Hello fellow Nioh gamers. I'm here today to Share my information on build creation. Starting from the basics and moving up to end-game damage stacking. So without further ado, let us begin. Table of contents (use ctrl+F to search chptr. #xx) Legal: chptr.zero Foreward (a note for beginners): chptr.beginner Stats: chptr.1st Armor Choice: chptr.1ac Guardian Spirits: chptr.2gs GS Combinations: chptr.3gc Basic Damage Stacking: chptr.4ds Armor Skills: chptr.5as Advanced Armor Skills by Build Type: chptr.6bt Abyss Considerations: chptr.7ab Assisted Advice: chptr.8aa Sets/graces list (and locations): chptr.9sg Reforge/Temper Pop-Skills list: RT.WAS Example Builds: ex.builds __-----Legal Aknowledgements [chptr.zero] I authorize this faq for gamefaqs. I am the sole author and am not against it being shared on other sites, but to do so without my permission isn’t exactly legal. You may private message user Lupinos on gamefaqs to request permission to post this character building faq on other sites, and i am likely to say yes. As of the moment it was written, gamefaqs is the only site i intend to post it to as a resource for other players looking to create their own builds. There may be example builds at the end. You may even duplicate and play with these builds. However, they are there as examples. The purpose of this faq is to teach users everything they need to know about building their own character in Nioh, from the start to the end- game content. Shout-outs and special thanks: There is a great thread by aquCHAOS explaining the hidden boost to which combination of guardian spirits you choose. Very nice thread there. It helped me a lot when learning about guardian spirit combinations and without it - chapter 3 wouldn't exist. Special thanks to Max58201. His stickied thread helped me tremendously when i first started learning about builds and started compiling my own notes. I was already in WotN and floor 45 of abyss… stubbornly powering through the game. Another great thread that contributed to the base knowledge necessary for me to make this faq. All the stickied threads on the boards are great. AfroPrime’s thread is very helpful and informational, even though it was made for the alpha demo. A great read and still relevant to the game and how to play, even after the updates. I'm sure all 3 of those threads contributed to this faq (and the sticky threads i created that contain much of the info in this faq,) it’s just that they did so when i learned it and that was a while ago. This is compiled from my personal notes, which i made after testing after reading AfroPrime and Max58201 ‘s threads; like, a year ago. And when i was first researching damage, i referred to ancient threads started by Raeng, Tmk, Alchemy60, and LancetJade. It would be wrong to have a shoutout section and not thank these veteran players for the information i gained from their very old threads here on the boards. Shout out to Nola187Skills, Poto2222, and Matagoro for comments they’ve made more recently that i raided for their tips. Also TobyVonToby provided some useful information as well. These 4 have also contributed build information and SRGM and Mesiah21 provided feedback on example builds before final draft. Each of these gamefaqs users taught me a fair amount of information as i was researching different builds, so i almost feel like this faq is a compilation of community knowledge that was merely organized for redistribution by myself; though all the words contained herein are my own and from my perspective. A special shout out must also go to a man known as Killer Kiev or PWar (Project War Gaming.) Many of the users who assisted in my research drew information from reddits and threads and build pages that he made. I may not have personally taken any of his info, but he worked hard on information that taught the users who helped me and as such has contributed to my information 3rd hand. Another special shout out to reddit user Sljm8D. This person has compiled and updated a very awesome reforge table in the form of a 4 page spreadsheet. In the revision process, that spreadsheet was used to give more accurate information (this faq listed many armor skills you could find, but not the exact skill nor the maximum value. The spreadsheet was used to find exact weapon/armor skill names and max values to provide that information herein.) No matter how long we’ve played, there’s so much to learn that we may not learn it all. Players with different playstyles contribute strategies and tactics i never would’ve thought of. We can all learn from each other. And with that out of the way, let us begin. _____-----Foreward [chptr.beginner] If on your first playthrough, let me say this: Try to get all of your stats to 20 as soon as you can. From there, it's about your priorities. When you first begin the game, make sure to get your spirit to 11 and then all other stats to 10. Then work on getting them to 20, after which you can focus on your build goals. I like to keep pumping into heart and stamina for a while. Heart for the larger ki pool that fills quicker, and stamina for the equipment weight capacity (so i can switch between light, medium and heavy.) Damage reduction is an important thing for defense and why most people use heavy armor. Ninjas and people who love games like god of war, ninja gaiden, and devil may cry may stick with light armor and rely on superior dodging ability to keep them safe. I prefer elemental magic, whereas others prefer buffs/debuffs - they rely on consumables (like elemental amulets from the blacksmith, tengu fans, burning pots, etc) to cause confusion. I also recommend getting dex to 30 and if you go the route of elemental magic, pick up fire shuriken from ninja - you will not be disappointed. The reason you want all stats at 20 is so you can freely switch between armor you pick up during your playthrough and have access to all of its skill-slots. Although you are likely not to change those skills until later difficulties, those stats will still be a huge consideration on whether you murder the game, or it murders you. If you notice some armor has greyed out skills, it is because you don’t meet the armor requirements. Look to the bottom under the skills, you will see the required stats. Light armor requires body and skill, medium armor requires body and strength, and heavy armor requires strength and stamina. The last armor in the game for each tier only requires 20 each of the required stats. Just one reason to want all stats at 20 before prioritizing weapon damage. And in the weapon skill-trees there are passive stats. Unless they specify the weapon, they always apply. So be sure to get them all for the extra cca (critical), final blow (killing strike) damage, grapple damage, damage from behind, ki recovery while guarding, damage to full-life enemy, damage when full life, etc. Speaking of which, do the dojo missions. Each level of missions will unlock the next tier of skills in the upgrade screen. And for ninjutsu and magic, the mystic art to instant-cast on self is somewhat vital if you plan to use scrolls and spells. Until you unlock the mystic art for magic, the hat that increases casting speed is important for any mages out there. The ninja and mage dojos require 5, 10, 15, and 20 points into their stats (dexterity and magic), which is another reason to get them to 20 as soon as possible. And the ninja and magic trees have passives, too, if you get everything you want and have some left over skill-points (part of why i like to get them to 50 instead of 30 before completing 4th playthrough.) Things like purification range, vs yokai realm, elixir effect on life recovery, luck, yokai damage reduction, arrows and arrow damage, bullets and bullet damage, cannonball capacity and damage, dash speed, dash endurance, evasion ki usage, etc. Different enemies are resistant or weak to certain elements. For example: Ogress is hard to confuse without using earth and water - unless you use gale shot. She's super resistant to fire, tho. Electric enemies are often weak to water or earth. Fire enemies are weak to water just as water enemies are weak to fire. Earth enemies are weak to wind. Etc. Many like to use a high spirit stat, but i find that to short your damage and i only use enough to have all the skills from my guardian spirit (commonly 19-23 for me, but 36 if i want to use them all.) However, it is not ill-advised to raise it to somewhere between about 36 and 55. But above 55 is more of a handicap than a boost. Just experiment and have fun. Try all the weapons (and try out some of their skills) during first playthrough. Your stats are low enough that they should all do similar damage. All of the weapons can be fun once you get used to them, there really aren’t any bad weapons in the game. Plus, completing the final dojo missions after you complete the game will unlock extra missions as well as the mystic arts for the weapons. About gear early on: Armor requires a minimum stat requirement from 2 stats to utilize the skills on it. For lightweight, this is skill and body. For medium armor, it is body and strength. For heavy armor, strength and stamina. To actually equip medium and heavy armor, you will need more stamina. Worth noting that forged armor takes half the required stat amount (as opposed to gear you find that drops from enemies and chests.) At low levels you should probably just keep swapping gear to the strongest stuff you can find because maintaining one set the whole way will be far too costly and actually slow your progression. Before ethereal drops (in 3rd-5th+ difficulties) you are really limited to one 7 piece set or two 4 piece sets in your build. (Or several smaller sets for damage reduction.) Once you get into abyss graces, you may want to check out what graces are available and how to farm them (which is included in this faq.) It is advised to get dex and magic to 30 and use scrolls and talismans in your build. Like quick change (revive), catwalking (silence), and suppa (invisibility) from ninjutsu; and extraction/ plaedies from magic (or debuffs weakness, sloth, devigorate, lifeseal; or leeching / carnage and steel buffs.) But unless going ninja or mage, you don’t need the stats above 30. If using elemental shots, you may want the magic stat at 50 for the last 2 difficulties. Also, you likely only need the first 2 or 3 chapters of this faq and the list of sets at the end. Also, this from the end: Stances: Hi stance is meant to be heavy hitting but slow. Also very good for breaking yokai horns with melee (i use magic, but for melee users this is how they do that) and high-strong attack can cover a lot of distance with an axe. Think of this as max damage output at the cost of speed. Low stance is meant to be highest defense and best evade (i like mid-evade better, but low evade can be chained multiple times without rolling). It is meant to have the fastest attack, at the expense of reach and power. Mid stance is the balance between them. Designed to reward blocking over evading, tho i use mid stance evasion a lot and it's my favorite evade. The most well rounded combos (and if the skills are not parries, you can use mid- stance skills in LW). But it all comes down to preference. But with large weapons (axe, odachi, spear) the mid- stance attacks have a large sweeping combo that can hit multiple enemies at once, while low and high usually target a single opponent at a time. So think of mid stance as for a defensive or strategic player, low stance for a high mobility player, and high stance for people who like to do massive damage at the expense of being more vulnerable. And ki flux... when you do a ki pulse, if you switch stances during the pulse then you will get more ki back. So switching from mid to high and back gives you the ability to combo longer before running out of ki. I find that to be essential for heavier weapons, like the odachi and the axe. A perfect ki flux maximizes ki recovery and nearly doesn't deplete any ki. Someone asked me if high stance offers “hyper armorâ€￾ Hyper-armor? I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean an increased resistance to flinching making your attacks interrupted less frequently? Because yes, it does. It will attempt to power through a blocking enemy instead of knocking back your attack and interrupting your combo. But if you mean a higher defense, low stance actually has the highest defense of them. But toughness determines how likely your attack is to be interrupted, and how easy you are to flinch, and how much ki blocking uses up. But weapons like kusarigama can very easily be interrupted in low stance (which some players like because it's like having your character tell you to dodge) but won't be in high stance, so they use high to interrupt the enemy and ki flux to low to quickly continue the onslaught. Moving between stances in mid-combat can really help you come up with better combos and strategies. Low stance is fastest, but high stance hits hardest and is less likely to be interrupted. Switching between them as you play can help you a lot. And remember that crit damage no longer works in LW, because it got nerfed in a patch. Kigetsu and leeching still apply, but not damage boost for being in a critical state. Tactics: Strafing is always good (running circles around boss and rolling when they attack). If you have a lot of trouble, every few lives play a life or two where you don’t attack and only dodge and survive as long as you can. It’ll help you understand their moves, gap (fight distance), and rythm (attack speed/pace and when they take longer to recover aka attack window). Confusion: inflicting 2 elemental status ailments before either wear off will confuse enemies. It will slow them, stunt their defense, and reduce their ki regeneration. Enemies often resist 2 elements and are weak to one or 2. You can use talismans to imbue your weapon (magic or drop, unlocked in forge from start), your LW, elemental shots (magic), or fire shuriken (works GREAT) / nin bombs. The best bit about confusion is against yokai, including bosses - it locks them in zero ki until both ailments wear off. I've seen people do this on accident and have no idea what they did or how to replicate it. But if you use magic for confusion: with a stat of 30 elemental shots will work WotSam-WotD, 40 it will work for WotW, 50-60 it will work for WotN. Abyss, i recommend a magic stat of 100 if using elemental shots. If your stat is lower, use talismans and LW. Fire shuriken work great, even with only 30 dex. And don’t forget about hyotokko masks and burning pots. Or tengu feathers for wind. Mud jars don’t muddy though, they inflict stench. Poison and paralysis do not contribute to confusion. These are the ailments that do: scorched - recurring fire damage (which stacks with poison but poison does not contribute to confusion). Electrified - lightning ailment causes 30% slow that lasts longer than and stacks with the sloth (50% slow). Saturated - water ailment kills defense 30% and stacks with weakness (50%). Muddied - earth stunts ki regen 30% against humans and stacks with life seal (50% ki recovery reduction). Against yokai, muddy causes double ki damage. Blustered - wind (30% attack reduction) and stacks with devigorate (50% attack reduction). Humans: knock them out of LW to be able to survive or they will not flinch and will power through you and kill you. How? An arrow to the face or guardian spirit special to knock them down, but let them fall - LW fades while they’re on the ground. Then, if you have it: quick draw -> finisher unless in LW: then ground stab and combo through their ki. Increasing your ki damage can also make humans who block much easier to defeat. As can pierce guard (close combat) or parry disabled against blocking opponent. If you want to LW spam, you could try hi-nezumi, gyokuto, or aya-komori. They hit weaker, but they refill and recover insanely quick compared to the others. With extraction and plaedies, you sometimes have it refilled before you hit the ground from being knocked out of it… Just don’t be afraid to spend your stat/skill points and try stuff out. You can reset and re- spend them later at any time (although your stats and skills are both completely reset. But you don’t lose anything, you just have to take the time to re-spend them all.) All it takes is a book of reincarnation to reset stats/skills, or a koan manual to reset prestige points. _____----- STATS [chptr.1st] So first: stats. But I've heard stats are too confusing, so let me put it like this: Bladed weapon? Heart. Blunt weapon? Body. Heavy weapon? Strength. Dual/technical weapon? Skill. Heavier armor? Stamina. Ninja? Dex. Magic? Magic. Living Weapon charge rate? Spirit. Voila! Simple. If you arrange the stats by weapon damage, it looks like this: Katana: heart (B+), skill (C+), strength (D+) Duals: skill (B+), heart (C+), strength (D+) Spear: body (B+), strength/skill (C) Axe: strength (B+), stamina (C+), body (D+) Hammer: strength (B+), body (C+), stamina (D+) Kusarigama: dexterity (B+), skill (C+), body (D+) Odachi: strength (B+), heart (C+), stamina (D+) Tonfa: skill (B+), body (C+), dex (D+) Bow: heart (B+), skill (C+), dex (D+) Rifle: skill (B+), body (C+), dex (D+) H.cannon: stamina (B+), skill (C+), dex (D+) Life (hp): body (A), stamina (B-), skill (C+), and str/heart/dex/magic/spirit (C). When making your build: Focus first on enough stamina to equip the armor you want and keep B or better agility, and enough heart that you don’t often run out of ki. Remember that strength affects ki pulse. If you want to be able to equip any armor in the game, get body, skill, strength, and stamina up to 20. For any good build, upgrade the B and C damage stats for both of your weapons as high as you can. Also: body increases poison/paralysis resistance until it caps at +10 resistance at 51 stat. Heart increases ki through 99 and often should be at least 50-70 end game. Stamina (and strength to a lesser extent) affect equipment weight capacity - which means the more stamina you have, the more gear you can equip without dropping below B agility. As you upgrade: hard time keeping agility at B or higher? More stamina. Keep running out of ki? More heart. Need to ki pulse more effectively? More strength. And skill stat affects nearly all weapons at least some (but not the heavies). And dex/magic give the most skill points per level. But, unless going heavy nin or heavy magic, you do not need these stats above 30 (40 or 50+ for final difficulty modes, 4th/5th playthrough.) I do prefer 100 stat each, but they are effective enough at 30-50. Also, stat 30 gives 30 capacity. 200 gives 41 total. So 73% of your capacity is available if you have 30 stat (ignoring the fact that the last skill in the skill tree can give you +10 capacity after you purchase all 3 levels.) Between 30 and 100, the capacity does not increase. That’s about what you need to know about stats, though you could get much more in depth if you chose to. After that, it’s about what sets/graces you want bonuses from and what skills you want on your armor and weapons. _____-----ARMOR Choice [chptr.1ac] Now… how many sets do you use? Each gives 10-15% ccd at 4 pieces (except Kigetsu which does it at 3p). Some use a 7/4 split. 6/5 is most popular. 5/5/2 is also used and those trying to max damage often go 4/4/4. If only using 4 pieces, you’re basically choosing your favorite 3 piece bonus. With kigetsu, there is the option of 4/4/3/2 for the 2p iga bonus to refill quick change and other ninja tools after using LW. Also note that most sets give 2% damage reduction at 2p bonus and 10.9% CCD at 4p bonus (kigetsu does it at 3p). Most graces give 3.2% DR at 2p and 13% CCD at 4p (izanami/ izanagi give 15%). Full light armor gives 8% Damage Reduction, all medium gives 15% DR, and all heavy gives 25%. After familiarity it’s more like 11%, 18%, and 30%. You’ll want to maximize both close combat damage (ccd) and skill damage for the best results. If you don’t use skills, you could just pour it all into ccd. But boosts work best when you stack different kinds of multipliers together in your attack. And there’s diminishing returns for ccd / skill damage above 33%. So it is best to try for 30% of each. If you don’t use skills at all; instead of skill damage, you could put into yokai ccd or human ccd and it will stack alongside your standard ccd. It is also an option to invest in strong attack damage or quick attack damage. What sets boost skill damage? -_- Skill boosts -_- Katana: Iai - 6p futsunushi Night Rain - 2p Daiichi (Gallantry armor) Tiger sprint - 2p Warrior of west Duals: Sign of the Cross - 4p master swordsman Moon shadow - 2p Righteous Strategist (Justice Ministry armor) Spear: Tornado - 2p Armor of the Exceptional (Sakon) Merciless Barrage - 2p Warrior of the East Spear fall - 2p Red Demon (Li) Axe: Rumbling Earth - 2p Kaido 4p kaido extends Battle Focus 2p obsidian samurai extends Rage Final blow: 2p Kingo (which also boosts damage from behind at 5p) and 2p Red of Devotion (which also boosts skill damage at 4p). Also: 4p Red of Devotion (Sanada Crimson) and 6p Japan’s Bravest give skill damage (about 17.4%) There are other damage boosts from armor sets (like increase attack when damage is received, or enemies defeated db, or after life recovery, or consecutive attacks, etc) but these are all the individual skill boosts from armor sets. I like change to attack. I make sure my weapons have change to attack (stat) A for my highest stat. But sometimes you don’t stat properly for one reason or another. Let’s say you want a living weapon or mage build, or you want to balance it out to switch weapons more effectively. Many builds place top 2 stats for melee weapons at 200, but if you invest elsewhere, you can have top stat forged onto your weapon and secondary top stat from your set/grace, to make up for not statting towards one weapon in particular. Change to attack: Body - 5p Warrior of the East Spirit - 5p Amaterasu or 5p Izanagi Magic - 5p omoikane or 6p Izanami Strength - 6p tajikarao Stamina - 7p obsidian samurai But your sets/graces provide you with the framework for your build through set bonuses. Some equipment that doesn't belong to a set will have cool bonuses; like archer and bowman armors boost bows and ranged weaponry, rifleman armor boosts rifle use, onmyo mage joe/hunting/suikan gear boosts magic and chest/leggings have change to defense magic C. Or karakawa/heike chestplate is heavy and has that ctd magic C on it. Or yamabushi/gyousha armor has ctd spirit D on every piece but Genji is heavy armor with ctd spirit C on the chestplate. Be sure to check out helmets as there are some cool helmets with unique skills that don't have related armor. Like onryoki/hino-enma/nue masks, or black/white fox masks, or the fan helmet that makes enemies prioritize attacking you, or the warrior monk’s hood. Those gear are ideal for defiling into ethereal. Just as you check unique skills when choosing what weapon to forge (a lot more unique non- set options than armor has.) I'm going to list some sets/graces that are most common for a minute. And explain why they are. Warrior of the West is a solid beginner set. CCD is very high with this set (as far as sets go). The CCA when you electrify enemies helps a lot, too. Heroic Raging Bull is another good early game armor. If WotW is the armor for CCD, HRB is the armor with a slight boost in damage reduction. That extra 4% makes you feel a bit like a tank, though really it is medium armor with the protection of heavy (for while your stamina isn’t high enough for heavy armor. Warrior of the East is popular for the merciless barrage skill damage, and for cta body. This will help spear users and anybody with a high body stat early on. Later playthroughs this armor (and the other 2 we’ve mentioned so far) get abandoned for something a little more special. Life drain for skill attacks can be neat, too. Tatenashi. Using the 2p bonus for -25% received firearm damage (RFD) enables you to try for total projectile immunity if you boost RFD by inheriting it onto all your armor from your helmets. The elemental damage reduction is also good, but you must use the full set for that. However, the full set has an extra 10% damage reduction. The 3 piece bonus gives equipment weight damage bonus for free, freeing up the slot on your ranged weapon for agility damage bonus (or consecutive hits damage bonus for kunai and kusarigama builds.) Hiraishi. The 3p bonus gives the same 25% RFD as Tatenashi. Using them together means less RFD inheritables to get the total projectile immunity. Many players also like the extra life it gives. Dragon Ninja. Who doesn’t want to feel like Ryu? Extend evasion invulnerability for free, increased attack when nin items hit, unlimited (but super weak) shuriken (they eat ki now), and the sword has 20% yokai CCD. Plus, the 7p dragon sword: truth increases dragon sword and hayabusa kusa damage by 20%. Super lightweight - relies on evasion and super high damage. Oyamatsumi. 