Onikami Breathing Styles Ranked Best to Worst (December 2025)

In the world of Onikami, the Roblox game inspired by the popular Demon Slayer universe, your choice of Breathing Style is everything. It defines your combat flow, your damage output, and your effectiveness in both Player vs. Environment (PvE) and Player vs. Player (PvP). With several styles to master, knowing which one gives you the best edge is crucial for dominating the battlefield.

This comprehensive Onikami Breathing Tier List ranks all the available techniques based on their overall power, speed, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned slayer or just starting your journey, this guide will help you pick the perfect style to become the ultimate demon hunter.

Quick Reference: Onikami Breathing Styles Tier List (December 2025)

Tier	Breathing Styles	Best For	Difficulty
S-Tier	Flame Breathing, Thunder Breathing, Insect Breathing	PvP & PvE Domination	Moderate
A-Tier	Sound Breathing, Water Breathing, Wind Breathing	Balanced Gameplay	Easy-Moderate
B-Tier	Love Breathing, Beast Breathing, Mist Breathing	Situational Combat	Moderate-Hard
C-Tier	Serpent Breathing	Niche Strategies	Hard
D-Tier	None	–	–

Onikami Breathing Tier List: Complete Rankings

S-Tier: The Ultimate Breathing Styles

The S-Tier styles are the pinnacle of power in Onikami. They offer unparalleled damage, fantastic mobility, and are top-tier choices for both PvP and PvE scenarios. If you want to dominate the leaderboards and crush your opponents, these are the breathing styles you should master.

Flame Breathing

Ranking: S-Tier
Best For: Raw damage output, AoE clearing, PvP dominance
Difficulty: Moderate

Flame Breathing stands as one of the most powerful techniques in Onikami, delivering incredible raw damage output that can melt through both demons and players alike. This powerhouse style is known for its devastating area-of-effect (AoE) attacks that make it perfect for clearing groups of enemies quickly.

Key Strengths:

• Massive damage per second (DPS)
• Wide AoE attacks for crowd control
• Excellent for both single-target and multi-target combat
• Strong in PvP due to high burst damage
• Visually impressive with flame effects

Weaknesses:

• Can be predictable in PvP
• Requires good positioning for maximum effectiveness
• Moderate learning curve for optimal usage

PvP Performance: Flame Breathing excels in player combat due to its high burst damage and ability to pressure opponents constantly. The wide AoE attacks make it difficult for enemies to dodge, and the raw damage output can quickly turn the tide of battle in your favor.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting scenarios, Flame Breathing shines as a top-tier choice. The ability to clear multiple demons simultaneously makes farming and questing incredibly efficient, while the single-target damage remains strong enough to handle boss encounters.

Thunder Breathing

Ranking: S-Tier
Best For: Speed, mobility, one-on-one combat
Difficulty: Moderate

If speed is your priority, Thunder Breathing is your best bet. This lightning-fast style focuses on rapid dashes and quick successive strikes that can overwhelm opponents before they have time to react. Thunder Breathing is the go-to choice for players who enjoy fast-paced, aggressive combat.

Key Strengths:

• Unmatched mobility and speed
• Rapid attack combinations
• Excellent for hit-and-run tactics
• Strong in one-on-one PvP encounters
• Great for dodging and repositioning

Weaknesses:

• Lower defense compared to other styles
• Can be mana-intensive
• Requires precise timing for maximum effectiveness

PvP Performance: Thunder Breathing is a nightmare in one-on-one PvP combat. The ability to close distances instantly and unleash rapid strikes makes it incredibly difficult for opponents to defend against. Skilled players can use the mobility to dodge attacks while constantly applying pressure.

PvE Performance: While slightly less effective in group clearing than Flame Breathing, Thunder Breathing excels at taking down high-priority targets quickly. The mobility also makes it excellent for avoiding damage in boss fights and challenging encounters.

Insect Breathing

Ranking: S-Tier
Best For: Strategic play, DoT effects, versatility
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Don’t let the name fool you; Insect Breathing is a versatile and potent style that often gets underestimated. This technique incorporates unique mechanics like poison effects and precise, unblockable thrusts that can bypass conventional defenses.

