Nioh 2 Switchglaive Skill Guide Mastering Versatile Options And Builds
Introduction to the Switchglaive in Nioh 2
The switchglaive, a weapon introduced in Nioh 2, stands out for its unparalleled versatility, making it a favorite among players who appreciate a dynamic combat style. The switchglaive is a transformative weapon that shifts between different stances, each offering unique attack patterns and advantages. This adaptability allows players to seamlessly transition between rapid strikes, wide-sweeping attacks, and precise thrusts, catering to various combat scenarios and enemy types. Understanding the nuances of each stance and how they flow together is crucial for mastering this weapon. This guide delves deep into the intricacies of the switchglaive, exploring its skill tree, combat techniques, and effective builds to help you harness its full potential in Nioh 2. The switchglaive's appeal lies in its ability to adapt to any situation. Whether you're facing a horde of weaker enemies or a single, formidable boss, the switchglaive provides the tools to control the battlefield. Its moveset encourages an aggressive, yet strategic playstyle, rewarding players who can anticipate enemy movements and adjust their attacks accordingly. Moreover, the switchglaive's scaling with the Magic stat makes it an excellent choice for those who also invest in Onmyo Magic, allowing for powerful combinations of melee and magic attacks. Mastering the switchglaive requires a deep understanding of its various stances and how to effectively chain them together. Each stance—low, mid, and high—offers a distinct approach to combat, from swift, evasive maneuvers to powerful, deliberate strikes. By learning to fluidly switch between these stances, you can maintain constant pressure on your opponents, exploit their weaknesses, and control the flow of battle. The switchglaive also boasts a unique set of skills that further enhance its versatility, allowing for a high degree of customization in your combat style. From skills that increase attack speed and damage to those that provide defensive options and crowd control, the switchglaive offers a wealth of possibilities for building a character that suits your playstyle.
Understanding Switchglaive Stances and Their Unique Attributes
To truly master the switchglaive, it's essential to understand the nuances of each stance: Low, Mid, and High. Each stance not only alters the weapon's attack patterns but also affects your character's movement and Ki consumption. The low stance is characterized by its quick attacks and low Ki consumption, making it ideal for darting in and out of combat, applying pressure, and dodging enemy attacks. It excels in situations where speed and agility are paramount. The mid stance offers a balance between attack power and speed, providing a versatile set of moves that can adapt to various situations. It's the go-to stance for sustained engagements and allows for efficient Ki management. The high stance is all about power, delivering devastating attacks that can stagger enemies and deal significant damage. However, it consumes more Ki and leaves you more vulnerable to counterattacks. Mastering the switchglaive involves seamlessly transitioning between these stances to exploit enemy weaknesses and maintain combat momentum. The low stance is your foundation for quick strikes and evasion. Its fast attack speed allows you to interrupt enemy attacks and maintain pressure while conserving Ki. Many of the low stance skills focus on mobility and evasion, making it a safe option for beginners and a strategic choice for experienced players. The mid stance is the workhorse of the switchglaive, providing a balanced approach to combat. It offers a mix of offensive and defensive options, making it suitable for a wide range of encounters. The mid stance is particularly effective for Ki management, allowing you to sustain your attacks without quickly depleting your Ki bar. Skills in this stance often focus on increasing damage output and providing utility. The high stance is where the switchglaive unleashes its full potential for raw power. Its heavy attacks can stagger enemies and break their defenses, making it ideal for dealing burst damage. However, the high stance consumes a significant amount of Ki, so it's crucial to use its attacks strategically. Skills in this stance often focus on maximizing damage and delivering powerful finishing blows. Switching between stances is not just about choosing the right stance for the situation; it's about creating a fluid and dynamic combat style. By learning to chain attacks from different stances, you can create unpredictable attack patterns that keep your enemies off balance. For example, you might start with a quick attack in the low stance, transition to the mid stance for sustained damage, and then finish with a powerful blow in the high stance. This constant switching not only maximizes your damage output but also enhances your survivability by keeping you mobile and adaptable.