19.3% extra damage reduction, as well as a good mix of solid other bonuses. Augments earth status ailment as well. Izanami/izanagi. Highest CCD of any grace. The 3p bonuses are yokai realm healing and increased attack upon life recovery. They also have cta spirit and magic. And pretty somid damage bonuses. Head of Iga. 2p bonus refills one-third of your nin items after LW. 7p bonus is ninjutsu damage bonus AA. A pretty solid ninja set. Again - super lightweight so be prepared to evade a lot. One-Eyed Dragon. The bluster and consecutive hits db are the highlights to this decently balanced dlc armor set. Last Great General. Living weapon now saves your life. And you have less drain when hit in LW. And your damage increases the more damage you take. Very solid dlc armor set. Especially if using a crit build without Suzaku. Armor of the Exceptional. Skill damage. Everyone who uses this armor loves the skill damage. Getting skill damage and CCD both above 20% (preferrably 30%) will greatly increase your damage output. This armor (and Sanada Crimson) can help with that. Sanada Crimson is dlc armor, but this armor belongs to Shima Sakon. Your armor gives you the framework for your build. It’s all a choice between mobility, survivability, and damage output. It’s really all about your priorities. Let's come back to armor skills later. For now: pick a set from the end of this guide to begin your build, and let's talk spirits. _____-----Guardian Spirits [chptr.2gs] Let us talk about guardian spirits. But let’s not arrange them in a usual fashion… let’s group them by increasing attack enhancement tiers, judging them by their level 60 stats. ;p But hey, I wouldn’t want you to get lost. So you can use these search tags i added to find you way when referencing: [GS.CH.CON] Guardian Spirit Considerations [GS.DS] Description of Stat Definitions [GS.TBL] Guardian Spirit Table of Contents for: [GS.IN.D] In-Depth Guardian Spirit Descriptions and Stats Now, let’s discuss what each of them appear to be specialized for and what to consider when picking one. Here’s Guardian Spirit apparent specialties, listed in the order you find them in the shrine: Specialties (what each spirit is skewed towards): Kato: Skill Attacks Isonade: VS humans Daiba: Evasion and low stance Fuse-Ushi: Life/Poison Mizuchi: $/Gold/Amrita Paired Raiken: dash/skill vs yokai Hi-Nezumi: magic and stealth Aya-Komori: sneaky paralysis Ninja Itokuri: Farming and smithing texts Enko: Fire Combat Usura-Hicho: life and vs Yokai Gyokuto: Running LW Ninja Tanuki: Health/Healing Tank Shin-Roku: Earth/Life Combat Yatagarasu: Ranged Weapons Suzaku: Critical Combat Kara-Jishi: Skill Attacks Izuna: Amrita/Life Combat Genbu: the magic slow tank Atlas Bear: Combat/Low ki Tengen Kujaku: Saoirse: Reincarnation Nekomata: Thrown Weapons Bisha’s Centipede: Poison Combat Blue Dragon: Wind Combat Enku: Spears and Kunai Nurarihyon: Water and field control Janomecho: Critical and Recovery Nine-Tails: Abyss Farming Now… if we were to pick one, what would we think about in our choice? Considerations on Choosing a Guardian Spirit [GS.CH.CON] Each Spirit was designed to boost a playstyle or strategy. Like so: Ninja: Aya-Komori, Gyokuto, Nekomata (kunai builds often like Enku for thrust damage.) Magic: Hi-Nezumi, Genbu Combat: Enko, Atlas Bear, Bisha’s Centipede, Shin-Roku, Blue Dragon, Paired Raiken Skills: Kato, Kara-Jishi, Isonade, Paired Raiken, Stealth: Hi-Nezumi, Aya-Komori, Health/healing: Narikama Tanuki, Shin-Roku, Fuse-Ushi, Izuna, Isonade, Daiba (if you spam LW) Crit: Suzaku, Saoirse, Janomecho Field Control: Nurarihyon, Enku, Janomecho, Nekomata Mobility: Enku, Aya-Komori, Gyokuto, Daiba- Washi, Janomecho, Kato Defense: Blue Dragon, Narikama Tanuki, Fuse- Ushi, Janomecho, Nine-Tails Spear/Kunai: Enku Etcetera. I'm sure i didn’t get them all in every combination they could appear. And once you unlock having 2 spirits, which 2 you choose gives you an added boost. It is hidden, but they are listed in the section after the spirits stats you can get by searching for 3gc - the point being that each spirit has many uses and you shouldn’t select one without trying them all and seeing what feels right. Or at least reading their stats/skills and seeing if that benefits your build or is a wasted boost... Knockdowns: Daiba-Washi, Fuse-Ushi, Mizuchi, Aya-Komori, Narikama Tanuki, Genbu, Atlas Bear, and occasionally Nurarihyon. Remember that Itokuri will add +35 paralysis and Bisha’s Centipede will add +35 poison if you don’t have an element forged onto your weapon. Boost Elemental Damage: Fire: Enko, Suzaku, Nine-Tails Water: Usura-Hicho, Nurarihyon Lightning: Kara-Jishi Wind: Izuna, Blue Dragon Earth: Shin-Roku Thrown Weapons: Nekomata Thrust Damage: Enku Long Range Damage: Yatagarasu When a spirit is low damage, we know it is because it boosts magic or nin and recharges super fast (except Genbu who slows you down and has low damage in LW, but super buffs your defense if you are a mage.) Specialty spirits will boost a particular playstyle, but have reduced damage to compensate for their specialty (to avoid making one spirit more OP than the rest.) So, essentially, every spirit is amazing, if you use them for what they were intended. But if you do not fully utilize them, you will rate them on a “goodâ€￾, “badâ€￾, and “greatâ€￾ scale… when, actually, they are all at least good. That being said; there is a tier considered Top Tier spirits for being high attack enhancement and containing boosts you are interested in while building to be OP. These spirits and their boosts are: Kato: CCA +17%, Skill Damage +23% Kara-Jishi: Increase Attack (Skill), Skill life drain Isonade: Human CCD +16.8%, sense enemies Atlas Bear: CCD +13.5% Paired Raiken: Yokai CCD +21% Suzaku is OP (Critical) And Tengen Kujaku boosts time status ailments remain inflicted upon enemies while also sensing all things that could appear on your mini-map. Also, a buff upon amrita absorption for each stance. And yokai DR. Many argue Enko should be within this group, too, because it boosts strong attack and grapple damage while reducing string attack ki usage. It also boosts fire and break. Many don’t think you should include Suzaku without including Janomecho, because with Last Great General’s armor you could argue Janomecho is equal if not better. Important note that all stats presented are with level 60 spirits and spirit stat of 36. Description of Stats_____[GS.DS] When choosing a GS, how do we know how strong it is? Simple; Attack Enhancement - how much LW state boosts your attack. Might - how much resistance to drain LW has after taking a hit. Usable Time: how long LW will remain in effect if you do nothing. Action: How using Ki affects LW gage drain Recovery: How well absorbing amrita refills LW while you use it. Tenacity: How LW behaves when critical or losing health Amrita Gage: how well absorbing amrita refills LW when you are not using it. And they all (except Genbu) provide 26% armor protection at level 60. Also, you may see this shorthand: Close Combat Damage (CCD), Close Combat Attack (CCA), Living Weapon (LW), Damage Bonus (DB), Status Ailment (Sta’ail’) First: an over-simplification! Think of this next section as the table of contents for the super detailed section. You know, because we arranged them from Lowest to Highest Attack Enhancement at level 60… with 36 Spirit… so… they’re in this order; and you can return here at any time by searching this document for [GS.TBL] TIER ONE:_____(LwDmHr) Attack enhancement 5-7.5% Might: 400-740, except Genbu is 3k Low damage High Recharge: Saoirse: revival and amrita, number one exception in GS combinations. Hi-Nezumi: Stealth, Magic, LW spam - scorching and spammable special Aya-komori: ground stab ninja, windslice special, agility db - high mobility but super weak without enhancements. Gyokuto: lucky dashing ninja LW bunny with static electric special. Genbu: super SLOW tortoise magic tank geyser knockdown TIER TWO_____(SS.DD) Attack enhancement 9.5-12.5% Might: 600-872, except Izuna is 1592 and Nurarihyon is 1490 Itokuri: farming slow webs Daiba-Washi: windy knockdown farmer Usura-Hicho: life vs yokai, frost-butterfly Nekomata: Ninja and his tools and top 2 in tier are Nurarihyon: blinding wet old man Izuna: windy life recover TIER THREE_____(MGSp) Attack enhancement 14.5-21.3% Might 796-1728 except shin-Roku is 2120 and Tanuki is 2458 Isonade: man eating shark Mizuchi: rich water dragon knockdown Yatagarasu: the bird with guns Janomecho: recovery, death defying, whirlwind moth Narikama Tanuki: life, recovery, and knockdown Shin-Roku: earth, life, defense, kyuubi killer Nine-Tails: abyss farming scorches defense Suzaku: crit phoenix revives TIER FOUR_____(MeAt.SauS) Attack Enhancement 22.5% Might 1540-1740 except Fuse is 2182 and Bisha’s is 2532 Fuse-Ushi: life, vs poison, charging knockdown Bisha’s Centipede: pierce guard, poison, CCD (no rear), shield special Tengen Kujaku: ELEMENTAL vs yokai Enku thrust and dash: spear and kunai Paired Raiken: dash, skill, vs yokai/lightning TIER FIVE_____(O.oXP) Attack Enhancement 24.5-27.5 Might 1520-1814 Enko: burning strong attack Kara-Jishi: defensive, lightning, skill attacks Atlas Bear: low ki CCD brawler knockdown the highest 2 damage spirits: Kato: CCA, ki/recovery, SkillDam Blue Dragon: defensive dragon CCD (full-life) IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTIONS [GS.IN.D] FIRST TIER: LOW DAMAGE FAST RECHARGE [LwDmHr] These guardian spirits are highly specialized towards ninjas or mages. Low damage in LW, but high mobility and high recharge rates - both in and out of LW. Saoirse, Hi-Nezumi, Aya- Komori, Gyokuto, Genbu. Saoirse. An Irish banshee from Gaelic folklore that tells of a woman weeping for your upcoming death. She saves William from death and the entire point of the game is to rescue her from the homonculus (man-made human without a soul) Kelley. Her Living Weapon (LW) hits very softly. She has a short usable time (maybe the shortest) and almost the least might (armor in LW)... her special - she swims out to place a water mine and boost the player. Saoirse Stats: Attack enhancement 5% Might 740 Usable time 10.0 Action B Recovery A+ Tenacity A+ Amrita Gage A- Sense Enemies/Amrita Special effects (critical) +21% +24.5% Amrita Earned and retrieve 85% Lost Amrita As secondary: +12.7% Amrita Earned Nearly every Spirit Combination is an exception. I won’t list it here as i did for Tengen Kujaku or Narikama Tanuki - they just had a handful. The next section contains rules of combining Spirits and the exceptions. Refer there for a long list of Saoirse exceptions. Hi-Nezumi. Although the second lowest attack enhancement - not bad! Lowest might, so you’ll be knocked out of LW often, but you’ll recharge super quick! Sometimes before you hit the ground from being knocked out of LW!... think stealthy, fast, quick recharge at the cost of being weak. Very good for stealth and magic, but fairly, meh, for other playstyles. Although the special attack he lays 3 bombs by your feet and it is spammable and scorches attacking enemies fairly quickly… i love that little mouse. Hi-Nezumi Stats: Attack enhancement 5.5% Might 400 Usable time 21.7 Action B Recovery A+ Tenacity C- Amrita Gage A+ +90 magic power, vs fire +25, +21.5% CCA(crit) Stealth for Enemies A+ Unlimited Magic +22% As secondary: +15.7% CCA (crit) Aya-komori. Slightly more attack enhancement. Still next to no might. Really not bad for a ninja. Super weak but super fast charge rate, and the special skill is a wind slice that can cause knockdown FROM ACROSS THE MAP! These bats are insane! Quick stealthy ninja spirit. Aya-Komori Stats: Attack enhancement 6.5% Might 480 Usable time 25.5 Action A+ Recovery A+ Tenacity C- Amrita Gage A+ Unlimited ninjutsu +22% Increased attack from behind +18% Agility Damage Bonus A Life recovery from grapple Vs paralysis +28 As secondary: Attack from Behind +9% Gyokuto. The lightning rabbit. Another good ninja spirit with low attack enhancement and slightly more might than the others. The special lays several balls of static electricity around you that electrify attackers (but do no damage). Gyokuto Stats: Attack enhancement 7.5% Might 592 Usable time 21.3 Action B+ Recovery B+ Tenacity C- Amrita Gage A- Dash speed +10%, +115 Nin Power Low damage +11.5%, +140 Luck in LW Elixer effect on life recovery +28% As secondary: Ninjutsu Power +57 Genbu. The water tortoise chimera. I hate that it slow you down (like being slothed), though spells can’t be interrupted. Although low attack enhancement - super high might (3000) and 10% more spirit protection (all spirits have +26% spirit protection, but Genbu has +36%). Like a magic tank. Special attack can cause knockdown if the 3 geysers hit. However, does NOT charge fast outside of LW. Actually, one of the lowest. Trades attack and mobility for a lot of defense. Genbu Stats: Attack enhancement 7.5% Might 3000 Usable time 20.6 Action A Recovery B+ Tenacity C Amrita Gage D- Reduced dash speed -30% Change to Defense (Magic) A Received elemental attack damage -11.5% No guard break (onmyo magic) +115 Magic Power As secondary: Magic Power +57 TIER TWO - TWICE TIER ONE [SS.DD] Nearly twice the attack enhancement AND might of tier one. Slower recharge rates or mobility in LW, but still faster than most. Highly specialized, but not for mages and ninjas. Itokuri, Daiba-Washi, Usura-Hicho, Nekomata, and top 2 in tier are Nurarihyon and Izuna. Itokuri. The farming spider. If you have no elemental damage, it will provide paralysis. Luck and item drop rates are boosted, and the special places webs in front of you that slow attackers (but only while they are in the webs.) Best suited spirit for hunting smithing texts and spirit stones and such. Itokuri Stats: Attack enhancement 9.5% Might 792 Usable time 23.0 Action A- Recovery B- Tenacity C- Amrita Gage A+ Luck +90, familiarity bonus +19.5%, Human/yokai item drop rates +38% paralysis +35 As secondary: Luck +45 Daiba-washi. The whirlwind horse-hawk. Favors evasion, looting equipment, and returns some life after LW The special makes a whirlwind that knocks down any human within 10-15 feet. Honestly, my favorite knockdown spirit because it is least resisted with full-circle range. Also a great 2nd to Itokuri when farming gear. Daiba-Washi Stats: Attack enhancement 10% Might 872 Usable time 20.8 Action B Recovery C+ Tenacity C- Amrita Gage A+ Evasion ki Usage -22%, luck +75 Quick attack damage +15.8% Equipment drop rate +36% Recover Life (after LW) +720 As secondary: Equipment Drop Rate +18% Usura-Hicho. Frost butterflies. The Yokai Realm resistance and life for purification are pretty cool. reduces strong attack ki damage 21%, Special creates a nearby field of butterflies in front of you that might saturate a charging opponent (maybe). Usura-Hicho Stats: Attack enhancement 10.5% Might 600 Usable time 20.7 Action B Recovery A Tenacity C+ Amrita Gage A+ Water damage +36%, vs Yokai Realm +460 Evasion ki usage -26%, Life recovery (purification) +230 Strong Attack Ki Damage +21% As secondary: life recovery (purification) +115 Nekomata. The Cat-God spirit possessing Hattori's cat-clock. This spirit is meant for thrown weapons and especially bombs or fire/ poison shuriken. Special attack he shows up and throws 3 kunai out that summon lightning strikes. Wide range if they do not dodge sideways. Quite the thrown weapon ninja spirit. Nekomata Stats: Attack enhancement 10% Might 792 Usable time 24.0 Action B+ Recovery A+ Tenacity C- Amrita Gage A- Thrown Weapon Damage +18% Close Combat Ki Damage +16% Recurring Damage Dealt +18% Sense Enemies, vs Yokai Realm +460 As secondary: Thrown Weapon Damage +9% Nurarihyon. The old man smoking a pipe. His special attack places 3 pools of water that saturates enemies who approach (and cause frequent water damage while they are in it.) He blinds those you saturate and boosts water and projectile ki damage. Nurarihyon Stats: Attack enhancement 12.0% Might 1490 Usable time 22.3 Action C Recovery A+ Tenacity C+ Amrita Gage C Amrita Earned from Enemies +22% Ki damage (projectiles) +18% CCA Ki Reduction (Evasion Attack) Water damage +36% Blind Enemies (Saturated) As secondary: ki damage (projectiles) +9% Izuna. A wind dragon. You’ve probably been slammed by it facing Mitsunari or Mysterious Samurai. Highest might of tier two. Also highest attack enhancement of tier two. Special attack throws 3 izuna forward. Well balanced skills boost amrita and reduce ki usage in combat. Izuna Stats: Attack enhancement 12.5 Might 1592 Usable time 23.8 Action A Recovery C+ Tenacity C+ Amrita Gage D Earn Amrita (Strong Attack) +30 Amrita Earned +14%, CCA Ki Reduction +18% Wind damage +36% Auto-life recovery (finished using LW) As secondary: CCA ki Reduction +9% TIER THREE - MiddleGround Specialists [MGSp] Very much the “balancedâ€￾ tier of spirits. Average Attack Enhancement and Might. Not super strong, not super weak. If used for their respective purposes, they are amazing. But if you are using them just because you feel like it, you’ll probably bond with a spirit from high damage or high recharge tiers. Isonade, Mizuchi, Yatagarasu, Janomecho, Narikama Tanuki, Shin-Roku, Nine-Tails, Suzaku Attack enhancement 14.5-21.3% Might 796-1728 except shin-Roku is 2120 and Tanuki is 2458 Isonade. An anti-human spirit. The defense spirit of the first 3 available spirits. The special causes a shark to swim several quick circles and attack any enemy next to you with water damage. Isonade Stats: Attack enhancement 15% Might 1640 Usable Time 24.9 Action B+ Recovery C Tenacity B- Amrita Gage D Life +180, Sense Enemies Strong Attack ki Reduction -22% Close Combat Life Recovery +220 Human Close Combat Damage +16.8% As secondary: strong attack ki reduction +11% Mizuchi. The rich water dragon. Good for farming amrita and gold. The special skill has the water dragon swim forward and causes knockdown. Works well against non-water users, though occasionally it’ll hit them as it knocks them down causing a quick recover. The low damage and low might make this spirit fairly lack-luster outside of farming levels and gold, though the enemies defeated db tries to make up for that. Mizuchi Stats: Attack enhancement 14.5% Might 796 Usable Time 21.6 Action B Recovery B+ Tenacity B Amrita Gage C+ Amrita Sense, Gold Earned +31% Amrita Earned +24.5%, vs water +25 Enemies Defeated Damage Bonus A+ As secondary: gold earned + 15.5% Yatagarasu. You’ve likely seen Saika Magoichi call him forth to send 3 whirlwinds toward you. Well, when you use the special it flies forward and if it hits the enemy it tries to bluster them with a wind-shot. Saika is the Japanese title for the rifle corp captain in the military. Hopefully that special causes bluster. Yatagarasu is the best spirit for a ranged weapons build. Yatagarasu Stats: Attack enhancement 14.5% Might 1350 Usable Time 24.7 Action C Recovery A- Tenacity C+ Amrita Gage A+ Sense Enemies, vs Wind +25 Life Recovery (Ranged Weapon Hit) +38 Long Range attack Damage +26% Unlimited Ammo 25.6% As secondary: Long Range Attack Damage +13% Janomecho. The moth spirit we first met with Otani Yoshitsugu in Sekigahara. You face Otani again in Ghosts of Sawayama, and you hear him talking to his Son in Law, Sanada. You may remember her whirlwind-blustering special when you were fighting Yukimura and he kept tossing it at you as he glided around above the floor. A great special attack which hits many, many times when it isn’t dodged; and often a few times when it is dodged. The interesting thing about Janomecho is that she appears to be built like a crit spirit, but many use her for the opposite; an immortal build. By pairing her with Tokugawa clan, they can be unkillable, unless they are critical health. So they build super-lightweight to be one- shotted by every enemy and use healing spells and consumables to stay out of crit. But her actual spirit skills; she is clearly a highly evasive
crit-build guardian.


