Nioh 2: Agile Archer Build Guide (Katana and Bow)

In this Nioh 2 Build Guide, we will outline the Agile Archer build that combines the use of a Katana and Bow to eliminate enemies from a distance or debuff them for melee attacks. This guide is recommended for players who are new to Nioh 2 or early to mid-game players. As you progress through the game, this build can be updated with advanced equipment and strategies.

Agile Archer Overview

The Agile Archer build is designed to maximize damage and precision with both the Bow and Katana, as they scale mainly with Heart and Skill. For this build, utilizing the Saika’s Yatagarasu set results in benefits such as Life Drain, Dodge Ki Reduction Cost, Melee Damage, Reduced Defense Ranged Weapon Hit, and Untouched Ammo +20%. This allows players to shoot without running out of arrows too quickly.

The primary strategy for this build is to pick off enemies using your Bow and heal by targeting their weak points. For more challenging Yokai, use the Bow to reduce their defenses and drain their Ki before moving in for melee attacks with the Katana. Remain defensive and react to enemy attacks, as Katanas lack the range of other weapons.

Agile Archer Stats and Equipment

Focus on improving Heart, Skill, and some Constitution to meet armor requirements and increase health. Heart increases your Ki and damage with both the Sword and Bow, while Skill enhances damage and Ki Pulse efficiency. A few points in Dexterity can increase your Ninjutsu Capacity as well.

Using a Katana that scales with Heart and Skill is highly recommended, such as the Haccho Nenbutsu or other preferred Katanas with good bonuses. The Saika’s Yatagarasu armor set is also essential, as it grants benefits for both ranged and melee combat. Look for armor pieces with Untouched Ammo to maximize arrow usage.

As for accessories, prioritize bonuses such as Untouched Ammo, Bow or Ranged Damage, and Enemy Sensor for added awareness to avoid ambushes.

Agile Archer Skills Progression

Samurai Skills

Focus on obtaining Mid and High Stance Ki Pulse and Running Water Skills, Bowmaster, Quivermaker, and eventually place points into Deadly Eye to further enhance Bow damage. These skills will help optimize the playstyle for the Agile Archer build.

Katana Skills

Concentrate on acquiring Swallow’s Wing for more hit combos and improved evasion, Flowing Shadow for evasive attacks, and passives such as Relentless and Haze to increase Ki and enable parrying.

Shifting and Ninjutsu Skills

Pick up The Yokai Within, The Dark Within, Special Finesse: Invigorate, and Special Finesse: Refresh for improved Ki management during Yokai encounters. In the Ninjutsu Skill tree, acquire Tiger-running, Poison Arrows, and Stun Arrows to improve speed and versatility during ranged combat.

Agile Archer Guardian Spirits and Soul Cores

For this build, using a Feral Guardian type such as Ame-no-Mitori or Usura-Hicho is recommended due to their increased mobility and useful bonuses. Soul Cores such as Skeleton Warrior, Namahage, and Flying Bolt provide additional benefits, such as Anima gain, increased damage against enemies without Ki, and debuffs on enemies hit by ranged attacks.

Agile Archer Clans

Two recommended Clans for the Agile Archer build are Mohri, which boosts Bow damage by 20% and adds +2 max arrows, and Nanbu, which increases Life on Ranged Weapon Hits and Melee Damage when at full Health. The choice between these Clans depends on the preferred ratio of Bow to Katana usage.

Final Tips

For optimal gameplay, strategically use your Bow and Arrows for ranged combat and reserve your Rifle for long-range sniping. Utilize Swallow’s Wing during melee combat for safer evasion and additional damage. Lastly, if you decide to focus more on Katana usage, consider using a combination of the Triumph of Tranquility Set and Saika’s Yatagarasu Set for enhanced Katana performance.

Continue to explore Nioh 2 and update the Agile Archer build as you progress further into the game. Refer to the Nioh 2 Wiki for additional help and information on your gameplay journey!