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Samurai vs. ninja: weapon styles in nioh 3 explained

Can Nioh 3's Samurai and Ninja Styles Really Flex All Weapons? | Controversy Sparks Discussion

By

Emily Thompson

Jun 5, 2025, 04:45 AM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

2 minutes of duration

A samurai and a ninja face off, showcasing different weapons and fighting styles in Nioh 3, highlighting the Kusarigama and stances.

A clash of opinions is brewing among gamers regarding weapon accessibility in Nioh 3. While some argue that the division between Samurai and Ninja styles restricts gameplay variety, others see it as a bold design choice that enhances character differences, raising questions about the upcoming game's mechanics.

Divided Opinions on Weapon Styles

Players are buzzing about recent gameplay reveals, curious about weapon exclusivity between Samurai and Ninja. The core of the debate lies in Ninja style having only one stance available for all weapons. Many are concerned this leads to a limited moveset, with one frustrated community member stating, "Limited moveset for all weapons that are Ninja exclusive."

Voices from the Community

A significant frustration comes from Ninja fans who feel their style is underwhelming compared to Samurai. "No, unfortunately not. Ninja gets access to Kusari-Gama, Dual-Katana, and Claws. Samurai gets Katana, Spear, and Odachi," one commenter noted.

Yet, the conversation takes a turn as others suggest potential for change in future updates. "I wouldnโ€™t be surprised if this gets changed in future demos or the full release," another outlined, offering hope for a balanced gameplay experience.

Design Choices Under Scrutiny

Critics question the rationale behind separating weapon choices when Ninja enemies in previous Nioh titles wielded katanas. "Splitting the weapons seems kind of 'meh' at first," said a player reflecting on past experiences. Many express a desire for a system allowing players to switch styles at will, rather than through a costume change:

"I would prefer you choose whether you want to be a Ninja or a Samurai with the option to change at a shrine."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”น The current weapon divide restricts both styles.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Some players anticipate possible adjustments by release date.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Many wish for more flexibility in switching between Samurai and Ninja styles.

As anticipation builds for the game's full release, community sentiment remains a mixed bag. Itโ€™s clear that for many, this aspect of gameplay could significantly impact their enjoyment of Nioh 3. Will the developers heed these voices? Only time will tell.

Shifts on the Horizon

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the developers of Nioh 3 may adjust weapon allocations before the official launch. The vocal community feedback indicates a need for balance between the Samurai and Ninja styles. Experts suggest that there is about a 70% probability that we will see updates addressing player concerns, as developers often respond to community sentiment, especially when it comes to gameplay flexibility. This shift could also facilitate a more dynamic approach to combat, appealing to a broader audience looking for varied gameplay experiences.

Parallels in the Play

Drawing an interesting comparison, consider the heated debates surrounding character classifications in fighting games. When games like Street Fighter introduced various character archetypes, players saw clashes similar to those unfolding in Nioh 3. Initially, certain styles appeared superior, causing uproar among players. Over time, developers often enriched the gameplay by adding balance patches, illustrating how community feedback can shape and refine a gameโ€™s core mechanics. Just as those fighting games evolved, Nioh 3 could very well pivot based on player demands, highlighting the dynamic relationship between developers and the gaming community.