Key Strengths:

• Poison and damage-over-time (DoT) effects
• Unblockable attacks
• Excellent for strategic gameplay
• Strong against defensive opponents
• Versatile in various combat situations

Weaknesses:

• Higher skill ceiling
• Effects may take time to reach full potential
• Less burst damage compared to other S-Tier styles

PvP Performance: Insect Breathing shines in strategic PvP combat. The poison effects can wear down opponents over time, while the unblockable attacks ensure that you can always apply pressure. It’s particularly effective against defensive players who rely on blocking and dodging.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting, Insect Breathing’s DoT effects make it excellent for extended fights and boss encounters. The ability to apply consistent damage while avoiding attacks makes it a reliable choice for challenging content.

A-Tier: The Strong & Viable Choices

The A-Tier styles are excellent and can compete at a high level. They might have minor weaknesses or require a bit more skill to master compared to S-Tier, but they are fantastic alternatives that can still carry you to victory.

Sound Breathing

Ranking: A-Tier
Best For: Space control, disorientation, ranged combat
Difficulty: Moderate

Sound Breathing excels in controlling space and disorienting opponents. This style’s attacks are often fast and have good range, making it a solid choice for players who like to keep their distance while dealing consistent damage.

Key Strengths:

• Good range and attack speed
• Excellent for controlling battlefield space
• Disorienting effects on opponents
• Reliable performance in all game modes
• Good for both offensive and defensive play

Weaknesses:

• Lower burst damage compared to S-Tier
• Can be predictable against skilled opponents
• Requires good positioning for maximum effectiveness

PvP Performance: Sound Breathing is a reliable choice in PvP, particularly for players who prefer a more controlled approach to combat. The ability to maintain distance while applying pressure makes it effective against aggressive opponents.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting scenarios, Sound Breathing performs consistently well across all types of encounters. The range and control effects make it particularly useful for managing groups of enemies and avoiding damage.

Water Breathing

Ranking: A-Tier
Best For: Beginners, balanced gameplay, defense
Difficulty: Easy

Water Breathing is a well-rounded and fluid style that offers a great balance between offense and defense. Its techniques are versatile, with a mix of single-target and AoE attacks, making it a fantastic starting point for new players that remains effective in the hands of veterans.

Key Strengths:

• Excellent balance of offense and defense
• Easy to learn and master
• Versatile move set for various situations
• Good for both PvP and PvE
• Low skill floor with high skill ceiling

Weaknesses:

• Not exceptional in any single area
• Can be outclassed by specialized styles
• Requires good game knowledge for optimal usage

PvP Performance: While not the top choice for competitive PvP, Water Breathing holds its own thanks to its versatility and defensive capabilities. It’s particularly effective against aggressive opponents who can be countered with well-timed defensive maneuvers.

PvE Performance: Water Breathing is an excellent choice for all types of demon hunting content. The balanced nature of the style makes it suitable for everything from regular farming to challenging boss encounters.

Wind Breathing

Ranking: A-Tier
Best For: Aggressive play, area control, crowd clearing
Difficulty: Moderate

Wind Breathing focuses on wide, sweeping arcs and relentless offensive pressure. This style is great for aggressive players who enjoy controlling large areas of the battlefield and overwhelming opponents with constant attacks.

Key Strengths:

• Wide attack range for crowd control
• Excellent for aggressive playstyles
• Good area denial capabilities
• Strong in both PvP and PvE scenarios
• Visually impressive with wind effects

Weaknesses:

• Limited defensive options
• Can be vulnerable to counter-attacks
• Requires good positioning and timing

PvP Performance: Wind Breathing is effective in PvP due to its ability to control space and apply constant pressure. The wide attack range makes it difficult for opponents to find safe positioning, while the aggressive nature can overwhelm defensive players.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting, Wind Breathing excels at clearing groups of enemies quickly. The wide attack range makes it perfect for farming and handling multiple simultaneous threats.

B-Tier: The Situational Styles

B-Tier styles are average and can be effective in specific situations or with very dedicated players. However, they are generally outclassed by the options in higher tiers and require more skill to achieve similar results.