Janomecho Stats:
Attack enhancement           16.5%
Might                                       818
Usable Time                           23.0
Action                                       A
Recovery                                  A+
Tenacity                                    A
Amrita Gage                             C-
Increased ki Recovery Speed (crit)
Auto-Recovery (Finished Using LW)
CCA (crit) +22.5%, evasion ki usage +28%
Prevent Death Unless in Critical State +60%


As secondary: evasion ki usage +14%


Narikama Tanuki. The health tank. And one of 
the big 3 exceptions to the rules on behavior 
when pairing guardian spirits. The special is the 
tanuki jumping through the grass. He flips 3 
times in front of you. If one of these flips hits the 
enemy, he grows massive and slams down 
from above. Any old school gamers out there; 
you remember when mario could turn into a 
statue in the tanuki suit? Because that’s 
basically the Tanuki’s special attack ;)


Narikama Tanuki Stats:
Attack enhancement           14.5%
Might                                     2458
Usable Time                           24.5
Action                                       B
Recovery                                  A+
Tenacity                                    A
Amrita Gage                             D
Vs Earth +25, Strong Attack Damage +16.5%
Auto Life-Recovery (Crit), Unlimited Elixir +22%
Retrieve Lost Amrita +66%


As secondary: strong attack damage +8.7%


Narikama Tanuki Spirit Combo Exceptions:
Narikama tanuki and enko yields everlasting ki
Narikama tanuki and gyokuto give elixir burst
Nurikama tanuki and shin-roku give Damage 
Reduction when you use elixirs
Nurikama tanuki and suzaku causes no ki 
consumption (guarding)
Narikama Tanuki and Nekomata recovers ninja 
items after LW
Nurikama Tanuki and Tengen Kujaku prevents 
death unless critical +13%
Tanuki and saoirse recovers lost amrita upon 
death


Shin-Roku. This exciting Earth deer gives you 
the same boost it gives Warrior of the East. 
Shame i don’t know what that is, but i use this 
spirit almost exclusively to eliminate the Nine-
Tailed fox. The special makes an Earth mine 
similar to the level 2 magic spell (i imagine will 
seem weak to mages and strong to LW builds.) 
When used with Extraction or Suisetsu-shin’s 
sake; that AA- recovery can keep you in LW 
longer. And 2120 Might is above average.


Shin-Roku’s Stats:
Attack enhancement              19%
Might                                     2120
Usable Time                           18.0
Action                                       A-
Recovery                                AA-
Tenacity                                    C     
Amrita Gage                             C
Life +180, Kodama Sense
Strong Attack Life Drain +15
Increase Ki Recovery and Defense (After LW)
Earth damage +36%


As secondary: strong attack life drain +8


Nine-Tails. Charge rate seems slower than 
other spirits with Am’Gage at D. I believe it was 
designed as the default abyss farming spirit, 
eliminating one-third of elemental damage and 
boosting divine/ethereal drop rates. But if you 
don’t use fire or other elements - if you don’t 
cause confusion, nine-tails feels heavy and 
slow. The special is the move you see when 
battling the Nine-Tails where it curls up and 
sends fire crawling across the ground in all 
directions you could mistake for “forwardâ€￾.


Nine-Tails Stats:
Attack enhancement              19%
Might                                     1140
Usable Time                           20.2
Action                                       C+
Recovery                                  B+
Tenacity                                    C+
Amrita Gage                             D
Divine/Ethereal item Drop Rate C
Nullify Elemental Damage 33%
Auto-Recovery (Enemy Confused)
Lower Defense (Enemy Scorched)
Fire Damage +36%


As secondary: Nullify Elemental Damage +16.5%


Suzaku. The Fire Phoenix. I don’t really know 
how you could speak ill of this spirit. The 
original Crit spirit, until Janomecho and Last 
Great General’s armor came into the game. 
Above average attack enhancement. High end 
average Might. And the special attack has 
Suzaku fly a circle around you, if it strikes an 
enemy it will dive-bomb them.


Suzaku Stats:
Attack enhancement           21.3%
Might                                     1728
Usable Time                           18.1
Action                                       C
Recovery                                  A+
Tenacity                                    A
Amrita Gage                             D
Fire Damage +36%, vs Fire +25
Activate LW (no life), Amrita Earned (LW) +33%
Auto-Charge Amrita Gage (Critical)


As secondary: vs fire + 12.5%


TIER FOUR - HIGHER DAMAGE [MeAt.SauS]
Fuse-Ushi, Bisha’s Centipede, Tengen Kujaku, 
Enku, Paired Raiken
Attack Enhancement 22.5%
Might 1540-1740 except Fuse is 2182 and 
Bisha’s is 2532


Fuse-Ushi. The charging bull portion of the 
Heroic Raging Bull. Tis an anti-poison spirit. 
Special attack sends Fuse-ushi charging 
forward - sometimes it’s a great knockdown but 
it is resisted by earth users and occasionally 
hits again as it tramples over them (negating 
the knockdown and resetting knockdown timer.)


Fuse-Ushi Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     2182
Usable Time                           22.6
Action                                       A+
Recovery                                  A-
Tenacity                                    C+
Amrita Gage                             D
Life +360, vs Poison +25
Guard ki Reduction -26%
Reduce Recurring Poison Damage +33%
Life Recovery (Amrita Absorption) +35


As secondary: life +180


Bisha’s Centipede. This is the poison spirit, and 
also a combat spirit with PvP in mind. The 
special causes the centipede to make several 
loops past you looking to bite any near you. It’s 
almost like a shield against other players, that 
only lasts a couple seconds but does repeated 
damage. However, it is meant for dueling 
battles and as such - negates rear damage 
boost in exchange for a little more close combat 
damage. A bit wanting in PvE but a fairly good 
choice for PvP.


Bisha’s Centipede
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     2532
Usable Time                           21.0
Action                                       B
Recovery                                  D-
Tenacity                                    A-
Amrita Gage                             D
Money from Enemies +56%, poison +35
Strong Attack ki Reduction +16%
Pierce Guard (Close Combat) +28%
CCD (For Removal of Rear Damage) +18%


As secondary: pierce guard (CC) +14%


Tengen Kujaku. Congratulations on “beatingâ€￾ 
Oda Nobunaga. This is the original confusion 
combat spirit. It does not boost magic, but it 
extends the duration of elemental status 
ailments by two-thirds, allowing more time to 
inflict confusion. And the special attack isn’t an 
attack - it changes the element in LW. Also, 
everything your map can detect, it will detect, 
yokai hit slightly less hard, and when you 
absorb amrita - you get a boost! I heard it was 
attack in high stance, defense in mid stance, 
and ki recovery or movement speed in low 
stance.


Also, one of the big 3 exceptions in guardian 
spirit combinations.


Tengen Kujaku Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1740
Usable Time                           24.0
Action                                       A-
Recovery                                  A+
Tenacity                                    B-
Amrita Gage                             D
Enemy/Amrita/Treasure/Kodama Sense
Extend Elemental Effect +66%
Yokai Damage Reduction +16.5%
Bonus from Amrita Absorption (Stance Based)


As secondary: Extend Elemental Effect +33%


Tengen Kujaku Spirit Combo exceptions:
Itokuri and Tengen Kujaku gives Luck in LW
Usura hicho and Tengen nullify damage in LW
Genbu and Tengen gives onmyo damage life 
drain
Atlas Bear and Tengen gives self and allies 
healed when enemy defeated in close combat
Tengen and Tanuki prevents death unless 
critical


Enku. Sanada’s flaming stallion. Ponyta, for you 
pokemon fans out there (i call Onyudo Lick-a-
tongue.) Kunai builds love that extra thrust 
damage - AND the 10% increase in dash speed 
allowing you to sprint like never before! The 
special sends your flaming horse charging 
forward across the map, when it will turn around 
and charge straight back! Massive amounts of 
fire damage usually easily scorches any who 
get in the way.


Enku Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1540
Usable Time                           25.5
Action                                       B+
Recovery                                  A-
Tenacity                                    A-
Amrita Gage                             C+
Dash speed +10%, Thrust Damage +14%
CCA (Enemy Attacking) +17%
Damage (Status Ailment Suffered) B-
Nullify Damage (Dash Attack)


As secondary: Thrust Damage +7%


Paired Raiken. The twin Lightning Dogs. A 
symbol of love between Muneshige Munenori 
and his wife Tachibana Ginchiyo. Her story sure 
is a sad one. Specialized for a high-mobility skill-
sword, this spirit is an anti-yokai spirit. Special 
is… well, did you play ninja gaiden in 2004? Do 
you remember the 2nd level charged ultimate 
technique for the katana? If not; these dogs do 
the same thing. They charge forward super fast 
and if they hit; they super speed dash through 
the enemy in an “Xâ€￾ shape 4 times. It usually 
electrifies the enemy and will knock out their ki 
of blocked. Also, some of the best stats as far 
as action, recovery, tenacity, and amrita gage. 
This is definitely one of the best guardian spirits 
and is often forgotten about by most players.


Paired Raiken Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1740
Usable Time                           25.8
Action                                       B-
Recovery                                  A-
Tenacity                                  AA-
Amrita Gage                             A-
Treasure Sense, vs Lightning +30
Dash Endurance +23%, Skill ki Damage 20.5%
Yokai Close Combat Damage +21%


As secondary: dash endurance +11.5%


TIER FIVE - COMBAT TIER [O.oXP]
The highest Attack Enhancement tier. Also, 
most all of the spirits are specialized for Close 
Combat or skill damage. Many argue this tier is 
the best, but they include 3 from lower tiers 
(Paired Raiken, Tengen Kujaku, and Suzaku)
This tier contains: Enko, Kara-Jishi, Atlas Bear, 
and the highest two 27.5% att’kenh’ment spirits: 
Kato and Blue Dragon.
Attack Enhancement 24.5-27.5
Might 1520-1814


Enko. The great stone dragon from Mulan, only 
alive, and covered in flames. Definitely a fiery, 
strong attack using, specialized for combat 
spirit. This stone lion looking mugg (actually, a 
Foo Dog meant to protect entrances from 
demons and provide good luck from the 
ancestors) pounces forward and swipes at the 
enemy during the special attack.


Enko Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.7
Action                                       C+
Recovery                                  B
Tenacity                                    A-
Amrita Gage                             C-
Fire Damage +36%, Break +25
Grapple Damage +33%
Strong Attack Damage +16.5%
Strong Attack Ki Reduction -16%


As secondary: break +12.5


Kara-Jishi. Or Nue. A Foo Dog like Enko, only 
electrified. The special attack is the lightning 
breath Nue spams in combat. Skewed towards 
lightning, blocking, and skill attacks.


