Configuration
10
100
0
100
200
300+
(Unlocks AA Rank at ≤20%)
15.0
Light (0)
Heavy (100)
Total
10.0
35.0
Build Analysis
A
Rank A (Blue)
Ki Recovery Speed
100%
Toughness
100
Stagger Protection
Weight Breakpoints
AA
A
B
C
D
Excellent! You have maximum I-frames and Ki Pulse speed.
Agility Guide
Agility determines your dodge speed, Ki recovery, and attack Ki cost. It is based on your equipment weight percentage.
| AA | ≤20% | Best Ki recovery, longest dodge |
| A | ≤30% | Excellent mobility, fast Ki |
| B | ≤70% | Balanced, moderate Ki cost |
| C | ≤100% | Slow recovery, short dodge |
| D | >100% | Overburdened, severe penalties |
Tip: Stay just under a breakpoint (e.g., 29.9%) to maximize gear while keeping higher ranks.
Toughness Guide
Toughness affects your resistance to stagger and Ki damage when blocking. Higher Toughness = less interruption.
| 0-99 | No stagger protection |
| 100-199 | Light stagger protection |
| 200-299 | Full stagger protection (most attacks) |
| 300+ | Maximum defense, near-immunity to stagger |
Heavy armor provides more Toughness but increases weight. Balance with Agility!
Ki Pulse Tips
- Timing: Press R1/RB when blue particles are at peak to recover maximum Ki.
- Stance Switch: Switching stances during Ki Pulse grants bonus recovery.
- Yokai Realm: Ki Pulse inside Yokai pools purifies them, restoring the arena.
- Skills: Invest in Heart and Skill stats to boost Ki Pulse efficiency.
Build Recommendations
Light Build
Target: A/AA Agility
Stamina: 15-30
Playstyle: Fast dodges, hit-and-run
Medium Build
Target: B Agility, 100+ Toughness
Stamina: 30-50
Playstyle: Balanced offense/defense
Heavy Build
Target: 200+ Toughness
Stamina: 60-70
Playstyle: Tank, block-focused
Weapon Scaling
Each weapon type scales with different stats. Prioritize these for maximum damage:
| Sword | Heart, Skill | Balanced, beginner-friendly |
| Dual Swords | Skill, Heart | Fast combos, low damage per hit |
| Spear | Constitution, Skill | Range, poke playstyle |
| Axe | Stamina, Strength | Slow, high damage, Ki hungry |
| Kusarigama | Dexterity, Skill | Mix of range and speed |
| Odachi | Strength, Heart | Long reach, wide swings |
| Tonfa | Courage, Constitution | Fast, great Ki damage |
| Switchglaive | Magic, Skill | Stance-based versatility |
Stat Priority Guide
HeartKi pool, Sword scaling
CourageKi recovery speed, Tonfa scaling
StaminaMax equip load, Axe scaling
StrengthArmor bonuses, Odachi scaling
SkillKi Pulse, dual sword/spear scaling
DexterityNinjutsu power, Kusarigama scaling
MagicOnmyo power, Switchglaive scaling
ConstitutionHP pool, Spear/Tonfa scaling
Tip: Focus on 2-3 stats early game, diversify in NG+ for set bonuses.
Endgame Tips
- Divine Gear: Farm Way of the Strong/Wise for divine drops. Look for starred (☆) special effects.
- Ethereal Farming: Depths of the Underworld for the best gear. Focus on builds with Susano, Izanagi, or Oyamatsumi graces.
- Soul Matching: Level up gear you like to +50, then +120 in later difficulties. Use Soul Match to transfer effects.
- Scroll Hunting: Farm scrolls with enemy debuffs (Reduced Defense, Confusion). These make bosses trivial.
- Anima Builds: Yokai abilities can carry endgame. Stack Anima Charge on yokai kill/hit for constant Soul Core spam.
Glossary
I-Frames: Invincibility frames during dodge rolls. Higher Agility = more I-frames.
Ki: Stamina equivalent. Used for attacks, dodges, blocking. Regenerates over time.
Ki Pulse: Manual Ki recovery by pressing R1 after an attack combo.
Yokai Realm: Dark pools that slow Ki recovery. Purify with Ki Pulse.
Burst Counter: Counter Yokai burst attacks using your Guardian Spirit (R2+O).
Soul Core: Equippable Yokai abilities. Use Anima to activate.
Confusion: Apply 2+ elemental effects. Enemies take massive extra damage.
Graces: Ethereal set bonuses. Mix armor pieces with the same grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Agility rank for beginners?
Aim for B Agility (under 70% weight) as a beginner. It offers a good balance of mobility and armor protection. Once comfortable with dodging, try A Agility for faster gameplay.
How does Toughness affect combat?
Toughness above 100 grants stagger protection during attacks. At 200+, you can power through most enemy hits without being interrupted. Essential for heavy weapon users like Axe and Odachi.
Should I focus on Stamina or Strength?
Stamina increases max equip load (wear heavier armor while staying agile). Strength boosts heavy weapon damage and armor defense bonuses. For heavy builds, level both to 60-70.
What is Ki Pulse and why is it important?
Ki Pulse is a core Nioh mechanic. After attacking, press R1 when blue particles appear to instantly recover spent Ki. Mastering this allows aggressive play without running out of stamina.
How do I unlock AA Agility?
AA Agility requires the Ultimate Stamina skill from the Samurai skill tree AND keeping your equipment weight below 20% of max load. This gives the best dodge distance and Ki efficiency in the game.