. Prioritize unlocking all three Switch Stance movesets, as this allows you to seamlessly connect combos from any stance and keep constant pressure on enemies.
For follow-up attacks, Kibosh Kicker and Cyclone Wind deliver strong multi-hit sequences that can be integrated after your Quick Attacks, extending your offensive strings.
For powerful independent moves, Infinite Retribution II lets you spin the Switchglaive multiple times followed by a strong finishing strike, while Arc of Chaos Fire provides a ranged Fire attack by throwing your Switchglaive like a boomerang, ideal for hitting enemies at mid-range.
Lastly, Stallion Strike grants an airborne option, unleashing a spinning slash while landing, which can be used to significantly damage enemies from above.
Samurai Martial Arts
| Martial Arts | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Low Stance | 1 Samurai Point |
| High Stance | 1 Samurai Point |
| Deflect | 1 Samurai Point |
| Flux II | 1 Samurai Point
Prerequisite: ・High Stance ・Low Stance ・Flux |
Unlock the Low and High Stance to gain access to the Switchglaive’s movesets essential for this build. Additionally, Deflect is a must have since parrying is an important part of your defense, while Flux II restores more Ki while switching stances, allowing you to recover more efficiently during combat.
Best Combo for Switchglaive
Switch Stance Combo
This combo utilizes the Switch Stance Martial Arts, which maintain constant offensive pressure and are essential to unlocking the Switchglaive’s full potential.
From High Stance, perform a Quick Attack and follow up with Cyclone Wind, then switch to Low Stance using Switch Stance: Blade. Perform another Quick Attack and follow up with Kibosh Kicker, then switch to Mid Stance using Switch Stance: Edge. Perform another Quick Attack and finish with Cyclone Wind.
This combo works well against both single and multiple targets, as Cyclone Wind can hit surrounding enemies. It is best used when Art Proficiency is active to reduce Ki consumption. If your Ki is low, you can still perform a shortened version of this combo using only one Switch Stance.
Best Skills for Switchglaive
Secret Skills Text
| Secret Skill | Location |
|---|---|
| Running Water | Enables you to perform a Ki Pulse by dodging. |
| Unshakable | Reduces damage taken while you are attacking by 10.0%. |
| Polished Form | Reduces Ki consumed by Martial Arts by 5.0% |
| Resilient Arts | Increases damage dealt by Strong Attacks and Martial Arts by 8.0% while Arts Proficiency is active. Makes it more difficult to fill the Arts Gauge. |
| Oppressive Strength | Prevents you from being staggered during Strong Attacks and Martial Arts while Arts Proficiency is active. |
| Awakening | Allows you to use Onmyo Magic faster. |
| Amplification | Extends the duration of Onmyo Magic item effects. |
| Weight Bearer | Increases the maximum weight of equipment you can carry by 10.0%. |
The listed skills improve both combat effectiveness and defensive resilience. For defense, Running Water turns your dodge into a Ki Pulse, helping you recover Ki while evading enemy attacks, while Unshakable reduces damage taken when clashing with enemies.
For offense, Oppressive Strength and Resilient Arts prevent stagger and increase your Strong Attack and Martial Arts damage while Art Proficiency is active. Polished Form reduces Martial Arts Ki consumption, allowing you to extend combos more effectively.
Awakening improves your Onmyo Magic casting speed, making it easier to apply buffs during combat, while Amplification extends effect duration, which is useful in prolonged fights.
If your armor set’s weight is in the yellow range, use Weight Bearer to increase your weight capacity, helping you achieve and maintain agility within the green range.
Best Guardian Spirits for Switchglaive
| Main | |
|---|---|
| Alternative |
Use Guhin in Early to Late Game
| Guhin | ATK | DEF | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10 | 10 | Wind |
| Quest | |||
| Unlocked at the start | |||
| Special Effects | |||
|
・Martial Arts Ki Consumption -8.4%
・Damage Taken -4.2% ・Strong Attack Break +11.0% ・Faster Winded Recovery ・Melee Damage vs Winded Enemy +8.4% |
|||
| Guardian Spirit Skill | |||
| ・Eight-Handed Blade (Spirit Force: 40) | |||
Guhin is excellent for early to late-game, as it reduces Martial Arts Ki Consumption, allowing you to chain more Stance Switch combos efficiently. It also provides several useful effects, including reduced Damage Taken, increased Strong Attack Break, faster Winded Recovery, which shortens the downtime after Ki depletion, and Melee Damage vs. Winded Enemy, boosting your damage against foes with depleted Ki.