Kara-Jishi Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1814
Usable Time                           22.3
Action                                       B-
Recovery                                  D-
Tenacity                                    B-
Amrita Gage                             D
Lightning Damage +36%, Ki +25
Guard Ki Reduction -26%, Skill Life Drain +20
Increase Attack (Skill Attacks)


As secondary: skill life drain +10


Atlas Bear. A spirit designed for grapples and 
close combat. The special causes the Bear to 
appear and swipe its massive paw in an 
attempt to knockdown your opponent. A heavier 
and slower spirit. That’s likely on purpose to 
counter the fact that it boosts CCD - couldn’t let 
it be too OP. Low action and recovery means 
LW probably won’t last long.


Atlas Bear Stats:
Attack enhancement           25.5%
Might                                     1668
Usable Time                           22.0
Action                                       C-
Recovery                                  C
Tenacity                                    A-
Amrita Gage                             C+
Increase Damage (Low ki), vs lightning +25
Shorten Recovery Time (Out of Ki)
Life Recovery (Grapple) +230
Close Combat Damage +13.5%


As secondary: vs lightning +12.5%


Kato. The fire dog. One of the first 3 spirits you 
get. Still one of the most OP spirits in the game. 
Boosts attack, ki and ki recovery, and skill 
damage. Special attack sends doggy drill-diving 
down at a close-mid opponent and inflicting 
quite a bit of fire damage. Likely the least of any 
fire spirit, though.


Kato Stats:
Attack enhancement           27.5%
Might                                     1520
Usable Time                           19.0
Action                                       B-
Recovery                                  A+
Tenacity                                    A+
Amrita Gage                             C+
Ki Recovery Speed +32%, ki +34
CCA ki Reduction (crit) +32%
Skill Damage +23%, CCA +17%


As secondary: ki +17


Blue Dragon. The final combat spirit added in 
the final DLC. Focused on defense and balance.
The special summons Blue Dragon much like 
the dragon balls summon Shen Long. He faces 
the direction you were facing for a time - before 
trying an attack that might instant-bluster the 
opponent. But it is either timed or when he gets 
attacked, not when you want him to.


Blue Dragon Stats:
Attack enhancement           27.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.4
Action                                       C
Recovery                                  A+
Tenacity                                    B-
Amrita Gage                             D-
Ki Recovery Speed +28%, Wind Damage +36%
Elemental Damage Reduction (Guarding) +56%
Damage Reduction (while Attacking) +16%
Close Combat Damage (Full-Life) +23%


As secondary: Elemental Damage Reduction 
(Guarding) +28%


_____-----GS Combinations
[chptr.3gc]


2 spirits of the same element will give elemental 
damage. Otherwise;


Fire:
Fire+water will give weaken melee weapons
Fire+lightning will give quick attack damage
Fire+earth will give extra luck
Fire+wind will yield increased ki recovery speed


Water:
Water+fire gives weaken melee weapons.
Water+lightning extends elemental effects
Water+earth gives extra life
Water+wind gives life recovery (finished using 
LW)


Lightning:
Lightning+fire gives quick attack damage
Lightning+water extends elemental effects
Lightning+earth give elemental DR (guarding)
Lightning+wind increases dash speed


Earth:
Earth+fire gives luck
Earth+water gives life
Earth+lightning gives elemental DR (guarding)
Earth+wind gives guarding ki reduction


Wind:
Wind+fire increases ki recovery speed
Wind+water gives life recovery after LW
Wind+lightning increases dash speed
Wind+earth gives guarding ki reduction


Non-Saoirse/Tengen/Tanuki exceptions:
Fuse-ushi and Mizuchi gives hand cannon 
damage
Hi-nezumi and aya-komori give bow ki damage
Gyokuto and nekomata give ninjutsu damage 
life drain
Kara-jishi and izuna give a period of no ki 
consumption after LW.
Kara-jishi and Bisha’s centipede give Damage 
Reduction (guarding)
Bisha’s centipede and blue dragon increases 
durability of Living Weapons


Tengen Kujaku exceptions:
Itokuri and Tengen Kujaku gives luck in LW
Usura hicho and Tengen kujaku nullify damage 
in LW
Genbu and Tengen gives onmyo damage life 
drain
Atlas Bear and Tengen gives self and allies 
healed when enemy defeated in close combat
Tengen and Tanuki prevents death unless 
critical


Tanuki exceptions:
Narikama tanuki and enko yields everlasting ki
Narikama tanuki and gyokuto give elixir burst
Nurikama tanuki and shin-roku give Damage
Reduction when you use elixirs
Nurikama tanuki and suzaku causes no ki 
consumption (guarding)
Narikama Tanuki and Nekomata recovers ninja 
items after LW
Nurikama Tanuki and Tengen Kujaku prevents 
death unless critical
Tanuki and saoirse recovers lost amrita upon 
death


Saoirse exceptions:
Saoirse and kato gives skill damage
Saoirse and isonade gives close combat life 
recovery
Saoirse and daiba-washi reduces evasion ki 
usage
Saoirse and fuse-ushi gives life recovery upon 
amrita absorption
Saoirse and mizuchi earns extra amrita
Saoirse and paired raiken gives skill ki damage
Saoirse and hi-nezumi gives CCA (critical)
Saoirse and aya-komori gives life recovery for 
final blow (killing strike)
Saoirse and enko boosts grapple damage
Saoirse and usura-hicho increases strong 
attack ki damage
Saoirse and gyokuto increases nin power
Saoirse and narikama tanuki retrieves lost 
amrita
Saoirse and shin-roku gives strong attack life 
drain
Saoirse and yatagarasu increases long range 
attack damage
Saoirse and suzaku increases amrita earned in 
LW
Saoirse and kara-jishi gives skill life drain
Saoirse and izuna gives amrita for strong attack
Saoirse and genbu gives onmyo magic power
Saoirse and atlas bear gives life recovery for 
grapple
Saoirse and nekomata increases thrown 
weapon damage
Saoirse and bisha’s centipede gives pierce 
guard (close combat)
Saoirse and blue dragon gives Damage 
Reduction when attacking


Ninjas might like:
Lightning and wind increases dash speed
Gyokuto and nekomata gives ninjutsu damage 
life drain
Narikama tanuki recovers ninjutsu items after 
living weapon
Saoirse and gyokuto increases ninjutsu power
Saoirse and nekomata increases thrown 
weapon damage


Melee purists might like:
Fire and lightning boosts quick attack damage
Fire and water weakens melee weapons
Atlas bear and tengen kujaku heals self and 
allies when enemy defeated in close combat
Saoirse and kato gives skill damage
Saoirse and isonade gives close combat life 
recovery
Saoirse and aya-komori gives life recovery for 
final blow
Saoirse and enko boosts grapple damage
Saoirse and shin-roku gives strong attavk.life 
drain
Saoirse and kara-jishi gives skill life drain
Saoirse and atlas bear gives life recovery for 
grapple
Saoirse and bisha’s centipede gives pierce 
guard (close combat)


Living Weapon builds might like:
Wind and water gives life recovery after LW
Kara-jishi and izuna gives no ki consumption 
after LW
Bisha’s centipede and blue dragon increases 
durability of living weapon
Itokuri and tengen kujaku increases luck in LW
Usura-hicho and tengen nullifies damage in LW
Saoirse and fuse-ushi gives life recovery for 
amrita absorption
Saoirse and suzaku increases amrita earned in 
LW
Saoirse and izuna give amrita for strong attacks


Crit builds might like: saoirse and hi-nezumi 
gives CCA (critical)


Mages might like:
Water and lightning extends elemental effects
Tengen kujaku and genbu gives onmyo magic 
damage life drain
Saoirse and genbu gives onmyo magic power


Ranged specialists might like:
Fuse-ushi and mizuchi gives hand cannon 
damage
Hi-nezumi and aya-komori gives bow ki damage
Saoirse and yatagarasu boosts long range 
damage


Defensive players might like:
Lightning and earth gives elemental damage 
reduction (guarding)
Earth and wind reduces blocking ki usage
Kara-jishi and bisha’s centipede gives damage 
reduction (guarding)
Tengen kujaku and narikama tanuki prevents 
death unless critical
Tanuki and shin-roku gives damage reduction 
upon using elixirs
Tanuki and suzaku gives no ki consumption 
(guarding)
Saoirse and isonade gives close combat life 
recovery
Saoirse and daiba-washi reduces evasion ki 
usage
Saoirse and blue dragon gives damage 
reduction (when attacking)


Personally, i like a powerful spirit with a 
knockdown spirit. I use a top tier damage spirit 
like kato, kara-jishi, atlas bear, or tengen with a 
knockdown like daiba-washi, fuse-ushi, or 
mizuchi.


_____-----Basic Damage Stacking
[chptr.4ds]


I feel it is important to have cta (change to 
attack) and a damage bonus on your melee 
weapons. If you are a ninja maxing dexterity, 
use ninjutsu damage bonus A (you can get AA 
star skill on some kusa/tonfa, or from Hanzo 
Hattori’s set - Head of Iga / jonin armor).


If you are a mage maxing magic, use magic 
damage bonus A (which you can get from 6p 
tsukuyomi). 


If you are not maxing dex or magic, the best 
damage bonus is Familiarity damage bonus 
(not familiarity bonus, that’s different), though 
agility damage bonus and enemies defeated 
damage bonus are also great options.


As far as defense: damage reduction lowers the 
damage an enemy inflicts upon you. Defense is 
then subtracted from that damage. Toughness 
is your resistance to stagger, reduces the ki 
used in blocking, and reduces likelihood that 
your attack is interrupted by an enemy’s attack. 
Damage resistance has the most effect, and 
that’s why many go heavy armor. Light armor 
gives about 10% DR and heavy gives closer to 
30% DR. Received Firearm Damage is a 
mistranslation. It is actually received projectile 
damage reduction.


RFD will also reduce elemental projectiles, 
thunderstrikes, bombs, fire/poison shuriken, etc. 
You can get it to 100% and be immune to all 
projectiles, but that requires 2p Tatenashi or 3p 
Hiraishi with RFD reduction on chest and head, 
inherited on the other 3 armors, and on one of 
your accessories.


Equipment weight. If it is below 18, put 
equipment lightness damage bonus on your 
equipped ranged weapon. This bonus maxes if 
your weight is 10 or below. If above 20, use 
equipment weight damage bonus instead. This 
one maxes at 30+.


And remember: damage boosts on a melee 
weapon only affect that melee weapon. But 
boosts on your equipped ranged weapon apply 
to everything - but only the one you are 
currently using. Most put equipment weight/
lightness on their ranged unless using Tate for 
ewdb, or ame-no-uzume / sarutobi’s set / aya-
komori for the free lightness (aya also gives 
agility db)... If they use one of those, then - they 
put agility, enemies defeated, or nin damage 
boosts on their ranged for a good multi-stack.


Your accessories:
You’ll want one with set requirements -1. This is 
always on a yasakani magatama but I've also 
seen it on fans, omamori charms, and i think on 
some prayer beads once. You may also want to 
choose between yokai close combat damage, 
human close combat damage, and increase 
attack (+ value) which comes from the abyss. 
Ninjas might prioritize thrown weapon damage, 
tho. It’s all about your individual build’s priorities.


Prestige points:
There is a list of titles. Every title you get will 
give you a prestige point. You can spend them 
on many things. Like; yokai ccd, human ccd, ki, 
ninjutsu power, magic power, elixir effect of life 
recovery, durability of living weapons, earned 
gold, item drop rate, luck, elemental damage 
reduction, etc. I'm sure all the prestige point 
stats have a cap, but the only cap i know is that 
yokai and human ccd both cap at 15%.


Elemental damage reduction and elixir effect on 
life recovery will greatly increase survivability. 
Aside from that, it’s really up to you. I pick the 3 
i don’t want in agyo/ungyo screens and just buy 
the rest on a loop. If I reach a cap I'll just pick 
my favorite of the 3 i wanted the least.


But the first step to any damage stacks is to get 
30% ccd and 30% skill damage. Also 15% 
yokai ccd and 15% human ccd from your 
prestige points. An additional 15% from your 
accessories would be great. Equipment weight/
lightness damage bonus on your ranged 
weapon. Cta (stat) A and familiarity damage 
bonus on your melee weapon (except key 
builds that would need consecutive hits 
damage bonus like a kusa/kunai build. However,
you can also get that consecutive hits damage 
bonus from 6p one-eyed demon armor.)


But essentially, once built you should have 
damage stacked about like this:


30+%ccd, 30+% skill damage, ewdb/eldb, 
familiarity db, agility or magic or nin db, 15-30% 
yokai ccd, 15-30% human ccd


Plus the optional extra stuff like increase attack 
(plus value) on an accessory, or enemies 
defeated damage bonus, or carnage or 
leeching...


Plus whatever else you can squeeze into it. For 
example; somebody might use tatenashi, 10 
braves, or ame-no-uzume for the free ewdb/
eldb from their set bonus. Meaning their ranged 
weapon could stack another they aren’t using 
(so familiarity db and agility db could be stacked 
together.) Others might grab magic db A from 
tsukuyomi (6p), or ninjutsu db AA from Head of 
Iga (7p) to add to their stacks.


Be sure to check out guardian spirit 
combinations (having 2 guardian spirits gives a 
hidden bonus that can do amazing things for 
your build.) This faq covers it in chptr.3gc


There is also a list of the most popular weapon 
(and armor) skills and their max values at the 
end of this faq. Search code: (RT.WAS)


_____-----ARMOR SKILLS
[chptr.5as]


As for which skills to put on armor:
I like elemental damage reduction and 
elemental damage reduction (guarding). I also 
like extend evasion invulnerability on a chest 
piece. Many like to find gloves with increase 
attack +55 inheritable and transfer that to every 
piece of armor in their set. But the rest depend 
on your build.


Everyone is different, though. Some people 
swear you need received firearm damage 
reduction or received elemental damage 
reduction at 100% to be immune to survive. 
Others say make every single thing attack. It’s 
really just personal choice. Some might want 5 
running speeds or +255 attack.


A note on the Received Firearm Damage 
Reduction: the “firearmâ€￾ part is a mistranslation 
of projectile. Because it also blocks elemental 
projectiles and bombs, including the fire 
shuriken and its explosion. Thunderstrikes, too. 
Pretty much all projectile attacks that are not 
melee projectiles (like Mitsunari’s or Maria’s 
slice attacks) or lazers (like from Nue, White 
Tiger, Umi-Bozu, Hyakki Yagyo’s eyes) or 
breath (Yukki-Onna).


A crit build will obviously want crit damage (and 
leeching talisman and tenacity to prevent 
burning/leeching death). A LW build will want to 
boost amrita gage. A build that runs a lot wants 
to boost movement speed. Etc. Etc. Every build 
wants to increase attack.


Commonly used bonuses are:
Bonus for purification, for amrita absorption (if 
you use extraction talisman, suisetsu-shin’s 
sake, or both - definitely use this), when 
surrounded (2 v 1), after hitting with dash/
evasion attack, enemies defeated, zero ki, 
enemy out of ki, enemy scorched/blustered/etc, 
status ailment suffered, etc. You have to pick 
which ones work best for you and whether you 
want increase attack, increase movement 
speed, auto-recovery (repetitive healing like 
rejuvination talisman), or whatever else.


You can link them, too. For example: increase 
attack (life recovery) means any time a skill like 
bonus for purification (life recovery) kicks in, it 
boosts your attack. It is a great pair to izanagi, 
which gives that very same recovery skill i just 
mentioned.


That’s most of what there is on armor skills. 
What to put on your weapon depends on your 
playstyle. Someone who always uses iai might 
like an iai star skill, skill damage, and weaken 
armor (torso). Pierce guard is great if you 
always get blocked. Disable parry vs guarding 
opponent can keep bosses that parry from one-
shotting you when you attack their block. Etc. 
There’s no exact answer, it’s really up to you.


Now… for the meat of this pie:
___----Advanced Armor Skills by Build Type
[chptr.6bt]


There will be a better list of armor skills and 
their max values at the end of this faq. Search 
code: (RT.WAS)


When choosing your damage stacks, you must 
choose between several considerations. Let’s 
break them down by the types of builds they 
would go for. And also by the section of your 
build it affects. Things like melee, survivability, 
projectiles, ki manipulation, break, critical, living 
weapon, etc. Here goes:


Before we can break them into groups, we 
should mention the situational boosts. Bonus 
for dash attack, bonus for evasion attack, 
bonus for purification, bonus for amrita 
absorption, surrounded (2 vs 1) bonus, zero ki 
bonus, bonus for status ailment suffered, zero 
ki enemy, status ail’ed enemy, etc.


Each of those situational boosts has 4 variants. 
Increase attack, increase defense, increase 
movement speed, and boost amrita gage (aka 
increase living weapon.)


Aside from those, these are what can support 
your build:


Attack:
Change to attack (cta) is a big one early on in 
the game. There’s also +55 attack on gloves, 
and if you are lucky you can inherit that onto all 
armor pieces. But there's also skills to boost 
yokai or human ccd. And you can boost high/
mid/low damage. And quick/strong attack 
damage. The catch is that you have to choose 
between them - however Susano has strong 
attack damage as well as quick attack damage. 
Kaido has strong attack damage. Warrior of the 
west and kingo have the most ccd of any set, 
whereas izanagi and izanami have the most 
(barely) of any graces. Damage bonuses are 
the biggest factor in damage as they stack 
multiplicatively.


