Severing Spin is one of the most powerful early-game Martial Arts available to Samurai sword users in Nioh 3. The skill delivers a fast, spinning katana attack that hits enemies in every direction, making it ideal for crowd control and aggressive combat setups. Many players miss it early because it does not unlock through the normal skill tree.
This guide explains how to get Severing Spin Martial Art in Nioh 3, including where it drops and how to unlock the skill permanently for all compatible swords.
Severing Spin in Nioh 3
Severing Spin is a Sword Martial Art designed for the Samurai style. It performs a fast, horizontal spinning slash that hits enemies in all directions, making it extremely effective for crowd control and early-game combat flow.
Key Details
- Weapon Type: Sword (Katana)
- Style: Samurai
- Art Type: Crucible Martial Art
- Stance: Any stance
- Best Use: AoE damage, mob clearing, stun pressure
Unlike standard skill-tree Martial Arts, Severing Spin does not unlock automatically through progression. You must earn it through weapon familiarity.
How to Get Severing Spin (Step-by-Step)
To unlock Severing Spin permanently, you must follow a weapon-based unlock method tied to Crucible swords.
Step 1: Find a Crucible Sword With Severing Spin
Severing Spin appears only on Crucible swords. These weapons drop inside Crucible-related missions and dungeons.
The most reliable farming method is replaying the Crucible Manifested main mission using the Battle Scroll feature at a Shrine. Enemies inside the Crucible frequently drop swords with built-in Martial Arts.
When you loot a sword:
- Check the weapon details
- Look for the Crucible Martial Art section
- Confirm that Severing Spin is listed
Crucible weapons are easy to identify thanks to their distinct icon in the weapon description.
Step 2: Equip the Sword and Raise Familiarity
After you obtain a sword with Severing Spin:
- Equip it immediately
- Use it in combat
- Defeat enemies until the weapon reaches 100% familiarity
Familiarity increases naturally through combat. You do not need to upgrade or temper the weapon—just keep using it.
Step 3: Unlock Severing Spin Permanently
Once familiarity reaches maximum:
- Severing Spin unlocks globally
- You can apply it to any compatible sword
- The original Crucible weapon is no longer required
This system allows you to keep using your preferred katana while retaining the skill.
How to Equip Severing Spin on Other Swords
After unlocking Severing Spin:
- Open the Customize Martial Arts menu
- Select a compatible sword
- Assign Severing Spin to the desired command slot
Input Commands
- Controller: Left Stick Down + Triangle / Y
- Keyboard & Mouse: E + Right Mouse Button
Target-locking an enemy improves accuracy. Using the skill without a lock may cause a directional heavy attack instead of the full spin.
How Severing Spin Works in Combat
Severing Spin delivers fast AoE damage with strong utility:
- Hits enemies 360 degrees around you
- Applies stagger and stun pressure
- Clears groups faster than single-target skills
- Resets positioning after execution
This makes it ideal when:
- Surrounded by multiple enemies
- Breaking enemy formations
- Creating space during aggressive encounters
The move flows smoothly into Samurai sword combos, helping maintain offensive momentum.
Is Severing Spin Worth Unlocking?
Yes—especially early on.
Severing Spin remains one of the strongest early-game katana Martial Arts in Nioh 3. It improves survivability, speeds up clearing, and smooths combat flow for Samurai players. While later skills may outperform it against bosses, Severing Spin provides unmatched value during early progression and Crucible content.
If you plan to main swords, unlocking it early gives you a noticeable advantage. Play Now!
