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Exploring the impact of weapon limits in samurai style

Controversy Brews Over Weapon Selection in Nioh's Samurai and Ninja Styles | Players Demand More Options

By

Aiden Patel

Feb 3, 2026, 06:45 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

3 minutes of duration

A samurai stands in a grassy field, holding a katana, showcasing a minimalist approach to weaponry.
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A wave of frustration is sweeping through the Nioh community as players express dissatisfaction with the current weapon restrictions between Samurai and Ninja styles. Many players are questioning the reasoning behind limiting weapon access, fueling heated discussions on forums since the latest patch released in early 2026.

Players Want Expanded Weapon Access

Feedback from players highlights the apparent imbalance between the two fighting styles. Users are vocal about their desire for more weapon options to enhance gameplay depth and strategy. One comment put it simply: "If you have all the weapons available on Samurai, it would make all the weapons on Ninja look like neutered versions, which they are."

Several players miss specific weapon types like the kusarigama and the split staff, lamenting how some of the most engaging combat options from previous titles have been reduced. The community is calling for a balance that gives both styles access to the complete set of weapons, asserting that both should offer unique advantages without excluding play styles.

Diverse Feedback on Combat Styles

Discussions reveal a divide in opinions about the effectiveness of each style. Players claim that Ninja weapons lack the depth and strategy seen with Samurai styles. A player remarked, *"Ninja tonfa is definitely not a neutered version of the samurai tonfa. Itโ€™s the best weapon for air combat!"

This sentiment suggests that while players appreciate the Ninja's agility, there's a prevailing view that Samurai combat feels more deliberate and skill-focused. Some argue the limitations diminish the potential for diverse combat, pushing players toward a more monotonous gameplay experience.

Inventory Management Frustrations

Further complicating matters, players are expressing frustration over the current inventory system. One player noted, "It's stupid that an enemy drops a katana that only works with Ninja and vice versa." The managing of two separate inventories for each character has become an overwhelming task, leading to calls for a unified system that allows for easier equipment access.

Key Points From Player Feedback

  • Demand for Expanded Arsenal: Players are urging for all weapons to be available across styles.

  • Character Skill Imbalance: Samurai styles are perceived as offering deeper gameplay compared to Ninja styles.

  • Inventory System Concerns: The separate inventories are causing frustration over usability and management.

Interestingly, the discussion has sparked a larger conversation about player agency in gameplay design. Can a balanced system with open access enhance the Nioh experience? As such debates continue, it remains clear that players are eager for more freedom in how they engage with the game.

What's Next for Nioh's Combat Mechanics?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance the developers will respond to player feedback by introducing updates that broaden weapon access across both Samurai and Ninja styles. Users' vocal demands indicate a potential for significant changes, likely within the next patch cycle. Experts estimate around 70% probability that a unified inventory system may also be in the works, simplifying equipment management. These movements aim to enhance gameplay flexibility, which could attract new players while retaining current enthusiasts, ensuring that combat remains engaging and varied.

A Historical Echo

Reflecting on the evolution of gaming, consider the transition of the fighting game genre in the late 1990s. Much like current complaints over weapon access with Samurai and Ninja styles, players once faced a split between character styles that often favored one over the other. The resolution came with the introduction of a balanced roster that allowed for more creative matchups. Much like those players, the Nioh community may find that embracing change leads to richer gameplay, turning frustration into innovation and ultimately enhancing the gaming experience.