Nioh 2 Guide: Master the Ice Shaman Hatchet Build

In this Nioh 2 Guide, we’ll dive into the Ice Shaman Build, which uses Light Armor, Onmyo Magic, and Hatchets. This build is designed for beginners and early to mid-game players who might be struggling. We’ll discuss optimal Stats, Skills, Equipment, and more for maximum impact with this build.

Build OverviewThe Ice Shaman Build combines Onmyo Magic spells and the Hatchet Skill Piercing Hurl to debuff enemies while attacking from a safe distance. With a focus on Water Damage and the Spirit of Seimei set, you can Saturate enemies and reduce their Defense. Saturated enemies take more damage, speeding up fights.

Here’s how the Build works: use All Ablaze to buff your Hatchet damage and Movement Speed, pick off weaker enemies with Hatchets, and use your Rifle for more powerful foes. When facing a boss or difficult Yokai, buff yourself with Barrier Talisman, cast Water Shot to debuff their defenses, and use the Maelstrom Oni-bi Soul Core (Water) to apply Water Damage. Then, use Piercing Hurl and melee attacks when necessary. This Build also offers healing from dealing Water Damage and performs well in co-op mode.

Ice Shaman Build Focus

The Ice Shaman Build relies on these primary stats: Skill, Courage, Magic, and Constitution. Skill scales Hatchet and Rifle damage, Courage provides additional scaling and Ki Recovery, Magic enhances Onmyo Magic power and Hatchet damage, and Constitution contributes to Armor requirements and Health. Allocate your points according to your preferred playstyle in terms of Hatchets and Magic spells usage.

Weapons, Armor, and Accessories

For this Build, use Hatchets to attack from range and apply bonuses like Melee Damage, High Attack Damage, Active Skill Damage, Piercing Hurl Damage, and Active Skill Ki Reduction. For Ranged Weapons, choose a Rifle and a Hand Cannon, seeking damage-increasing bonuses. You’ll want Light Armor and prioritize bonuses such as Onmyo Magic, Untouched Onmyo, Dodge Ki Reduction, Piercing Hurl Damage or Attack, and Defense Hatchets.

Accessories should focus on Saturation Accumulation, Extended Elemental Weapon, Water Damage (or Elemental Damage), Omnyo Magic, and Untouched Omnyo.

Skills and Guardian Spirits

When allocating Skill Points, consider the following highlights: Ki Pulse: Heaven, Running Water: Heaven, Purify Yokai Realm: Heaven, and Reckless Slice for Samurai Skills; Piercing Hurl, Piercing Hurl: Light, All Ablaze and passive damage-boosting skills for Hatchet Skills; The Yokai Within, The Dark Within, Special Finesse: Invigorate, and Special Finesse: Refresh for Shiftling Skills; Water Talisman, Water Shot Talisman, Geyser Shot Talisman, Water Shikigami, Barrier Talisman, and Incantation Mastery for Omnyo Skills.

Recommended Guardian Spirits for this Build are Makami for its bonuses with Yokai Abilities and then switch to Usura-Hicho for its bonuses on Dodge Ki Consumption, Water Damage, and Active Skill Ki Damage.

Final Tips

Master charging your Piercing Hurl for different charge levels, only blocking when necessary, and dodging around to maintain your Light Armor advantage. This Build truly shines when you’re able to efficiently use your mobility and ranged abilities to control fights.

Remember that categories for this build are Guide, Nioh 2 Guide and the tags are Nioh 2, Build, Guide, and Ice Shaman.