Love Breathing

Ranking: B-Tier
Best For: Unconventional combat, surprise tactics
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Love Breathing has its unique charm and can be surprisingly effective with its arcing, whip-like attacks. However, its damage and utility often fall short when compared to the top-tier styles, placing it in a solid, if unremarkable, B-Tier position.

Key Strengths:

• Unconventional attack patterns
• Can surprise opponents
• Unique visual style
• Good for players who enjoy unconventional playstyles

Weaknesses:

• Lower damage output compared to higher tiers
• Limited utility in competitive play
• Can be predictable once opponents learn the patterns

PvP Performance: Love Breathing can catch opponents off guard with its unusual attack patterns, but it struggles against experienced players who can anticipate and counter its moves. It’s more of a fun, unconventional choice than a competitive one.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting, Love Breathing performs adequately but doesn’t excel in any particular area. It can be used effectively for regular content but may struggle in more challenging encounters.

Beast Breathing

Ranking: B-Tier
Best For: Unpredictable combat, fun gameplay
Difficulty: Moderate

Beast Breathing focuses on wild, instinctual attacks that can be difficult to predict. While it has its uses, its unpredictable nature and lack of consistent, high-performance moves keep it from ranking higher. It can be fun to use but is not the most optimal for competitive play.

Key Strengths:

• Unpredictable attack patterns
• Fun and engaging gameplay
• Good for casual play
• Unique theming and visual effects

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent performance
• Lower damage output
• Limited competitive viability
• Can be difficult to master effectively

PvP Performance: Beast Breathing’s unpredictability can be an advantage in casual PvP matches, but it lacks the consistency needed for competitive play. Skilled opponents can often exploit the style’s weaknesses once they understand its patterns.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting scenarios, Beast Breathing performs inconsistently. While it can be effective against regular enemies, it often struggles against tougher opponents and boss encounters.

Mist Breathing

Ranking: B-Tier
Best For: Evasion, misdirection, defensive play
Difficulty: Hard

Mist Breathing relies on misdirection and evasion techniques that can be tricky to deal with. However, its damage output is not on par with the leading styles, and it requires a high level of skill to make work effectively against top-tier opponents.

Key Strengths:

• Excellent evasion capabilities
• Good for defensive playstyles
• Can confuse and disorient opponents
• High skill ceiling for mastery

Weaknesses:

• Low damage output
• Very high skill requirement
• Limited offensive capabilities
• Can be ineffective against experienced players

PvP Performance: Mist Breathing can be frustrating to face in PvP due to its evasive nature, but it often lacks the killing power needed to secure victories. It’s more effective at prolonging fights than winning them.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting, Mist Breathing’s low damage output makes it less effective for efficient farming and clearing. While the evasion can help in survival, the extended fight times make it less optimal for most content.

C-Tier: The Underpowered Choice

This tier contains styles that are currently considered the weakest in the game and are not recommended for players seeking optimal performance.

Serpent Breathing

Ranking: C-Tier
Best For: Niche strategies, thematic play
Difficulty: Hard

Unfortunately, Serpent Breathing finds itself at the bottom of our tier list. While thematically interesting, its moveset currently lacks the speed, power, or unique advantages of other styles. It can be a challenge to use effectively and is often outmatched in direct combat.

Key Strengths:

• Unique theming and visual style
• Can be effective in very specific situations
• Good for players who enjoy a challenge
• Interesting lore and concept

Weaknesses:

• Very low damage output
• Slow attack speed
• Limited utility in most scenarios
• Outclassed by virtually all other styles

PvP Performance: Serpent Breathing struggles significantly in PvP combat. The low damage and slow speed make it easy prey for most opponents, and it lacks the tools needed to compete effectively.

PvE Performance: In demon hunting, Serpent Breathing is one of the least efficient choices. The low damage output results in extended fight times, making it poor for farming and challenging content.

How to Unlock Each Breathing Style in Onikami?

Now that you know which breathing styles are the best, let’s cover how to actually unlock them in the game. Each breathing style has a specific trainer location and requirements that you’ll need to meet.