Survivability:
Damage reduction is vital for survivability, and 
there are a few sets/graces that have unusually 
high amounts of it. Tatenashi, hiraishi, 
oyamatsumi, raging bull, and greater good. 
There’s also armor skills for elemental damage 
reduction and elemental damage reduction 
(guarding) which you can stack together. Also: 
received firearms damage reduction. Onmyo 
amulet protection allows you to block onmyo 
spells, and there are deflect onmyo/projectile/
shuriken&kunai armor skills as well. But if you 
have elemental or firearm damage reduction at 
100% - you are immune to all projectiles.)


Skill Moves:
In the Armor Choice section (chptr.1ac) i listed 
the sets/graces that boost particular weapon 
skills. But so long as ccd and skill damage are 
both near 30% or better, you should be quite 
the skill-sword. Just add boosts from the attack 
section. Also, make sure to boost human/yokai 
ccd.


Mobility: this is primarily acheived by dash 
speed increases, running speed increases, 
dash endurance, ki usage skills (for attacks or 
dash, etc.) Also, many lower damage spirits or 
armors will enable you to be faster at the 
expense of being less able to take a hit. 
Lightweight armor, for example, has very low 
damage reduction but enables A agility which 
makes you super speedy (and there is a 
damage boost for being under 10 equipped 
weight or for being lightweight in general.)


Ki: there’s close combat ki reduction, both in 
general and for quick/strong attacks as well as 
dashing and evasion ki reduction. There’s also 
skill ki reduction, which will reduce the ki usage 
of skill attacks. Everlasting ki allows you to use 
ki when you don’t have any (putting it at 100% 
allows mad-spinner axe skill to continue 
indefinitely.) There’s also skills to increase ki 
damage of projectiles or melee attacks. There’s 
a lot of armor that do things to ki, a few of them 
are: stategist of legend, master swordsman, 
righteous strategist, etc. There’s actually a lot of 
them.


Break. This stat influences how much ki 
damage you do, and i only mention it here 
because it can be forged onto your weapon or 
gotten from choosing Enko for your guardian 
spirit.


Crit: the community’s favorite crit build often is 
kigetsu and susano. However, the original crit 
armor is legendary mikawa armor (fanatic’s 
armor) and suzaku Guardian Spirit. I'm told Hi-
Nezumi and Kato are also decent choices in a 
crit build. But there are armor skills you can 
forge that boost attack, ki recovery, amrita gage,
etc when you are critical. Intentions of a gallant 
warrior (last great general armor) has activate 
living weapon (no life) which can go great with 
a crit build (and make using kato or hi-nezumi 
more plausible for crit players to use.)


Living Weapon: living weapon attack 
enhancement and lw durability boosts can be 
found on accessories. Plaedies talisman 
causes lw to refill quicker. Extraction talisman 
and suisetsu-shin’s sake generate amrita for 
every hit (including and especially for elemental 
shots) which will refill your lw, even while you 
use it. You can also find accessories that boost 
usable time. If you boost your spirit stat really 
high (which is not recommended; there’s little 
reason to go above 36 or 55) you could use cta 
spirit A from amaterasu or izanagi to make back 
the damage you lost by not investing those stat-
points into weapon damage stats. Also: ninigi, 
mid-heaven’s light, and intentions of a gallant 
warrior are meant to be lw armors. Oda’s 
Kisenaga gives amrita for strong attack hits. I 
personally like intentions of a gallant warrior the 
best; it has maintain amrita gage (when 
attacked), increase damage (damage received), 
AND activate living weapon (no life).


Magic: omoikane, tsukuyomi, magatsuhi, 
izanami are all good magic graces (and izanami/
omoikane give cta magic A). Although 
tsukuyomi is the only one that gives you magic 
damage bonus A (at 6 pieces) for your damage 
stacks. Magatsuhi makes it easier to inflict all 
elemental damage, and boosts your damage 
when they are confused.


Confusion: there’s status ailment 
augmentations from graces for fire (kagutsuchi), 
water (owatatsumi), wind (shinatsuhiko and 
takeminekata), earth (oyamatsumi), and 
lightning (takemikazuchi), although magatsuhi 
boosts them all. You can also put one status 
ailment augmentation on your weapon (but it 
only applies to that weapon) or from your 
accessory (although there are better things to 
look for in an accessory.)


Kunai: thrown weapon damage should be 
increased by 100% and you should have 
thrown weapon damage x2. Also, boost thrust 
damage (enku or scion of virtue armor can 
boost that.) Increase damage (consecutive 
attacks) can also help (which you can get from 
one-eyed dragon’s armor if you don’t want to 
use a slot for it.)


Bombs: you want the same thrown weapon 
damage as above in the kunai build section, but 
you may also want to boost fire with kagutsuchi 
or sakuyahime. Also: you can increase throwing 
speed of many nin-tools using armor skill slots 
on your gauntlets (gloves).


Ranged: saika’s yatagarasu. Also, 
takemikazuchi gives bow damage +22% at 5p.


Also: you may not have heard of infect and 
replicate. On accessories you recover in the 
abyss, you can find infect status ailments and 
replicate status enhancements. Infect has a 
chance to inflict enemies who lock onto you 
with the status ailments you have. Replicate 
has a chance to give you the status 
enhancements (and ailments) that an enemy 
has when you lock onto them (just spam lock 
on on/off until you get blessed with their boosts.)
They can help even the odds in the later floors 
of the abyss.


And janomecho/tokugawa-clan can prevent you 
from being one-shotted unless in critical. It’s 
great for a melee purist (as the lw is low 
damage.) It also pairs well with last great 
general’s armor and izanagi’s grace. Use your 
situational boosts for auto-recovery. And 
rejuvenation talisman is a must. Nurikama 
Tanuki and Tengen Kujaku spirits together (as a 
pair) also prevent death unless critical, but i 
believe to a lesser extent than Janomecho - 
which with Tokugawa clan can boost the effect 
over 100% (so it always applies.)


_____-----Abyss Considerations
[chptr.7ab]


Abyss damage builds.
You’ll want 2 or 3 sets/graces. You just will. At 4 
pieces, sets and graces boost close combat 
damage (except the ones that do it at 3 pieces, 
but there’s only a few of those.) You’ll likely 
want to boost close combat damage and skill 
damage both to as near 30% as you can. I hear 
there’s diminishing returns after 33%. You want 
non-parry skills on your mid stance so you can 
use them in LW.


Your choice in guardian spirit will affect a lot. I 
go with one powerhouse and one knockdown 
spirit. Keep an eye on their stats, though. Kato 
and atlas bear are good powerhouses for the 
increased skill damage or ccd. Daiba-washi and 
fuse-ushi are great knockdown guardians. 
Suzaku, tengen kujaku, shin-roku and some 
others are pretty top tier damage as well, just 
without skill/cc damage. Keep an eye on attack 
enhancement (how much LW increases your 
attack) and action (how much using ki drains 
your LW).


Knock down guardians: daiba-washi is the most 
reliable. Only mysterious samurai will resist the 
knockdown. Fuse-ushi and Mizuchi are very 
easy to aim. Aya-komori and the tanuki are 
much harder to aim but also cause knockdowns.
Nuraihyon occasionally knocks bosses down, 
but not at all reliably. Enemies who use the 
same element as the guardian may resist the 
knockdown.


Do NOT spam knockdown. This is why i use 
them in LW and not with a talisman. It only 
works about once every 10 seconds. You want 
to use it to knock them out of LW so you can 
combo them, but save it for once more just 
before it runs out and just after they cast LW 
again.


Increasing LW time: is mostly about choosing a 
guardian spirit with high might (resistance to LW 
drain after being hit) and high recovery (how 
much amrita you generate and how much that 
refills your LW in LW), though amrita gage rate 
(how quickly LW refills while not using it) helps 
as well. I use Date clan to extend time, but 
there’s better clans for damage. Also: 
accessories can increase LW durability (as can 
prestige points), usable time, attack 
enhancement, etc.


A higher spirit stat causes LW to last longer and 
refill faster, and sometimes boosts guardian 
spirit stats - but not often.


However, extraction talisman and suisetsu-
shin’s sake generate amrita when you land a hit,
and they stack. This amrita constantly refills 
your LW and can actually prevent a boss from 
knocking you out of LW, especially with a higher 
spirit stat or plaedies talisman which increases 
gage fill rate.


Also: check your accessories for Infect and 
Replicate. Infect has a chance to inflict any 
enemy who locks on to you with whatever 
status ailments you suffer from. Replicate has a 
chance to give you all the same boosts as an 
enemy you lock on-to. Spam lock-on and you’ll 
get it.


Tactics:
Strafing is always good (running circles around 
boss and rolling when they attack). If you have 
a lot of trouble, every few lives play a life or two 
where you don’t attack and only dodge and 
survive as long as you can. It’ll help you 
understand their moves, gap (fight distance), 
and rythm (attack speed/pace and when they 
take longer to recover aka attack window).


Confusion: inflicting 2 elemental status ailments 
before either wear off will confuse enemies. It 
will slow them, stunt their defense, and reduce 
their ki regeneration. Enemies often resist 2 
elements and are weak to one or 2. You can 
use talismans to imbue your weapon (magic or 
drop, unlocked in forge from start), your LW, 
elemental shots (magic), or fire shuriken (works 
GREAT) / nin bombs.


The best bit about confusion is against yokai, 
including bosses - it locks them in zero ki until 
both ailments wear off. I've seen people do this 
on accident and have no idea what they did or 
how to replicate it. But if you use magic for 
confusion: with a stat of 30 elemental shots will 
work WotSam-WotD, 40 it will work for WotW, 
50-60 it will work for WotN. Abyss, i recommend 
a magic stat of 100 if using elemental shots.


If your stat is lower, use talismans and LW. Fire 
shuriken work great, even with only 30 dex. And 
don’t forget about hyotokko masks and burning 
pots. Or tengu feathers for wind. Mud jars don’t 
muddy though, they inflict stench.


Poison and paralysis do not contribute. These 
are the ailments that do: scorched - recurring 
fire damage (which stacks with poison but 
poison does not contribute to confusion). 
Electrified - lightning ailment causes 30% slow 
that lasts longer than and stacks with the sloth 
(50% slow). Saturated - water ailment kills 
defense 30% and stacks with weakness (50%). 
Muddied - earth stunts ki regen 30% against 
humans and stacks with life seal (50% ki 
recovery reduction). Against yokai, muddy 
causes double ki damage. Blustered - wind 
(30% attack reduction) and stacks with 
devigorate (50% attack reduction).


Humans: knock them out of LW to be able to 
survive or they will not flinch and will power 
through you and kill you. How? An arrow to the 
face or guardian spirit special to knock them 
down, but let them fall - LW fades while they’re 
on the ground.
Then, if you have it: quick draw -> finisher 
unless in LW: then ground stab and combo 
through their ki.


Increasing your ki damage can also make 
humans who block much easier to defeat.


If you want to LW spam, you could try hi-nezumi,
gyokuto, or aya-komori. They hit weaker, but 
they refill and recover insanely quick compared 
to the others. With extraction and plaedies, you 
sometimes have it refilled before you hit the 
ground from being knocked out of it…


Stances:
Hi stance is meant to be heavy hitting but slow. 
Also very good for breaking yokai horns with 
melee (i use magic, but for melee users this is 
how they do that) and high-strong attack can 
cover a lot of distance with an axe. Think of this 
as max damage output at the cost of speed.


Low stance is meant to be highest defense and 
best evade (i like mid-evade better, but low 
evade can be chained multiple times without 
rolling). It is meant to have the fastest attack, at 
the expense of reach and power.


Mid stance is the balance between them. 
Designed to reward blocking over evading, tho i 
use mid stance evasion a lot and it's my favorite 
evade. The most well rounded combos (and if 
the skills are not parries, you can use mid-
stance skills in LW).


But it all comes down to preference. But with 
large weapons (axe, odachi, spear) the mid-
stance attacks have a large sweeping combo 
that can hit multiple enemies at once, while low 
and high usually target a single opponent at a 
time.


So think of mid stance as for a defensive or 
strategic player, low stance for a high mobility 
player, and high stance for people who like to 
do massive damage at the expense of being 
more vulnerable.


And ki flux... when you do a ki pulse, if you 
switch stances during the pulse then you will 
get more ki back. So switching from mid to high 
and back gives you the ability to combo longer 
before running out of ki. I find that to be 
essential for heavier weapons, like the odachi 
and the axe. A perfect ki flux maximizes ki 
recovery and nearly doesn't deplete any ki.


Someone asked me if high stance offers “hyper 
armorâ€￾
Hyper-armor? I'm not sure what you mean.


Do you mean an increased resistance to 
flinching making your attacks interrupted less 
frequently? Because yes, it does.


But if you mean a higher defense, low stance 
actually has the highest defense of them.


But toughness determines how likely your 
attack is to be interrupted, and how easy you 
are to flinch, and how much ki blocking uses up.


But weapons like kusarigama can very easily 
be interrupted in low stance (which some 
players like because it's like having your 
character tell you to dodge) but won't be in high 
stance, so they use high to interrupt the enemy 
and ki flux to low to quickly continue the 
onslaught.


Moving between stances in mid-combat can 
really help you come up with better combos and 
strategies. Low stance is fastest, but high hits 
hardest and is less likely to be interrupted.


Switching between them as you play can help 
you a lot.


And remember that crit damage no longer 
works in LW, because it got nerfed in a patch. 
Kigetsu and leeching still apply, but not damage 
boost for being in a critical state.


_____-----Assisted Advice
[chptr.8aa]


Tips i stole from other users on the boards and 
in the game:


300 toughness or higher allows your regular 
attacks (quick and heavy) to have super armor 
during their startup animations, regardless of 
the enemy attacking and the attack used. It 
doesn't directly affect skills, where super armor 
is solely based on the skill alone. You'll still get 
interrupted if hit during Dual Swords' God Of 
Wind even if you have 300+ toughness, but 
nothing will stop you from landing the skill 
Cherry Blossom even if you have 0 toughness 
because it inherently has super armo


Powerpill can be pretty good, but it runs out 
quickly in the abyss. Carnage (which it conflicts 
with and overwrites) gives a more consistent 
boost for longer. Pair carnage and steel to up 
your damage for reduced ki recovery instead of 
reduced defense.


Leeching is a great player buff. Make sure you 
use tenacity on a piece of armor so it does not 
kill you. But leeching is the number one priority 
for a crit build and greatly increases your 
damage for a time (more and more as it saps 
your health).


Leeching and carnage together overwrite each 
other. They can be used together, but there is a 
trick to it and trying to use them together 
normally will only cause the second to overwrite 
the first. Like using carnage and steel: you must 
use carnage and then steel or it’ll be double 
negative for a single positive.


Increase attack (scorched) could be a good pair 
to leeching. A burning pot will ignite you (do it 
before you are crit because tenacity will save 
you from burning but not from the damage from 
the fire area.) Pair that with leeching and 
kigetsu’s increase to damage for suffering 
status ailments and you have quite a crit build.


I've seen players using the flying sword spell in 
early abyss levels. I'm not sure how effective or 
powerful it is, but it deals damage to any enemy 
that gets close enough to attack you and could 
be a great defensive spell.


Increase attack (zero ki) lasts about as long as 
extraction or plaedies (a long lasting playstyle 
initiated boost). With this on your armor, you 
can run your ki out just before dropping into the 
crucible (by running into or attacking the wall 
until you are out of ki). For many players I've co-
oped with, it is essential.


_____-----Sets/Graces List
[chptr.9sg]


Sets:
Warrior of the West's Honor
(Warrior of the West)
2p +2.0% Damage Reduction
    +30% Tiger Sprint Skill Damage
4p +10.2% Close Combat Damage
    +10 Attack/Defense Raiken
5p +27.5% CCA (Enemy Electrified)
7p +14.1% CCD (doesn't affect rear damage)


Warrior of the West is Tachibana Muneshige 
(aka Muneshige Munenori)'s gear. Best farmed 
from Invitation From the Warrior of the West or 
The Spirit Stone Slumbers missions in Kyushu, 
though i like to get it from the end of Grand 
Tournament in Osaka Summer.


Head of the Iga Ninja
(Iga Jonin Apparel)
2p +1% Damage Reduction
    +31% Recover Ninjutsu Items
4p +10.2% Close Combat Damage
    +50 Ninjutsu Power
5p +20% Dash Endurance
7p Ninjutsu Damage Bonus AA


Head of Iga belongs to Hattori Hanzo. Most 
easily gotten from ninja/tonfa dojo missions, 
Two in the Shadows and Iga Style missions in 
Kinki, or from Grand Tournament in Osaka 
Summer.


The Red of Devotion
(Sanada Crimson)
2p +16.0% Final Blow Damage
3p +5 Ki
4p +12.5% Skill Damage
5p +20.0% CCA (Critical)


Intentions of a Gallant Warrior
(Last Great General’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction 2.0%
3p Maintain Amrita Gauge (When Attacked) 80%
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Life +800
5p Activate Living Weapon (No Life)
    Increase Damage (Damage Received) B


Righteous in the Eyes of Heaven
(Scion of Virtue)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
3p Everlasting Ki +50.0%
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Toughness +25
5p Thrust Damage +13.0%
6p Bonus After Dash-Attack (Attack Damage Surge)


Red of Devotion, Intentions of a Gallant Warrior 
(Last General), and Righteous in the eyes of 
Heaven (scion of virtue) are all Sanada armor. 
Last general is what he wears in Last Samurai 
in Osaka Summer. Scion of Virtue he wears in 
Osaka Winter. Red of devotion is seen in early 
Osaka Winter cut-scenes. Not sure which 
mission does which. But fare for the afterlife is a 
good place to get them. Also a good place for:


Seven Misfortunes, Eight Hardships
(General of Kigetsu’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
3p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Reduced Status Ailment Duration
4p Damage (Status Ailment Inflicted) A+
    Damage Reduction (Status Ailments
                                    Suffered) +18.0%
6p Close Combat Attack (Critical) +25%


Kigetsu. Or General of Kigetsu's army (Seven 
Misfortunes, Eight Hardships) is... well it was 
worn by a famous warlord (Yamanaka Yukimori) 
who prayed to the moon for seven misfortunes 
and eight hardships in exchange for military 
valor. But when you killed him, you knew him as 
a member of the 10 braves named something 
like Shikanosuke. Fight him in Osaka Winter in 
Scion of Virtue just before the final boss. I 
believe he's also in Crimson Will. And his 
revenant is in the twilight variant of Scion of 
Virtue - Unyielding Hellfire.


