Nioh 2 Guide: Master the Thunderous Spear Build

In this Nioh 2 guide, we will show you how to create the Thunderous Spear Build using a combination of heavy armor and a spear, allowing you to deal massive damage while maintaining high survivability. We will cover where to allocate your stats and skill points for maximum impact, the best equipment to use, and the ideal guardian spirit and soul cores to synergize with this build. This build is perfect for players beginning Nioh 2 or those in early to mid-game who need some extra help. The build will be updated as we progress through the game and acquire better equipment.

The Thunderous Spear build revolves around using a heavy armor and spear combination to deal powerful, fast attacks while maintaining a strong defense. Lightning plays a secondary role, allowing you to apply the Shocked Status Effect, which slows down enemy attacks. The build’s focus is on using low stance to conserve Ki when attacking, allowing for blocking afterwards without being winded. High stance can be used for quicker kills on weaker enemies, such as Gaki or humans.

In this build, you will need a good balance of Stamina, Constitution, Strength, and Skill. Stamina allows for effective use of heavy armor and managing equipment load, while high Constitution provides increased health and spear damage. Strength and Skill contribute to overall damage and improved Ki management.

For early game weapon choices, you should look for a spear with built-in lightning damage, such as a Yokai Spear. In later parts of the game, aim for the Tombokiri spear and the Warrior of the East’s Honor Set for an even greater advantage. Use ranged weapons based on your personal preference, but Hand Cannons are a good choice due to their scaling with Strength and Skill.

For armor choices, start with the Golden Boy Set to increase your lightning damage and melee damage against electrocuted enemies. Later in the game, switch to the Warrior of the East Armor and Tombokiri set for optimal performance. When choosing accessories, prioritize bonuses that reduce Ki consumption or increase Ki Recovery, like fans or enemy sensor amulets.

Allocating skill points effectively is crucial for any Nioh 2 build. For the Thunderous Spear build, focus on Samurai skills that improve Ki management and stances, Spear skills for powerful active attacks, Shifting skills centered on Ki recovery when fighting Yokai, and Omnyo skills for Lightning and Barrier Talismans.

When it comes to guardian spirits, we recommend using Ame-no-Mitori for its increased Running Speed and Ki Recovery Speed, which are essential for this build. Alternatively, you could use the Atlas Bear for its bonuses to Anima generation, damage reduction, and melee damage increases when low on Ki.

For Soul cores, we suggest using One-Eyed Oni and Onyudo due to their powerful Yokai Abilities and ability to quickly apply Electrocuted status while recovering Ki. Use these abilities for extended combos and Ki recovery.

Remember to use your Yokai Skills when low on Ki, save Anima for burst counters, and consider using a Clan that complements this build, like Kato, Takenaka, Honda, Todo, or Ikeda. Embrace the tank role when playing in co-op, as your teammates will appreciate your ability to take damage and maintain aggro while they attack from safe positions.

Stay tuned for more Nioh 2 guides, including builds and weapon guides, and check out our review to learn our thoughts about the game. Visit the Nioh 2 Wiki for even more help or to contribute your own knowledge!