Key Skills for Switchglaive Mastery
To truly excel with the switchglaive, certain skills are indispensable. These skills enhance the weapon's versatility, damage output, and overall effectiveness in combat. Mastering these key skills will unlock the full potential of the switchglaive, allowing you to dominate the battlefield with grace and power. Among the most crucial skills is Flux, which allows you to automatically perform a Ki Pulse when switching stances. This not only helps you recover Ki more efficiently but also enables seamless transitions between stances, maintaining a constant flow of attacks. Flux is a cornerstone skill for any switchglaive build, providing both offensive and defensive benefits. Another essential skill is Switch Stance Attacks, which are special attacks performed during a stance switch. These attacks add variety to your combos and can be customized to suit your playstyle. Some Switch Stance Attacks offer increased damage, while others provide utility, such as staggering enemies or creating distance. Incorporating these attacks into your combos adds a layer of unpredictability to your offense and can catch opponents off guard. Arc of Chaos is a signature switchglaive skill that unleashes a series of spinning attacks, dealing significant damage to multiple enemies. It's particularly effective against groups and can quickly clear out weaker foes. However, it consumes a considerable amount of Ki, so it's important to use it strategically. Mastering the timing and positioning of Arc of Chaos can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Infinite Retribution is another powerful skill that allows you to counter enemy attacks with a swift and damaging strike. It requires precise timing but can turn an enemy's aggression against them. Infinite Retribution is especially useful against human opponents and can create openings for follow-up attacks. Learning to effectively use this skill can significantly enhance your defensive capabilities. Empty Retribution is a unique skill that complements Infinite Retribution, allowing you to perform a counterattack even if you don't perfectly time the parry. While it deals less damage than Infinite Retribution, it provides a safety net and allows you to maintain pressure on your opponent. This skill is particularly useful for players who are still mastering the timing of parries. Furthermore, understanding the Mystic Arts associated with the switchglaive is crucial for maximizing its potential. The Mystic Arts are powerful skills that provide significant enhancements to your combat abilities. One of the most valuable Mystic Arts for the switchglaive is Heavenly Chain, which allows you to extend your combos and maintain pressure on your opponents. Heavenly Chain enhances your ability to seamlessly transition between stances, allowing you to chain together devastating attack sequences that leave your enemies reeling. Mastering these key skills and Mystic Arts will elevate your switchglaive gameplay, transforming you into a formidable force on the battlefield. By understanding how these skills interact and how to incorporate them into your combat style, you can unlock the full potential of the switchglaive and dominate even the most challenging encounters.
Effective Builds and Playstyles for the Switchglaive
The switchglaive's versatility lends itself to a variety of builds and playstyles, allowing players to tailor their approach to combat. Whether you prefer a magic-infused build, a relentless attacker, or a balanced hybrid, the switchglaive can accommodate your preferences. Exploring these effective builds and playstyles will help you optimize your character and unleash the full potential of this dynamic weapon. A popular build for the switchglaive is the Magic-infused build, which capitalizes on the weapon's scaling with the Magic stat. This build combines the switchglaive's melee prowess with the power of Onmyo Magic, creating a formidable force on the battlefield. Players who opt for this build often invest heavily in the Magic stat, which not only boosts the switchglaive's damage but also enhances the effectiveness of their magical abilities. This allows for powerful combinations of melee attacks and magical spells, providing both offensive and defensive options. For example, you might use a magical buff to increase your damage output, then unleash a flurry of switchglaive attacks, followed by a devastating magical spell to finish off your opponent. Another effective playstyle for the switchglaive is the Relentless Attacker. This build focuses on maintaining constant pressure on your opponents, overwhelming them with a barrage of attacks. Players who prefer this playstyle often prioritize skills and equipment that increase their attack speed and Ki recovery. The goal is to keep the pressure on your enemies, preventing them from mounting a counterattack. This playstyle requires precise timing and Ki management, as you'll need to carefully balance your attacks with your Ki recovery. However, when executed properly, it can be incredibly effective, allowing you to quickly dispatch enemies and maintain control of the battlefield. For players who prefer a more balanced approach, the Hybrid Build offers a mix of offense and defense. This build combines the switchglaive's versatility with other weapons and skills, creating a well-rounded character that can adapt to any situation. Players who opt for this build often invest in a variety of stats, balancing their offensive and defensive capabilities. This allows for a more flexible playstyle, where you can switch between different weapons and skills as needed. For example, you might use the switchglaive for close-quarters combat, then switch to a ranged weapon for dealing with enemies at a distance. Regardless of your preferred playstyle, the switchglaive offers a wealth of possibilities for customization. By experimenting with different skills, equipment, and stats, you can create a build that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you're a magic user, a relentless attacker, or a balanced hybrid, the switchglaive is a weapon that can help you achieve your goals.