Nioh Incarnate (pre-order)
2p +21.1% Ki Recovery When Guarding
3p +50 Life
4p +10.0% Yokai Damage Reduction
5p +16.0% Amrita Earned From Yokai
6p +25.6% Damage Reduction (Zero Ki)


Tactician's Ingenuity
(Legendary Strategist’s Garb)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Sense Enemies
3p Treasure Sense
4p Close Combat Damage: +9.1%
    Attack & Defense (Mizuchi): +10
5p Close Combat Ki Damage: +15%


Tactician's Ingenuity (Legendary Strategist) 
comes from Kuroda Kanbei. You never fight him,
he is the lord the Heroic Raging Bull serves. 
You locate a sword for him in Kyushu (Kanbei 
and the overlord). Random drop.


The Heroic Raging Bull
(The Raging Bull)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Life: +26
4p Close Combat Damage: +9.1%
    Damage Reduction: 4.0%
5p Attack & Defense (Fuse-ushi): +10
6p CCA (Enemy Muddied): +27.5%


Heroic Raging Bull (Kuroda Nagamasa) you 
rescue twice in Kyushu (finders keepers and 
Kanbei and the overlord) and again in Osaka 
Summer (Raid on the Hirano River). Random 
drop.


National Unity
(Demon King’s Kisenaga)
2p Damage Reduction 2.0%
    Fast Skill Activation (Sword of Meditation)
3p Enemies Defeated Damage Bonus B
4p Close Combat Damage +8.1%
    Attack & Defense (Tengen Kujaku) +10
5p Earn Amrita (With Strong Attack): 30


National Unity belongs to Oda Nobunaga. In 
Omi, you may fight him in The Demon King 
Revealed, The Return of the Guord, and A 
Meeting on the Other Shore.


Strategist of Legend
(Genius Strategist’s Garb)
2p Damage Reduction 2.0%
    Extended Timely Guard Opening
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Skill Ki Reduction 20.4%
5p Ki +10
6p Skill Ki Damage 20.0%


Strategist of Legend (Genius Strategist) 
belongs to sword/odachi dojo master Marume 
Nagayoshi. Best farmed in Marobashi in Tokai.


The Crossed Sickles
(Kingo’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Final Blow Damage +15%
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Attack and Defense (Aya-komori) +10
5p Damage From Behind +20%
6p Close Combat Damage +7.1%


Crossed Sickles (Kingo) is Kobayakawa 
Hideaki's armor. You meet him a couple times 
but all that stands out is he's a coward. You 
even fired a cannon at him to tell him to charge 
in Sekigahara. Random Drop?


The God of War Looks Down
(Tatenashi)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Received Firearms Damage -25.4%
3p Equipment Weight Damage Bonus A
4p Close Combat Damage +6.1%
5p Received Elemental Attack Damage -25.6%
    Damage Reduction: 10%


Tatenashi is a random drop that drops most 
commonly in Return of the Guord. It is a 
legendary Genji super armor and legend says 
no one who ever wore it was injured while 
wearing it. However, aside from some 
developer revenants, it is typically a random 
drop.


Ii, The Red Demon
(Red Demon Armor)
2p Damage Reduction +1.0%
    Skill Damage (Spearfall) +20.0%
4p Close Combat Damage +9.1%
    Attack & Defense (Enko): +10
5p CCD (Enemy Scorched): +27.5%
6p Ki Recovery Speed +24.4%


Red Demon armor belongs to Li Naomasa. 
Farm him in Kinki at The Red Oni of the Li, or in 
Osaka Summer at the Grand Tournament.


Kaido-maru  
(Kaido Armor)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
    Skill Damage (Rumbling Earth): +30% 
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Skill Effect is extended (Battle Focus): +30% 
5p Increase Attack & Defense (Axe) +10 
6p Strong Attack Damage +17.4% 


Kaido armor is worn by axe dojo master Sakata 
Kintoki. Farm him in Marobashi.


Warrior of the East's Honor
(Warrior of the East)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Skill Damage (Merciless Barrage): +30%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Attack & Defence (Shin-roku): +10
5p Change to Attack (Body): B
6p Skill Life Drain: 25


CtA (Body) B becomes AA. (The 5 piece bonus)


Warrior of the East is battled in Tokai during 
The Defiled Castle, however, if you complete 
the sub mission in the same location - The 
Rising Shadows, you unlock a single battle with 
him in The Champion of the East. And yeah... 
you can cheese him with the bow and SotC2 on 
duals (trap him in a loop).


Yagyu's Shinkage Style
(Yagyu Garb)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Ki Recovery (Water Shadow): 70
3p Close Combat Damage: +4.0%
    Parry Opening Is Extended
4p Attack & Defense (Sword): +10
    Close Combat Damage: +6.7%


Yagyu garb is worn by dojo sword master 
Yagyu Sekishusai. Kill him in Marobashi. Or two.
masters (also in Tokai.)


Saika's Yatagarasu
(Yatagarasu Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 1.5%
    Life Recovery From Bullseye: 210
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Auto-Target Enemy Weak Spot
5p Attack & Defense (Yatagarasu): +10
7p Unlimited Ammo: +20%


Saika's Yatagarasu armor is worn by Saika 
Magoichi. Saika means rifle, I'm told, and refers 
to the rifle squadron. He is the guy that any 
projectile (even shuriken and kunai) will knock 
him from the air in Sekigahara missions 
Immortal Flame and ... not the Silent Crow, he's 
a prisoner in that one... there's another one. 
The Watcher in Darkness! That's right! I think...


Legendary Mikawa Warrior
(Fanatic Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Close Combat Attack (Critical) +20%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Attack & Defense (Suzaku): +10
5p Ki +10
6p Special Effects (Critical): +50%


Legendary Mikawa Warrior (Fanatic armor) is 
worn by Torii Mototada. It's his castle that 
burned in Immortal Flame. Random Drop.


Japan's Bravest
(Armor of the Exceptional)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Skill Damage (Tornado): +30%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Attack & Defense (Kara-Jishi): +10
5p Life +134
6p Skill Damage: +17.4%


Japan's Bravest (armor of the Exceptional) can 
be ripped off of Shima Sakon's corpse in 
Sekigahara (the mission) and often drops in 
The Demon's Daughter (because she's his 
daughter).


A Master Swordsman's Power
(Master Swordsman’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Skill Ki Reduction: 12.2%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Skill Damage (Sign of the Cross): +30%
5p Attack & Defense (Dual Swords): +10
6p Ki Recovery By Ki Pulse: +30%


Master Swordsman is worn by dual dojo master 
Ashikaga Yoshi teru (no space, but the censor 
hates his name... racist censor...) best farmed 
in Marobashi.


Righteous Strategist
(Justice Ministry Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 1.0%
    Skill Damage (Moon Shadow): +30%
4p Close Combat Damage: +8.1%
    Living Weapon Duration: +3
5p Amrita Gauge Addition: +17.4%
6p Strong Attack Ki Damage: +15%


Righteous Strategist (Justice Ministry armor) 
belongs to Otani Yoshi tsugu (again, no space). 
You fight him a few times... i remember 
Sekigahara and the Ghosts of Sawayama in 
Omi. I believe there are others. Restless spirits.


Tranquil Foundations
(Greater Good)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Ki +6
4p Close Combat Damage: +8.1%
    Attack & Defense (Sword): +10
5p Damage Reduction: +5.1%
6p Unlimited Elixir: +30%


Tranquil Foundations (Greater Good) is 
Tokugawa Ieyasu's armor. Random Drop. (He 
gives a nice speech wearing it, tho.)


Samurai from Dark Lands
(Obsidian Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Skill Effect Extended (Rage): +30%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Life: +78
5p Attack & Defense (Atlas Bear): +10
7p Change to Attack (Stamina): A


Obsidian Samurai is... dun dun duh-dah... the 
Obsidian Samurai's armor. He came to Japan 
as a slave to a Portugese missionary. Oda took 
a liking to him. Bought him, freed him, and 
made him a samurai! Battle him in The Samurai 
from Sawayama and Return of the Guord, both 
in Omi.


Daiichi Daiman Daikichi
(Gallantry Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Skill Damage (Night Rain): +30.0%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Attack & Defense (Izuna) +10
5p CCA (Enemy Blustered): +27.5%
6p Strong Attack Ki Reduction: 25.0%


Daiichi Daimon Daikichi can be seen on 
Mitsunari Ishida, when he isn't in his Onimusha 
form wind-slicing the tar out of you in A Defiled 
Holy Mountain and Restless Spirits (there's the 
third Otani!).


Exemplary Eye for Elegance
(Swallowtail Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
3p Luck: +25
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Equipment Drop Rate +5.0%
5p Ki: +8
6p Luck: +22


Champion of Tosa and Swallowtail (Exemplary 
Eye for Elegance) are dlc1 (Tohoku) editions 
that i believe come from revenants (but i could 
be mistaken). Random drops.


He Who Never Retreats
(Unrivaled Warrior’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction 2.0%
3p No Guard Break (Critical)
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Damage Reduction (Zero Ki) 14.0%
5p CCA Increased A+ (Surrounded)
6p Ki Recovery Speed +21.4%


Unrivaled Warrior is Date Shigezane (Mr. 
Centipede). Battle him in Tohoku in his yokai 
form in Yokai Country and A Cursed 
Doppelganger. And in human form in Hands of 
the Dragon. Also in Osaka Winter in The 
Sparrow Flies Again (i believe you must beat 
the aforementioned in Tohoku to unlock this 
mission.)


One-Eyed Dragon's Ambition
(One-Eyed Dragon’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction: 1.5%
3p Amrita Sense
4p Close Combat Damage +8.6%
    Wind Damage from weapon +45%
5p Ki +8
6p Increased Damage (Consecutive Attacks) A+


Good ol' One Eyed Dragon Date Masamune. 
Wasn't he a beast in Tohoku in The One-Eyed 
Dragon's Castle? You can get the fight without 
the level in Osaka Winter in The Dragon 
Returns. Or after another couple fights in The 
Sparrow Flies Again.


Champion of Tosa
(Governor of Tosa’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction 2.0%
3p Gold Earned +30%
    Attack & Defense (Aya-Komori) +10
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
5p Increase Ki Recovery Speed (Timely Guard)
    Singular Mastery +15%
        
Champion of Tosa and Swallowtail (Exemplary 
Eye for Elegance) are dlc1 (Tohoku) editions 
that i believe come from revenants (but i could 
be mistaken). Random drops.


Dragon God's Sacred Treasure
(Hiraishi)
2p Damage Reduction 2.0%
3p Nullifies Additional Weak-Point Damage
(Projectiles) 100%
    Received Firearms Damage -25%
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
5p Life +1400


The other super-defensive armor. Random drop,
but rumor has it Omi and both Osaka regions 
drop it the most. It was among the armor raided 
by Hideyoshi and Kintoki, it belonged to the 
daimyo in the days of Minamoto-no-yoshi tsune.


True Date Family Loyalist
(Kojuro’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction 1.0%
3p Lower Enemy Def (Ranged Attack) 36.6%
4p Close Combat Damage +8.1%
    Self & Allies Healed (Enemy Defeated in
                                        Close Combat) 64
5p Strong Attack Ki Damage +12.0%
6p Self & Allies Healed (Enemy Defeated in 
Close Combat) 64 


Kojuro's armor... Kojuro had a son that we know 
as Katakura Shigenaga. Whoop hos Date Ninja 
butt in Hands of the Dragon (Tohoku) or The 
Sparrow Flies Again (Osaka Winter)
        
Leader of the Ten Braves
(Sarutobi Shinobi Apparel)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
3p Dash Endurance +15.0%
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Parry Disabled Vs Guarding Enemy (Tonfa)
5p Equipment Lightness Damage Bonus A+
6p Status Ailment Augment (Paralysis) +23.0%
        
10 braves is Sarutobi Sasuke. Kill him in the 
Seige of Osaka (Winter) and again in Sanada's 
Resolve (Osaka Summer) i think. Ooh! The 
Fare for the Afterlife... do it!


Mid-Heaven's Light
(Armor of the Rising Sun)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
3p Increase Ki Recovery Speed (Full Life)
4p Bonus 4 Amrita Absorption (Auto-Recovery)
    Close Combat Damage (Full Life) +9.0%
5p Increase Attack (No Status Ailments)
6p Bonus For Absorbing Amrita (Attack 
Damage Surge)


Mid-Heaven's light is Toyotomi Hideyori. Not 
hard in Last Samurai (but near end of level.) 
But what's the alternative, Everlasting Duty?! 
Haha... yes. Shin-Roku and Gale shot makes 
Kyuubi a little winded...


Dragon Ninja
(Hayabusa Shinobi Apparel)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
3p Increase Attack (Ninjutsu Item Hits)
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
5p Extend Evasion Invulnerability
6p Unlimited Shuriken
7p Dragon Sword: Truth


Dragon Ninja is worn by Jin Hayabusa. An 
ancestor to Ryu Hayabusa from Ninja Gaiden. 
Battle for your life in The Master Ninja in Osaka 
Summer.


Unifier of the Warring States
(Child of the Sun’s Armor)
2p Damage Reduction +2.0%
3p Equipment Drop Rate +5.0%
    Bonus for Absorbing Amrita (Increase Luck)
4p Close Combat Damage +10.2%
    Luck +30 (Critical)
5p Damage Bonus (Luck) B


Unifier of the Warring States is also gotten from 
Toyotomi Hideyori. However, it belonged to his 
brother Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The fox drops it. 
Probably because he was Sokki from 
Onimusha 4 and she was the third to last 
person you kill in Dawn of Dreams... just a 
hunch… his evil step-mother.


Graces:
Izanami's Grace (Magic Attack - Demon Hunter)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Life Recovery (Yokai Realm)
4PC Close Combat Damage +15.1%
5PC Unlimited Yokai Water Pot 77.2%
6PC Change To Attack (Magic) A+
7PC Increase Attack (Enemy Defeated) 100.0%


Omoikane's Grace (Magic Damage)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Nullify Status Ailment (Sludge) 64.4%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Change To Attack (Magic) A
6PC Lowered Defense (Onmyo Item Hits)
7PC Damage From Onmyo Items (Full Life) 
+49.3%


Grace of Tsukuyomi (Infinite Magic)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Onmyo Magic Power +65
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Ki Recovery (Timely Guard)
6PC Onmyo Magic Damage Bonus A+
7PC Recover Onmyo Items (Finished Using 
Living Weapon) 30%


Grace of Futsunushi (iai)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Glory Obtained From Battles +19.3%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Nullify Weakening (Weapons) 100.0%
6PC Skill Damage (Iai Quickdraw) +40.0%
7PC Pierce Guard (Close Combat) 20.0%


Grace of Kagutsuchi (Fire)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Scorch) 
+29.3%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Recurrent Damage Dealt +21.7%
6PC Return Damage (Timely Guard) 25.0%
7PC Fire Damage +50.0%


Grace of Takemikazuchi (Lightning)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Electrify) 
+29.3%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Bow Damage +22.2%
6PC Increase Attack (Timely Guard)
7PC Lightning Damage +50.0%


Grace of Owatatsumi (Water)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Saturate) 
+29.3%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Reduced Status Ailment Duration 33.3%
6PC Life Recovery (Timely Guard)
7PC Water Damage +50.0%


Grace of Oyamatsumi (Earth)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Muddy) 
+29.3%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Increase Defense (Timely Guard)
6PC Damage Reduction 16.3%
7PC Earth Damage +50.0%


Grace of Shinatsuhiko (Wind)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Bluster) 
+29.3%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Extend Evasion Invulnerability
6PC Status Ailments Relieved (Timely Guard)
7PC Wind Damage +50.0%


Grace of Susano (Melee specialist)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Bare-Handed Attack Damage +50.0%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Strong Attack Damage +17.7%
6PC Bonus After Dash-Attack (Increase Ki 
Recovery Speed)
7PC Quick Attack Damage +23.2%


Ame-no-Uzume's Grace
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Hyottoko Mask Bonus +27.2%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Bonus After Evasion-Attack (Increase 
Attack)
6PC Evasion Ki Usage 20.9%
7PC Equipment Lightness Damage Bonus AAA


Grace of Amaterasu
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Life +688
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Change To Attack (Spirit) A
6PC Ki Recovery Speed +32.2%
7PC Zero Ki Bonus (Attack Damage Surge)


Izanagi's Grace
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Increase Attack (Life Recovery)
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Change To Attack (Spirit) A
6PC Attack Damage Surge (Timely Guard)
7PC Close Combat Attack Life Drain 164