Wind Breathing Style

Location: Top of the huge square-shaped mountain on the left from spawn
How to Unlock:

1. Spawn in the game and look left toward the huge mountain
2. Climb to the top of the mountain
3. Interact with the Wind Trainer
4. Fulfill the trainer’s requirements
5. Learn Wind Breathing Style

Thunder Breathing Style

Location: Behind the mountain past the gate from spawn
How to Unlock:

1. Go straight from spawn through the gate
2. Continue straight until you reach the mountain
3. Climb up the mountain
4. Find two houses behind the mountain
5. Go down and locate the Thunder Trainer next to one of the houses
6. Interact and fulfill requirements to learn Thunder Breathing

Water Breathing Style

Location: Near the waterfall
How to Unlock:

1. Go straight from spawn until you reach water
2. Take a left turn and follow the water
3. Find the waterfall
4. Locate the Water Trainer in front of the waterfall
5. Interact to learn Water Breathing Style

Flame Breathing Style

Location: Ramen Shop in town
How to Unlock:

1. Go straight from spawn until you reach the wall
2. Follow the railway track to reach the town
3. Find the Ramen Shop in town
4. Go inside and locate the Flame Trainer
5. Interact and fulfill requirements to learn Flame Breathing

Insect Breathing Style

Location: Roof of a large house
How to Unlock:

1. Go straight from spawn until you reach water
2. Take a right turn (opposite of Water Breathing path)
3. Find and climb up the ladder
4. Locate the huge house at the top
5. Go to the roof where the Insect Trainer sits
6. Interact to learn Insect Breathing Style

PvP vs PvE Performance Analysis

Different breathing styles excel in different scenarios. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each style performs in PvP versus PvE situations:

Best Breathing Styles for PvP

Top Tier PvP Choices:

1. Thunder Breathing – Unmatched speed and mobility make it perfect for player combat
2. Flame Breathing – High burst damage can quickly eliminate opponents
3. Insect Breathing – DoT effects and unblockable attacks wear down defensive players

Solid PvP Options:

• Sound Breathing – Good range and control effects
• Wind Breathing – Area denial and constant pressure

PvP Considerations:

• Speed and mobility are crucial for outmaneuvering opponents
• Burst damage is valuable for quick eliminations
• Unpredictable attack patterns can catch skilled players off guard
• Defensive capabilities become important in prolonged fights

Best Breathing Styles for PvE

Top Tier PvE Choices:

1. Flame Breathing – Excellent AoE clearing for farming and group content
2. Thunder Breathing – Fast target elimination for efficient questing
3. Wind Breathing – Wide attack range for crowd control

Solid PvE Options:

• Water Breathing – Balanced performance for all content types
• Insect Breathing – Consistent damage for extended boss fights

PvE Considerations:

• AoE capabilities are important for efficient farming
• Sustain and defense help in longer dungeon runs
• Single-target damage matters for boss encounters
• Mobility helps avoid damage in challenging content

Advanced Strategies and 2025 Pro Tips

Mastering S-Tier Breathing Styles

Flame Breathing Advanced Techniques:

• Use AoE attacks to control space in PvP
• Combine with movement abilities for unexpected approaches
• Save your strongest moves for when opponents are vulnerable
• Practice positioning to maximize AoE effectiveness

Thunder Breathing Advanced Techniques:

• Master the dash-attack combo for maximum pressure
• Use mobility to create favorable angles of attack
• Practice hit-and-run tactics against defensive opponents
• Learn to chain attacks seamlessly for constant pressure

Insect Breathing Advanced Techniques:

• Focus on applying poison effects consistently
• Use unblockable attacks when opponents are committed to other actions
• Practice timing for maximum DoT effectiveness
• Combine with control effects to keep opponents in range

General Combat Tips

1. Learn Your Opponent’s Patterns – Each breathing style has recognizable patterns. Learn them to anticipate and counter attacks.
2. Master Movement – Positioning is crucial in Onikami. Learn to use movement abilities effectively to create advantages.
3. Manage Your Resources – Many breathing styles have resource costs. Learn to manage them effectively for sustained combat.
4. Adapt Your Playstyle – Be flexible and willing to change your approach based on the situation and opponent.
5. Practice Combos – Learn effective attack combinations for each breathing style to maximize damage output.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Beginner Mistakes