Advanced Combat Techniques and Combos
Mastering the switchglaive involves more than just understanding its stances and skills; it requires a deep dive into advanced combat techniques and combos. These techniques allow you to string together attacks seamlessly, maximize your damage output, and maintain control of the battlefield. By mastering these advanced techniques, you can elevate your switchglaive gameplay to new heights. One of the most fundamental advanced techniques for the switchglaive is stance switching combos. These combos involve transitioning between different stances to create fluid and unpredictable attack patterns. By chaining attacks from one stance into another, you can keep your enemies off balance and exploit their weaknesses. For example, you might start with a quick attack in the low stance, transition to the mid stance for sustained damage, and then finish with a powerful blow in the high stance. This constant switching not only maximizes your damage output but also enhances your survivability by keeping you mobile and adaptable. Another crucial technique is Ki Pulse management. The switchglaive consumes a significant amount of Ki, so it's essential to manage your Ki effectively. This involves using Ki Pulses to recover Ki quickly and efficiently. However, Ki Pulses can also be incorporated into your combos, allowing you to maintain a constant flow of attacks. By timing your Ki Pulses correctly, you can recover Ki while also chaining into your next attack, creating a seamless and relentless assault. Active Skills chaining is another advanced technique that can significantly enhance your switchglaive gameplay. Active Skills are special attacks that consume Ki but deal significant damage or provide utility. By chaining these skills together, you can create devastating combos that can quickly dispatch enemies. For example, you might use Arc of Chaos to deal damage to multiple enemies, then follow up with Infinite Retribution to counter a single, powerful foe. Mastering the timing and positioning of these skills is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. Furthermore, understanding how to effectively use Yokai Abilities with the switchglaive can add another layer of depth to your combat style. Yokai Abilities are special attacks that consume Anima, a resource that is separate from Ki. These abilities can provide a variety of benefits, such as dealing damage, applying status effects, or providing defensive buffs. By incorporating Yokai Abilities into your combos, you can create even more diverse and unpredictable attack patterns. For example, you might use a Yokai Ability to stagger an enemy, then follow up with a flurry of switchglaive attacks. Mastering these advanced combat techniques and combos will transform you into a switchglaive master. By understanding how to chain attacks, manage your Ki, and incorporate Active Skills and Yokai Abilities into your combat style, you can unlock the full potential of this dynamic weapon.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Switchglaive
To truly master the switchglaive in Nioh 2, it's essential to delve into specific tips and tricks that can elevate your gameplay. These insights cover everything from skill prioritization to situational awareness, enabling you to wield the switchglaive with precision and effectiveness. Implementing these tips and tricks into your combat strategy will enhance your survivability, damage output, and overall mastery of the weapon. One of the most important tips for mastering the switchglaive is to prioritize Ki management. The switchglaive consumes a significant amount of Ki, especially when using its more powerful attacks. Therefore, learning to manage your Ki effectively is crucial for maintaining a consistent offense and avoiding vulnerability. This involves mastering Ki Pulses, using skills that reduce Ki consumption, and equipping gear that provides Ki-related bonuses. By prioritizing Ki management, you can sustain your attacks and keep the pressure on your enemies without running out of stamina. Another essential tip is to learn enemy attack patterns. Understanding how your enemies attack is crucial for effectively dodging, blocking, and countering their moves. This is particularly important when using the switchglaive, as its versatile moveset allows you to adapt to a variety of combat situations. By studying enemy attack patterns, you can anticipate their moves, create openings for your own attacks, and avoid unnecessary damage. Utilize stance switching to adapt to different situations. The switchglaive's strength lies in its ability to switch between different stances, each offering unique attack patterns and advantages. Learning to utilize these stances effectively is crucial for maximizing the weapon's versatility. For example, you might use the low stance for quick strikes and evasion, the mid stance for sustained damage, and the high stance for powerful finishing blows. By switching stances strategically, you can adapt to different enemy types, combat scenarios, and personal playstyles. Furthermore, don't underestimate the power of combining Onmyo Magic with the switchglaive. The switchglaive scales with the Magic stat, making it an excellent choice for players who also invest in Onmyo Magic. By combining the switchglaive's melee prowess with the power of Onmyo Magic, you can create a formidable force on the battlefield. For example, you might use magical buffs to increase your damage output, then unleash a flurry of switchglaive attacks, followed by a devastating magical spell to finish off your opponent. Practice makes perfect. Mastering the switchglaive requires time and dedication. Don't be afraid to experiment with different skills, combos, and playstyles. Spend time in training areas to hone your skills and develop a combat style that suits your preferences. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the switchglaive's moveset and the more effective you'll be in combat. By implementing these tips and tricks into your gameplay, you can significantly enhance your switchglaive skills and become a true master of this versatile weapon. From prioritizing Ki management to utilizing stance switching and combining Onmyo Magic, these insights will help you unlock the full potential of the switchglaive and dominate the battlefields of Nioh 2.