Kushinadahime's Grace (Life/Defense)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Increase Defense (Life Recovery)
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Item Drop Rate +22.2%
6PC Auto-Recovery (Timely Guard)
7PC Life +2288


Magatsuhi's Grace (Confusion Magic)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Unlimited Mud Jar 67.2%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Increase Ki Recovery Speed (Enemy 
Confused)
6PC Close Combat Attack (Enemy With Status 
Ailments) +13.6%
7PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Five 
Elements) +24.7%


Ninigi's Grace (LW farm and Luck damage)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Bonus For Absorbing Amrita (Increase 
Defense)
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Earn Amrita (Strong Attack) 20
6PC Increase Damage (Enemies Defeated With 
Living Weapon) AAA
7PC Increase Luck (Enemies Defeated With 
Living Weapon) AAA


Okuninushi's Grace
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Increase Attack & Defence (Gyokuto) +67
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Status Ailments Relieved (Strong Attack) 
20.7%
6PC Strong Attack Damage +19.3%
7PC Increase Luck (Gold Obtained) 27.2%


Sukunahikona's Grace (Drunk Abyss Farm)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Unlimited Daion-jin's Sake 64.4%
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Unlimited Saisetsu-shin's Sake 77.2%
6PC Increase Luck (Defiled Items) AA
7PC Damage From Stones +5000.0%


Sakuyahime's Grace (Burn Everything)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Increase Attack (Scorched) +22.2%
4PC Close Combat Damage 13.8%
5PC Recurrent Damage From Fire 100%
6PC Unlimited Burning Oil Jar 67.2%
7PC Close Combat Attack (Enemy Scorched) 
41.7%


Sarutahiko's Grace
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Enemy / Treasure / Amrita Sense
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Unlimited Tengu's Fan 47.2%
6PC Unlimited Sacred Ash 82.2%
7PC Nullify Damage (Timely Gaurd)


Tajikarao's Grace (Bare Hands)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Bonus After Bare-Handed Attack
                                 (Increase Attack)
4PC Close Combat Damage +13.8%
5PC Close Combat Attack Ki Reduction 14.9%
6PC Change To Attack (Strength) A+
7PC Bare-Handed Attack Damage +322.0%


Takeminakata's Grace (New Wind)
2PC Damage Reduction 3.2%
3PC Wind Damage +17.7%
4PC Lower Enemy Defence (Blustered)
5PC Close Combat Damage +15.9%
6PC Status Ailment Augmentation (Bluster) 
+30.3%
7PC Close Combat Attack (Enemy Blustered) 
+41.7%


Farming graces works best in the abyss beyond 
floor 30. The floors cycle 3 sets of graces. First: 
the graces that also drops randomly in way of 
the demon/wise/nioh...


Old graces: Susano, Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, 
kagutsuchi (fire), owatatsumi (water), 
oyamatsumi (earth), takemikazuchi (lightning), 
shinatsuhiko (wind). If you divide floor number 
by 3, there is no remainder. Like 30, 33, 300, 
333, etc.


Futsunushi, magatsuhi, izanagi, izanami, 
kushinadahime, okuninushi, sakunahikona, 
takeminekata. Divide floor number by 3, 
remainder of 1. Example: 31, 34, 301, 334, 667, 
etc. Each yield 3.3333333 on a calculator.


Omoikane, sakuyahime, sarutahiko, tajikarao, 
ninigi, ame-no-uzume. Divide floor number by 
3, remainder of 2. Example: 32, 35, 302, 335, 
668, etc. Each yield 3.6666667 on a calculator.


Many like to do their grace farming on 32-38:
Kelley, Ogress, Hino-Enma, 100 Eyes, Hino-
Enma, Ogress, Date Masamune.


Final but important note: these locations are 
simply where there is highest chance of them 
dropping (because it's where you fight the guy 
who's wearing it) but they're also where you 
hunt the smithing texts.


Any piece of any gear can be a random drop in 
any mission. And any of these bosses can be 
the added dude in abyss co-op or when you 
summon a visitor.


And abyss drops smithing texts like crazy. And 
ALL types of gear. Itokuri and fans help 
smithing texts drop: boost item drop rate and 
luck, but do not boost equipment drop rate.


Marobashi is a mission in Tokai where you fight 
all dojo masters one by one and is unlocked by 
beating sword and spear dojos to unlock the 
two masters and beating that unlocks 
marobashi.


Grand Tournament is unlocked after beating all 
main missions in Osaka Summer. Imagine 
playing Iga style with most every enemy type 
and having a marobashi style brawl at the end. 
Only the bosses are all the non-dojo, non-main 
human bosses.


A note about defiling i copy/pasted from my 
own comment on another thread:


So... defiling is funny. In my tests, i found this:


Defiling is best after floor 30. After 30, a single 
defiling run of 4 floors will yield 80 or 90 % 
ethereals from defiled divines. However, floors 
20-30: it can be done for a greater cost.


3 and a third cycles. So 4 floors 3 times and at 
least a single floor on a fourth defiling run. 
That's how you get it on floors 20-30. Costs a 
ton. Unless you save-scum, but i don't and 
that's why i know it takes 3 and a third cycles ;)


But floors 30+: if the first run doesn't turn it, the 
second will. 80% chance the first will, though. 
80-90% of all defiled divines will turn ethereal in 
a single defiling run.


Just remember that graces are determined by 
the floor you leave the abyss on, and the last 
boss doesn't contribute to the defilement 
counter.


Many people want abyss graces and get 
frustrated when they hear it's from the abyss. 
They farm and farm and farm and don't get it... 
here's how you get it: defiling runs.


Start in the forge. Make several (talking 6-10+) 
copies of the item you need the grace on. For 
me, that's usually bows and rifles. Use up your 
divine fragments because you need them to be 
divine.


Next, farm a bunch of amrita. I like grand 
tournament for this but others use marobashi or 
their favorite level full of enemy waves.


Now go to the abyss. You are going to run 4 
floors and leave on the floor that gives your 
grace (there's 3 cycles that swap each floor.)


On the first floor of this run, you are going to 
defile all the stuff you forged. If you run out of 
amrita, farm the debuff planes for more amrita.


After you run the 4 floors and leave on the floor 
that gives the grace you want, you check what 
graces came out. Hopefully, you consistantly 
are able to get at least one of the grace you 
want for each category you defile (bows, rifles, 
duals, helmets, etc.)


Then, use + value inheritance (soul matching) 
to get it up to the level you want and reforging/
tempering to get the proper/preferred skills on it.


And that's how you get the gear you want from 
the abyss. I just did this with odachi, hammer, 
bow, rifle, and helmet in 2 runs (32-35) to get 
my tajikarao. I use 33-37 for futsu/izanami/etc.


Find a run with bosses you can easily kill (many 
like runs of yokai bosses, no humans. If i have 
to fight a human, i do them first.)


Reforge/Temper Weapon/Armor Skills
[RT.WAS]


By now, you know all about the blacksmith and 
upgrading equipment. But i haven’t mentioned it 
so let me give a quick run-down.


First: you’ll be selling a lot of exotic and below 
gear for gold for use in the blacksmith. You’ll 
likely dismantle a lot of divines for divine 
fragments and rare smithing materials 
(purchase the rare materials drop rate boosts 
from Muramasa with your patronage points.)


Forging gear is a standard. Forged gear takes 
half the required stats of found gear. Forging a 
piece of equipment repeatedly is one method to 
obtaining star skills. It is very useful in first 
playthrough, and mildly helpful in the 2nd. 
However, it then loses its effectiveness until you 
get into the abyss.


End-game, you use this process a lot; 
1) forge what you want. 
2) Defile it in the abyss to raise its level quickly 
without increasing soul matching cost. Above 
floor 30, defiling has a high chance of turning it 
ethereal. There are 3 cycles of ethereal graces 
that alternate each floor. For example, floors 
30, 33, 36 can give the sets you can aquire in 
WotW/WotN. Floors 31, 34, 37 can give the 
futsu cycle of graces. Floors 32, 35, 38 gives 
the 3rd cycle of graces.
3) After defiling, use a + value inheritable in 
soul matching to get it a much higher plus value 
quickly.
4)The equipment that defiles to the grace you 
want, you will take that back to the forge and 
reforge or temper (probably temper) all the 
weapon/armor skills you want onto it. Voila! 
One beastly OP piece of gear.


But what do you reforge/temper onto it? Well… 
this information here i got from a reddit from a 
user named Sljm8D. Keep in mind that the list 
is incomplete. It is missing things like deflect 
projectiles, no guard break, onmyo amulet 
protection, etc.


The stuff i don’t care about that you might like is 
things like:


Armor: evasion ki usage / dash endurance, item/
amrita/gold regular/yokai/human drop rates, 
toughness, defense, ki, fall damage, luck, life, 
bare-handed attack.


Melee: cca ki reduction, guard ki reduction, 
back damage, parry, break, etc.


Ranged: amrita/ gold earned from humans/
yokai, item/equipment regular/yokai/human 
drop rates, break, familiarity bonus, etc.


What is this section for then?
Ranged: Equipment Weight/Lightness Damage 
Bonus A is a must (EWDB/ELDB.) If you get 
that from your armor, you could use instead 
agility damage bonus A, or enemies defeated / 
consecutive hits damage bonuses (enemies 
defeated for melee users, consecutive hits for 
kunai and kusarigama users.) (or ninjutsu DB if 
200 dex or Magic DB is 200 magic)
Recurring damage from fire: 10.9-15.9%
Fire damage: 13.9-23.9%
Ranged bulls-eye bonus: 17.9-23.9%
Life recovery from bulls-eye: 100-170
Unlimited ammo: 4.9-5.4%
Long/close range damage: 25-30%
Bow/matchlock/H.cannon damage: 19.9-24.9%


Melee:
Familiarity damage bonus A
Change to Attack (stat) A
Parry disabled
Pierce guard (close combat) 10-13%
Grapple/final blow damage 19-24%
Weaken (weapon/armor) 17-22%
Life recovery (close combat / grapple / final 
blow) 223-293
(Element of choice) damage (weapon) 45-50%
Element + (weapon level ÷ 15 + 5)
CC ki damage (or high/mid/low/strong/skill)
CCA (enemy: out of ki / zero ki / sta’ail’ed)
And your choice between CCD 15-20%, skill 
damage 16-21%, strong/quick/stance attack 
damage 14-20%, human/yokai CCD 14-19%


Armor:
Received Firearm Damage
      Reduced 10.9-15.9% on chest/head
Received elemental attack damage
      Reduced 16.9-22.9% on chest
Damage Reduction (Zero ki or Sta’Ail’ Suffered)
      14-17% on chest
Elixir effect on Life Recovery 5.9% chest/gloves
Increase Attack (Zero Ki) on chest/boots
Vs element or yokai realm
Unlimited Magic/Ninjutsu on chest/gloves
Unlimited Ammo on gloves
Running speed 9.9-14.9%
Life recovery (finished LW) 209-229
Tenacity (recurring damage)
Shorten recovery time (out of ki)
Sense enemies/treasure/kodama on head
+55 attack (gloves)
And the bonuses;
Choose between attack, DEF, mobility, LW gage
     For amrita absorption (head)
     Surrounded (chest)
     Timely guard (gloves)
     Status ailment suffered (legs)
     Purification (boots)


You know what i didn’t see?


1) Deflect projectiles. I love that on an ethereal 
gauntlets. Some use the yata mirror accessory 
to have it regardless of their choice in gloves.
2) Bonus for evasion or dash attack boosts. The 
description says the boost kicks in when you 
get hit by evasion/dash attack, but it actually 
pings when you perform a dash/evasion attack 
and strike the enemy.
3) Or No Guard Break (critical) which happens 
on your chest.
4) Or Onmyo Amulet Protection (block spells) 
on your chest.
5) Extend Evasion Invulnerability on chests.
6) Thrown Weapon Damage on gloves.
7) Thrown Weapon Damage X2
8) Thrown Weapon/skill ki damage
9) Throwing Speed boosts
10) Onmyo/Ninjutsu Damage/Duration boosts


_____-----Example Builds
[ex.builds]


To make things simple… the 5 armor skills per 
armor for every build will be the same. They are 
this:


Head:
Bonus for Amrita Absorption (Increase Attack)
Received Elemental Attack Dam (Guarding) 
-29.4%
Received Firearm Damage -10.9%
Elixir Effect on Life Recovery
(Inherited) +55 Attack or Rec’Elem’Att’Dam


Chest:
Bonus for Surrounded (Increase Attack)
Rec’ Elem’ Attack Dam -16.9%
Received Firearm Damage -10.9%
Onmyo Amulet Protection
(Inherit) Rec’ Elem’ Attack Dam (guarding) 
-29.4% or +55 Attack or RFD -10.9%


Gloves:
Increase Attack (Timely Guard)
+55 Attack
Close Combat Attack Increase (purple)
Deflect projectiles or elixir effect on life recovery
(Inherited) RFD - 10.9% or READ/(G)


Legs:
Bonus for Sta’Ail’ Suffered (Increase Attack)
Star skill: Lower Enemy Defense (scorched)
Shorten recovery time (out of ki)
Tenacity (recurring damage)
(Inherited) RFD or Attack or READ/(G)


Boots:
Bonus for Purification (Increase Attack)
Zero ki Bonus (Increase Attack)
Running speed
+ Skill of Your Choice
(Inherited) RFD or Attack or READ/(G)


The other 2 slots per piece being damage 
reduction and set/grace.


After familiarity the RFD goes from 10.9% to 
15.9% each. The READ goes from 16.9% to 
22.9% each. The READ (guarding) goes from 
29.9% to 34.9%


RFD makes you immune to all projectiles 
except melee projectiles from bosses - and 
lazer/breath attacks. Can also be gotten from 
2p Tatenashi or 3p Hiraishi.
READ (Received Elemental Attack Damage) 
makes you nearly one-third immune to all 
elemental damage.
READ(G) (Rec’ Elem’ Att’k Dam’ (Guarding)) 
makes your block more resistant to elemental 
projectiles of all kinds. Can also be gotten from 
Blue Dragon.
That’s why these are the top 3 inheritables 
aside from +55 Attack.


Every triggered bonus could be attack, defense, 
movement speed, or amrita gage (LW charge 
rate). The timely guard can do other things too - 
like relieve status ailments.


Inheritables are usually RFD (received firearm 
damage - 10.9%) from helmet/chestplate. Or 
READ (Received Elemental Attack Damage 
-16.9%) from chestplate. Or +55 attack from 
gloves.


Zero ki Bonus is chest or boots only. Long 
lasting boost.


Weapon skills:
Ranged: the only important bit is that ranged 
weapon has EWDB for heavy builds (unless 
Tate) and ELDB for super light builds (unless 5p 
Sarutobi Armor). The exceptions use Agility DB 
(unless Aya-Komori).
Melee: Familiarity DB (FamDam or 
FamDamBon) A, Change to Attack (200 Stat) A,
AND either CCD or Skill Damage (whichever is 
lower - want both above 20%, preferably above 
30%. Diminishing returns at 33%.)


As for stats, armor, and guardian spirit; i threw 
together a wide variety of builds for you. Some 
may have a few holes in them, but close 
enough; you get the idea.