Use Kusanagi as Early to Late Game Alternative
| Kusanagi | ATK | DEF | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
|
12 | 7 | Fire |
| Quest | |||
| Unlocked at the start | |||
| Special Effects | |||
|
・Martial Art Damage +6.3%
・Fire Damage Reduction +13 ・Ki Pulse Recovery +10.8% ・Increased Arts Proficiency Damage +6.9% ・Spirit Force Charge (Martial Art) +11.0% |
|||
| Guardian Spirit Skill | |||
| ・Heaven's Fire (Spirit Force: 40) | |||
Kusanagi is a great early to late-game alternative, providing a strong offensive boost through increased Martial Arts Damage and Arts Proficiency Damage, which pairs well with the Switchglaive’s frequent Martial Arts use. It also enhances Spirit Force Charge while using Martial Arts, and offers Fire Damage Reduction and Ki Pulse Recovery, which improve your survivability and overall combat endurance.
Kusanagi (Samurai) Guardian Spirit Guide
Best Soul Cores for Switchglaive
| Yang Position |
|---|
| Yin Position |
Use Nuppeppo Soul Core for Both Yang
| Nuppeppo Soul Core | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Yang Position | Special Effects:
・Life +100 ・Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption) 12 Yokai Ability: ・Summoning Seal: Nuppeppo x3 |
| Yin Position | Talisman:
・Rejuvenation Talisman x5 |
Nuppeppo provides strong survivability effects, including increased Life and Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption), which synergize well with the Extraction Talisman. When summoned, Nuppeppo lunges forward with a spinning attack that hits all nearby enemies, making it excellent for crowd control.
You can carry three Nuppeppo Summoning Seals, and they are replenished at the Shrine.
Use Gaki Chief Soul Core for Yin
| Gaki Chief Soul Core | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Yang Position | Special Effects:
・Amrita Gauge Charge +7.5% ・Strong Attack Ki Damage +3.5% Yokai Ability: ・Summoning Seal: Gaki Chief x2 |
| Yin Position | Talisman:
・Extraction Talisman x5 |
Gaki provides the Extraction Talisman, which generates Amrita from enemies with any attack. This synergizes well with Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption), replenishing your Life while on offense.
You can carry five Extraction Talismans at a time. They are replenished when resting at a Shrine.
Use Otoroshi Soul Core for Yang
| Otoroshi Soul Core | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Yang Position | Special Effects:
・Ki Recovery Speed +2.5% ・Life Recovery (Yokai Realm) Yokai Ability: ・Summoning Seal: Otoroshi x2 |
| Yin Position | Talisman:
・Barrier Talisman x5 |
Otoroshi's Barrier Talisman increases Ki Recovery Speed and dispels Yokai Realm pools on contact, helping you sustain combos for longer.
You can carry five Barrier Talismans at a time. They are replenished when resting at a Shrine.
Use Nurikabe Soul Core for Yin
| Nurikabe Soul Core | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Yang Position | Special Effects:
・Damage Taken -2.0% ・Decreased Elemental Damage(Guarding) -0.8% Yokai Ability: ・Summoning Seal: Nurikabe x3 |
| Yin Position | Talisman:
・Steel Talisman x5 |
Nurikabe provides the Steel Talisman, which temporarily increases your Defense, making it essential for added survivability.
You can equip up to five Steel Talismans at a time, and they are replenished when resting at a Shrine.
Switchglaive Tips and Tricks
Maintain Combos and Stance Pressure
Switchglaive relies on chaining attacks through stance switching to maximize offensive potential. Utilize all three Switch Stance movesets to connect combos from any stance, keeping enemies under constant pressure. Use Deflect to parry attacks and create openings, and Flux II to recover more Ki while switching stances, ensuring you maintain Ki and keep your combos flowing.
Ki Management
Combining Martial Arts moves and stance-based attacks consumes a lot of Ki. Equip effects that increase Ki Recovery Speed and reduce Ki Consumption for each stance to keep your offensive pressure consistent. Skills like Running Water also help recover Ki while dodging.
Spend Your Prestige Points to Get Bonuses
Prestige Points can be used to obtain permanent bonuses (known as Prestige) to enhance a variety of stats from 9 different categories. For this Switchglaive build, we suggest using your points on some of the following Prestige:
- Samurai: Melee Attack Ki Consumption, Martial Art Ki Damage
- Tactics: Ki Recovery Speed, Onmyo Magic Power
- Subjugation: Elemental Damage, Final Blow/Grapple Damage
- Formidable Enemies: Melee Ki Damage, Melee Damage vs. Winded Enemy
- Exploration: Medicine Efficacy, Dash Ki Consumption
- Collection: Martial Art Damage, Damage Bonus (Equipment Weight)
Take note that the Prestige Points you've spent can be reset and redistributed to another bonus within the same category.
How to Get Prestige Points?
To get more Prestige Points for a category, fulfill a milestone or complete challenges to earn Titles. To see the available Titles you can unlock, open the Main Menu then go to Titles > Title List.
Nioh 3 Related Guides
All Samurai Builds
| Samurai Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
 Swords |
 Dual Swords |
 Spears |
 Axes |
 Odachi |
 Switchglaives |
 Cestesus |
||
All Ninja Builds
| Ninja Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
 Ninja Swords |
 Dual Ninja Swords |
 Kusarigama |
 Tonfa |
 Hatchets |
 Splitstaff |
 Talons |
||
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Best Switchglaive Build
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