Nioh 2 Imperious Strike
Nioh 2 offers players a deep, complex combat system filled with a wide variety of skills, weapons, and strategies. For fans of samurai action, one move stands out due to its devastating power and elegant execution Imperious Strike. As a powerful skill tied to the Odachi weapon, Imperious Strike is a heavy-hitting, high-damage attack that perfectly blends offensive might with calculated timing. Understanding how to unlock, equip, and use this ability can significantly enhance your performance in battle, especially during tough boss fights or when facing large enemies. This topic will guide you through everything you need to know about the Nioh 2 Imperious Strike skill.
What is Imperious Strike in Nioh 2?
Skill Overview
Imperious Strike is a special active skill available for the Odachi weapon in Nioh 2. This powerful move allows the player to deliver a massive downward slash that deals tremendous damage. Because of its high impact and raw force, it’s one of the Odachi’s most beloved techniques, especially for players who enjoy a slow but destructive fighting style.
Unlocking the Skill
To acquire Imperious Strike, you must first invest Samurai Skill Points into the Odachi skill tree. The skill becomes available after meeting specific requirements, usually by progressing through the game and using the Odachi frequently. Once you unlock the corresponding node, you can equip the skill to your preferred stance high, mid, or low.
- Weapon type: Odachi
- Skill tree: Samurai Skills → Odachi
- Required points: Varies depending on progression
- Stance compatibility: Usually High Stance for maximum effect
How to Use Imperious Strike Effectively
Timing and Setup
Imperious Strike is not a quick move. It requires a short charge-up and leaves the player vulnerable if used carelessly. However, when timed correctly, it can break enemy Ki, stagger foes, and deliver massive health damage. The best time to use this attack is when your enemy is stunned, recovering from a heavy move, or knocked down.
Combining with Ki Management
Nioh 2’s combat system relies heavily on Ki (stamina). Imperious Strike consumes a significant amount of Ki, so managing your energy before attempting this move is essential. Use Ki Pulse after dodging or attacking to regain lost stamina quickly and ensure you’re not left open to counterattacks.
Using Yokai Abilities for Setup
You can combine Imperious Strike with Yokai Abilities to create powerful combos. For example, using a Guardian Spirit’s ability to paralyze or knock down an enemy can create an ideal opportunity to unleash Imperious Strike safely. These kinds of strategies allow you to maximize the skill’s potential while minimizing risk.
Builds That Work Well with Imperious Strike
Strength-Focused Odachi Build
Since Odachi scales well with Strength, building around this stat enhances the damage output of Imperious Strike. Pairing heavy armor with high Strength gives you durability and raw power, making it easier to trade blows and land heavy attacks.
- Focus on Strength as your main stat
- Use heavy armor sets like Red Demon or Tatenashi
- Equip Soul Cores that boost melee damage or stagger
Ki Damage and Break Build
Another strategy is to focus on breaking the enemy’s Ki bar. Imperious Strike excels at dealing Ki damage, so combining it with gear or passives that enhance Ki Break can keep enemies staggered longer, giving you more chances to deal lethal damage.
- Use weapons and accessories with Ki damage bonuses
- Apply debuffs using Onmyo or Ninjutsu to slow enemy recovery
- Combine with High Stance for maximum break potential
Ideal Situations to Use Imperious Strike
Against Large Enemies
Large yokai or armored human bosses are perfect targets for Imperious Strike. Their slow movement and wide attack windows allow you to find safe moments to charge and release the attack. When fighting these foes, always look for patterns in their swings and retaliate with your strongest move.
Boss Finishers
When a boss is low on Ki or health, Imperious Strike can serve as a brutal finisher. Use your Yokai Shift or Burst Counters to reduce their resistance, then land Imperious Strike for a dramatic and satisfying end to the fight.
After Stagger or Knockdown
Use Yokai skills or specific weapons that cause knockdowns to set up Imperious Strike. Many enemies remain grounded or slow to get up, giving you a few seconds to land a powerful hit. Make sure to close the distance quickly before they recover.
Advanced Tips for Mastery
Cancel Recovery with Ki Pulse
After executing Imperious Strike, there is a recovery animation that can leave you vulnerable. Learn to cancel that delay using a perfectly timed Ki Pulse. This tactic reduces downtime and allows you to block, dodge, or reposition immediately.
Learn Enemy Patterns
Like many high-risk skills in Nioh 2, success with Imperious Strike relies on reading your enemy’s moves. Practice fighting common yokai and human enemies to recognize safe moments for slow, heavy attacks. Over time, you’ll get better at using the skill without taking unnecessary hits.
Use Buffs and Talismans
To further amplify the effectiveness of Imperious Strike, consider using talismans that boost attack power, reduce Ki cost, or increase stagger duration. Onmyo magic can be especially useful in supporting a heavy-hitter build.
Why Imperious Strike is Popular Among Players
Imperious Strike is loved by players who enjoy a powerful, deliberate fighting style. While it doesn’t have the speed of light weapons like Dual Swords or Kusarigama, its sheer force is unmatched in the Odachi arsenal. The visual effect and heavy impact of the move add a cinematic quality to battles, making every successful hit feel satisfying and earned.
For those who embrace a disciplined, high-damage combat style, mastering Imperious Strike is both rewarding and strategic. It showcases the best aspects of Nioh 2’s depth timing, precision, and planning.
Nioh 2 Imperious Strike is more than just a flashy move; it is a cornerstone of the Odachi’s skill set. With high damage potential and excellent Ki-breaking ability, it provides a tactical option for players who prefer thoughtful, powerful combat. When used wisely and paired with proper gear and timing, this technique can change the outcome of a battle. Whether you’re facing yokai, humans, or bosses, understanding how to use Imperious Strike will enhance your arsenal and bring you one step closer to mastering the challenging world of Nioh 2.