EXAMPLES BELOW:


                    Spear-tonfa
Body             200       Heart            100
Stamina          61       Strength         45
Skill              200        Dexterity       100
Magic             50        Spirit              36
-----><---
Warrior of the East - 5 pieces
DR 2.0%, Skill Dam (Merciless Barrage): +30%
CCD +10.2%, Attack & DEF (Shin-roku): +10
CTA (Body): AA
-----><---
Kara-Jishi Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1814
Usable Time                           22.3
Lightning Damage +36%, Ki +25
Guard Ki Reduction -26%, Skill Life Drain +20
Increase Attack (Skill Attacks)
As secondary: skill life drain +10
-----><---
Shin-Roku’s Stats:
Attack enhancement              19%
Might                                     2120
Usable Time                           18.0
Life +180, Kodama Sense
Strong Attack Life Drain +15
Increase Ki Recovery and Defense (After LW)
Earth damage +36%
As secondary: strong attack ki drain +7.5%
+--> PLUS 6 PIECE GRACE




                    Spear-duals
Body             200        Heart            100
Stamina          61        Strength       100
Skill              200         Dexterity        50
Magic             30         Spirit               51
-----><---
Righteous in the Eyes of Heaven
(Scion of Virtue) - 6 pieces
DR +2.0%,Everlasting Ki +50.0%, CCD +10.2%
Toughness +25, Thrust Damage +13.0%
Bonus After Dash-Attack (Attack Dam Surge)
Grace of Kagutsuchi (Fire) - 5 pieces
DR +3.2%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Scorch) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%, Recurrent Damage Dealt +21.7%
-----><---
Enku Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1540
Usable Time                           25.5
Dash speed +10%, Thrust Damage +14%
CCA (Enemy Attacking) +17%
Damage (Status Ailment Suffered) B-
Nullify Damage (Dash Attack)
As secondary: Thrust Damage +7%
-----><---
Kato Stats:
Attack enhancement           27.5%
Might                                     1520
Usable Time                           19.0
Ki Recovery Speed +32%, ki +34
CCA ki Reduction (crit) +32%
Skill Damage +23%, CCA +17%
As secondary: ki +17




                     spear-hammer
Body             200        Heart              50
Stamina        100        Strength        200
Skill               126        Dexterity         30
Magic              50        Spirit               36
-----><---
Kaido-maru - 6 pieces
DR +2.0%, Skill DaM (Rumbling Earth): +30%
CCD+10.2%,  Inc’ Attack & DEF (Axe) +10
Skill Effect extended (Battle Focus): +30%
Strong Attack Dam +17.4% 
Scion of Virtue - 3 pieces
DR +2.0%, Everlasting Ki +50.0%
Izanami's Grace - 3 pieces
DR +3.2%, Life Recovery (Yokai Realm)
-----><---
Enko Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.7
Fire Damage +36%, Break +25
Grapple Damage +33%
Strong Attack Damage +16.5%
Strong Attack Ki Reduction -16%
As secondary: break +12.5
-----><---
Atlas Bear Stats:
Attack enhancement           25.5%
Might                                     1668
Usable Time                           22.0
Increase Damage (Low ki), vs lightning +25
Shorten Recovery Time (Out of Ki)
Life Recovery (Grapple) +230
Close Combat Damage +13.5%
As secondary: vs lightning +12.5%




                    triple katana
Body              51        Heart            200
Stamina         61        Strength       130
Skill              200        Dexterity        50
Magic             50        Spirit              50
-----><---
Master Swordsman - 4 pieces
DR 2.0%, Skill Ki Reduction: 12.2%
CCD +10.2%, Skill Dam (SotC): +30%
Righteous Strategist (Justice Ministry Armor) -2p
DR1.0%, Skill Damage (Moon Shadow): +30%
Okuninushi - 6 pieces
DR 3.2%, Inc Attack & DEF (Gyokuto) +67
CCD +13.8%, Strong Attack Dam +19.3%
Status Ailments Relieved (Strong Attack) 20.7%




                    Duals-odachi
Body              51         Heart           145
Stamina       100         Strength       200
Skill              200         Dexterity        30
Magic             30         Spirit              36
-----><---
Master Swordsman - 4 pieces
DR 2.0%, Skill Ki Reduction: 12.2%
CCD +10.2%, Skill Dam (SotC): +30%
Seven Misfortunes, Eight Hardships
(General of Kigetsu’s Armor) - 4 pieces
DR +2.0%, CCD +10.2%
Reduced Sta’Ail’ Duration
Dam (Status Ailment Inflicted) A+
DR (Sta’Ail’ Suffered) +18.0%
Izanagi's Grace - 4 pieces
DR 3.2%, Inc Attack (Life Recov), CCD +13.8%
-----><---
Kara-Jishi Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1814
Usable Time                           22.3
Lightning Damage +36%, Ki +25
Guard Ki Reduction -26%, Skill Life Drain +20
Increase Attack (Skill Attacks)
As secondary: skill life drain +10
-----><---
Paired Raiken Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1740
Usable Time                           25.8
Treasure Sense, vs Lightning +30
Dash Endurance +23%, Skill ki Damage 20.5%
Yokai Close Combat Damage +21%
As secondary: dash endurance +11.5%




                       dual-kusa
Body            100         Heart           100
Stamina         61         Strength         65
Skill              200         Dexterity      200
Magic             30         Spirit              36
-----><---
Grace of Susano (Melee specialist) - 7pieces
DR 3.2%, Bare-Handed Attack Dam +50.0%
CCD +13.8%, Strong Attack Dam +17.7%
Bonus After Dash-Attack (Inc Ki Recov Spd)
Quick Attack Dam +23.2%
Master Swordsman - 4 pieces
DR 2.0%, Skill Ki Reduction: 12.2%
CCD +10.2%, Skill Dam (SotC): +30%
-----><---
Paired Raiken Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1740
Usable Time                           25.8
Treasure Sense, vs Lightning +30
Dash Endurance +23%, Skill ki Damage 20.5%
Yokai Close Combat Damage +21%
As secondary: dash endurance +11.5%
-----><---
Kato Stats:
Attack enhancement           27.5%
Might                                     1520
Usable Time                           19.0
Ki Recovery Speed +32%, ki +34
CCA ki Reduction (crit) +32%
Skill Damage +23%, CCA +17%
As secondary: ki +17




                    Katana-odachi
Body               51         Heart             200
Stamina         100        Strength        200
Skill               145         Dexterity         30
Magic              30         Spirit               36
-----><---
Grace of Futsunushi (iai) - 6 pieces
DR +3.2%, Glory From Battles +19.3%
CCD +13.8%, Skill Dam (Iai) +40.0%
Nullify Weakening (Weapons) 100.0%
Seven Misfortunes, Eight Hardships
(General of Kigetsu’s Armor) - 3 pieces
DR +2.0%, CCD +10.2%
Reduced Sta’Ail’ Duration
The God of War Looks Down (Tatenashi)
3 pieces - DR +2.0%, RFD -25.4%, EWDB A
-----><---
Kato Stats:
Attack enhancement           27.5%
Might                                     1520
Usable Time                           19.0
Ki Recovery Speed +32%, ki +34
CCA ki Reduction (crit) +32%
Skill Damage +23%, CCA +17%
As secondary: ki +17
-----><---
Kara-Jishi Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1814
Usable Time                           22.3
Lightning Damage +36%, Ki +25
Guard Ki Reduction -26%, Skill Life Drain +20
Increase Attack (Skill Attacks)
As secondary: skill life drain +10




                    katana-kusa
Body               51         Heart             184
Stamina          61         Strength        100
Skill               180         Dexterity        200
Magic             30          Spirit               36
  7DN+4izanagi
Dragon Ninja/Hayabusa - 7 pieces
DR +2.0%, increase Attack (Ninjutsu Item Hits)
CCD +10.2%, Extend Evasion Invulnerability
Unlimited Shuriken, Dragon Sword: Truth
Izanagi's Grace - 4 pieces
DR +3.2%, Inc Attack (Life Recov), CCD+13.8%
-----><---
Enko Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.7
Fire Damage +36%, Break +25
Grapple Damage +33%
Strong Attack Damage +16.5%
Strong Attack Ki Reduction -16%
As secondary: break +12.5
-----><---
Bisha’s Centipede
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     2532
Usable Time                           21.0
Money from Enemies +56%, poison +35
Strong Attack ki Reduction +16%
Pierce Guard (Close Combat) +28%
CCD (For Removal of Rear Damage) +18%
As secondary: pierce guard (CC) +14%




                    katana-spear
Body              200         Heart             200
Stamina          61          Strength        100
Skill               135          Dexterity         30
Magic              30          Spirit               36
-----><---
Ii, The Red Demon - 5 pieces
DR +1.0%, Skill Dam (Spearfall) +20.0%
CCD +9.1%, Attack & DEF (Enko): +10
5p CCD (Enemy Scorched): +27.5%
Grace of Susano (Melee specialist) - 5 pieces
DR 3.2%, Bare-Handed Attack Dam +50.0%
CCD +13.8%, Strong Attack Dam +17.7%
Head of the Iga Ninja (Iga Jonin Apparel) - 2p
DR +1%, Recov 31% Nin items (after LW)
-----><---
Enku Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1540
Usable Time                           25.5
Dash speed +10%, Thrust Damage +14%
CCA (Enemy Attacking) +17%
Damage (Status Ailment Suffered) B-
Nullify Damage (Dash Attack)
As secondary: Thrust Damage +7%
---><---
Kara-Jishi Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1814
Usable Time                           22.3
Lightning Damage +36%, Ki +25
Guard Ki Reduction -26%, Skill Life Drain +20
Increase Attack (Skill Attacks)
As secondary: skill life drain +10




                       Tonfa-kusa
Body               150        Heart               100
Stamina            61        Strength            20
Skill                 200        Dexterity         200
Magic                30        Spirit                 31
         Paired Raiken + Isonade
Head of the Iga Ninja (Iga Jonin Apparel) - 4p
DR +1%, Recov 31% Nin Items (LW)
CCD +10.2%, +50 NinPow
Leader of the Ten Braves (Sarutobi Shinobi) - 5p
DR +2.0%, Dash Endurance +15.0%
CCD +10.2%, ELDB A+
Parry Disabled Vs Guarding Enemy (Tonfa)
Grace of Kagutsuchi (Fire) - 3 pieces
DR +3.2%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Scorch) +29.3%
-----><---
Paired Raiken Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1740
Usable Time                           25.8
Treasure Sense, vs Lightning +30
Dash Endurance +23%, Skill ki Damage 20.5%
Yokai Close Combat Damage +21%
As secondary: dash endurance +11.5%




                        tonfa-duals
Body               100        Heart                90
Stamina            61        Strength            80
Skill                 200        Dexterity         200
Magic                30        Spirit                 31
  5shina/6Kingo+aya-komori/janomecho
The Crossed Sickles (Kingo’s Armor) - 6 pieces
DR 2.0%, Final Blow Damage +15%
CCD +10.2%, Attack and DEF (Aya-komori) +10
Damage From Behind +20%, CCD +7.1%
Grace of Shinatsuhiko (Wind) - 5 pieces
DR 3.2%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Bluster) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%, Extend Evasion Invulnerability
-----><---
Aya-Komori Stats:
Attack enhancement           6.5%
Might                                    480
Usable time                         25.5
Unlimited ninjutsu +22%
Increased attack from behind +18%
Agility Damage Bonus A
Life recovery from grapple
Vs paralysis +28
As secondary: Attack from Behind +9%
-----><---
Janomecho Stats:
Attack enhancement           16.5%
Might                                       818
Usable Time                           23.0
Increased ki Recovery Speed (crit)
Auto-Recovery (Finished Using LW)
CCA (crit) +22.5%, evasion ki usage +28%
Prevent Death Unless in Critical State +60%
As secondary: evasion ki usage +14%




                    Odachi-hammer
Body             181          Heart            181
Stamina        100          Strength       200
Skill                20           Dexterity        30
Magic             40           Spirit              40
-----><---
Enko Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.7
Fire Damage +36%, Break +25
Grapple Damage +33%
Strong Attack Damage +16.5%
Strong Attack Ki Reduction -16%
As secondary: break +12.5
-----><---
Paired Raiken Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1740
Usable Time                           25.8
Treasure Sense, vs Lightning +30
Dash Endurance +23%, Skill ki Damage 20.5%
Yokai Close Combat Damage +21%
As secondary: dash endurance +11.5%
-----><---
The God of War Looks Down (Tatenashi) - 5p
DR +2.0%, RFD -25.4%, EWDB A, CCD +6.1%
Rec’ Elemental Attack Dam -25.6%, DR +10%
Grace of Oyamatsumi (Earth) - 6 pieces
DR +19.5%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Muddy) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%, Inc DEF (Timely Guard)
-----><--- 
Above Armor VS Below 
-----><---
Grace of Oyamatsumi (Earth)
DR +19.5%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Muddy) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%, Inc DEF (Timely Guard)
Seven Misfortunes, Eight Hardships
(General of Kigetsu’s Armor) - 3 pieces
DR +2.0%, CCD +10.2%
Reduced Sta’Ail’ Duration
The God of War Looks Down (Tatenashi) - 3p
DR +2.0%, RFD -25.4%, EWDB A




             Kusa+magic (kunai armor)
Body                 100       Heart                   70
Stamina              61       Strength              20
Skill                   200       Dexterity           200
Magic                100       Spirit                   41
5pScion + 5pLightning vs 6pOne-Eye + 5pWater
Note that best is supposed to be 7p iga + 
4p grace or 5p Scion + 3p Tate.
Enku/gyokuto or enku/nekomata
-----><---
Scion of Virtue - 5 pieces
DR +2.0%, Everlasting Ki +50.0%, CCD +10.2%
Toughness +25, Thrust Damage +13.0%
Grace of Takemikazuchi (Lightning) - 5 pieces
DR +3.2%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Electrify) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%, Bow Dam +22.2%
The God of War Looks Down (Tatenashi)
2 pieces - DR +2.0%, RFD -25.4%,
-----><---
Above armor versus below armor.
-----><---
One-Eyed Dragon's Ambition - 6 pieces
DR 1.5%, Amrita Sense, CCD +8.6%
Wind Dam (weapon) +45%, Ki +8
Inc-Dam (Consecutive Attacks) A+
Grace of Owatatsumi (Water) - 5 pieces
DR 3.2%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Saturate) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%, Reduced Sta’Ail’ Duration 33.3%
-----><---
Enku Stats:
Attack enhancement           22.5%
Might                                     1540
Usable Time                           25.5
Dash speed +10%, Thrust Damage +14%
CCA (Enemy Attacking) +17%
Damage (Status Ailment Suffered) B-
Nullify Damage (Dash Attack)
As secondary: Thrust Damage +7%
-----><---
Nekomata Stats:
Attack enhancement               10%
Might                                       792
Usable time                            24.0
Thrown Weapon Damage +18%
Close Combat Ki Damage +16%
Recurring Damage Dealt +18%
Sense Enemies, vs Yokai Realm +460
As secondary: Thrown Weapon Damage +9%
-----><---
Gyokuto Stats:
Attack enhancement          7.5%
Might                                   592
Usable time                        21.3
Dash speed +10%, +115 Nin Power
Low damage +11.5%, +140 Luck in LW
Elixer effect on life recovery +28%
As secondary: Ninjutsu Power +57




                            hammer
Body                  200       Heart                   50
Stamina             172       Strength            200
Skill                     20        Dexterity             50
Magic                  50        Spirit                   51
Kaido 6p + Susano 5p + Enko + Blue Dragon
Kaido-maru - 6 pieces
DR +2.0%, Skill Dam (Rumbling Earth): +30% 
CCD +10.2%,  Inc’ Attack & DEF (Axe) +10
Skill Effect extended (Battle Focus): +30%
Strong Attack Dam +17.4% 
Grace of Susano (Melee specialist) - 5 pieces
DR +3.2%, Bare-Handed Attack Dam +50.0%
CCD +13.8%, Strong Attack Dam +17.7%
-----><---
Enko Stats:
Attack enhancement           24.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.7
Fire Damage +36%, Break +25
Grapple Damage +33%
Strong Attack Damage +16.5%
Strong Attack Ki Reduction -16%
As secondary: break +12.5
-----><---
Blue Dragon Stats:
Attack enhancement           27.5%
Might                                     1592
Usable Time                           22.4
Ki Recovery Speed +28%, Wind Damage +36%
Elemental Damage Reduction (Guarding) +56%
Damage Reduction (while Attacking) +16%
Close Combat Damage (Full-Life) +23%
As secondary: Elemental Damage Reduction
(Guarding) +28%




Magic Ninja:
Body                    70         Heart                  70
Stamina               61         Strength             20
Skill                    135         Dex                  200
Magic                 200         Spirit                  36
-----><---
Solo and Abyss Armor:
Grace of Tsukuyomi (Infinite Magic) - 6 pieces
DR +3.2%, MagPow +65, CCD +13.8%
Ki Recovery (Timely Guard), Magic DB A+
Omoikane's Grace (Magic Damage) - 5 pieces
DR +3.2%, Nullify Sta’Ail’ (Sludge) 64.4%
CCD +13.8%, CTA (Magic) A
-----><---><-----
Co-op Armor:
Grace of Tsukuyomi (Infinite Magic) - 7p
DR +3.2%, Magic Power +65, CCD +13.8%
Ki Recovery (Timely Guard), Magic DB A+
Recover Onmyo Items (Finished Using LW) 30%
Kigetsu - 3p (7 Misfortunes, 8 Hardships)
DR +2.0%, CCD +10.2%
Reduced (actually extended) Sta’Ail’ Duration
Head of the Iga Ninja (Iga Jonin Apparel) - 2p
DR +1%, Recov 31% Nin Items (LW)
-----><---><-----
============
-----><---><-----
Final musings:
-----><---
Check out the double wind:
Grace of Shinatsuhiko (Wind)
DR +3.2%, Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Bluster) +29.3%
CCD +13.8%
Takeminakata's Grace (New Wind)
DR +3.2%, Wind Dam +17.7%, CCD +15.9%
Lower Enemy Defence (Blustered)
Sta’Ail’ Aug’ (Bluster) +30.3%
CCA (Enemy Blustered) +41.7%
-----><---><-----
Living Weapon Build:
Mid-Heaven's Light
(Armor of the Rising Sun) - 6 pieces
DR +2.0%, CCD (Full Life) +9.0%
Increase Ki Recovery Speed (Full Life)
Bonus 4 Amrita Absorption (Auto-Recovery)
Increase Attack (No Status Ailments)
Bonus For Abs. Amrita (Attack Damage Surge)
Ninigi's Grace - 5 pieces
DR +3.2%, Bon for Abs’ Amrita (Increase DEF)
CCD +13.8%, Earn Amrita (Strong Attack) 20
-----><---><-----
>-<__Critical build Choice of Armor:-------___>-<
Intentions of a Gallant Warrior
(Last Great General’s Armor)
DR 2.0%, CCD +10.2%, Life +800
Maintain Amrita Gauge (When Attacked) 80%
Activate Living Weapon (No Life)
Increase Damage (Damage Received) B
---CHOICE ABOVE OR BELOW---
Legendary Mikawa Warrior (Fanatic Armor)
DR +2.0%, CCA (Critical) +20%, CCD +10.2%
Attack & DEF (Suzaku): +10, Ki +10
Special Effects (Critical): +50%
-----><---><-----
Japan's Bravest
(Armor of the Exceptional)
2p Damage Reduction: 2.0%
    Skill Damage (Tornado): +30%
4p Close Combat Damage: +10.2%
    Attack & Defense (Kara-Jishi): +10
5p Life +134
6p Skill Damage: +17.4%
Plus what? 5 Susano?Omoikane? Sakuyahime?
-----><---><----
-----><---><----
===========