1. Ignoring Defense – Many new players focus only on offense and neglect defensive capabilities, leading to unnecessary deaths.
2. Poor Positioning – Standing in the wrong place can get you killed quickly. Learn to position yourself advantageously.
3. Resource Mismanagement – Using all your resources at once can leave you vulnerable when you need them most.
4. Predictable Movement – Moving in predictable patterns makes you an easy target for experienced players.
5. Neglecting Practice – Each breathing style requires practice to master. Don’t expect to be effective immediately.

Advanced Player Mistakes

1. Overconfidence – Just because you’re using an S-Tier style doesn’t guarantee victory. Stay humble and focused.
2. Ignoring Matchups – Some styles counter others. Learn which matchups favor your style and which don’t.
3. Poor Adaptation – Sticking to one strategy even when it’s not working is a common mistake among advanced players.
4. Neglecting Team Play – In team scenarios, coordination is crucial. Don’t try to do everything yourself.
5. Burnout – Playing too intensively can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making. Take breaks when needed.

Community Insights and Meta Analysis

Based on community discussions and competitive play, here are some additional insights about the current meta:

Community Consensus

The community generally agrees on the top-tier breathing styles, with Flame, Thunder, and Insect consistently ranking at the top. However, there’s some debate about the exact ordering of A-Tier and B-Tier styles, with personal playstyle preferences often influencing these rankings.

Competitive Scene Analysis

In competitive play, Thunder Breathing has seen the most success in tournaments, followed closely by Flame Breathing. The speed and mobility of Thunder Breathing give it a slight edge in high-level play, where split-second decisions and positioning are crucial.

Recent Meta Shifts

The meta has remained relatively stable in recent months, with no major balance changes significantly altering the tier list. However, some players report that Insect Breathing has been gaining popularity due to its effectiveness against defensive playstyles.

2025 Future Updates and Potential Changes

While the current meta is stable, it’s important to remember that balance changes can occur with any update. Here are some potential changes to watch for:

Possible Buffs

• Serpent Breathing – Many players agree this style needs improvements to be competitive
• Love Breathing – Could receive damage increases to make it more viable
• Beast Breathing – Might get consistency improvements to reduce randomness

Possible Nerfs

• Thunder Breathing – Its dominance in competitive play might lead to slight adjustments
• Flame Breathing – High AoE damage could be toned down slightly
• Insect Breathing – DoT effects might be adjusted if they become too prevalent

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often is this Onikami Breathing Tier List updated?

A: This tier list is updated regularly to reflect the current game meta, typically after major updates or balance changes. As of December 2025, it reflects the October 2025 update balance changes.

Q: Which Breathing Style is best for beginners?

A: Water Breathing is highly recommended for new players. It’s well-balanced, easy to learn, and teaches the fundamentals of the game’s combat system effectively. The versatility of Water Breathing makes it forgiving for beginners while still being effective at higher skill levels.

Q: Can I change my Breathing Style after selecting one?

A: Yes, you can change your Breathing Style in Onikami, though it may require specific items or in-game currency. Many players experiment with different styles to find the one that best fits their playstyle. Check out our Roblox Onikami Codes guide for potential reroll codes.

Q: Is the best Breathing Style only for PvP?

A: No. The S-Tier styles like Flame Breathing and Thunder Breathing are dominant in both PvP and PvE due to their high damage and versatility. However, some styles may perform slightly differently in each mode. For example, Wind Breathing excels in PvE crowd control but is less dominant in PvP.

Q: How do I know which Breathing Style suits my playstyle?

A: Consider your preferred playstyle:

• Aggressive players should try Thunder or Flame Breathing
• Defensive players might prefer Water or Mist Breathing
• Strategic players could enjoy Insect or Sound Breathing
• Beginners should start with Water Breathing

Q: Are there any hidden requirements for unlocking Breathing Styles?

A: While the basic requirements are listed in this guide, some trainers may have additional hidden requirements or quests that you need to complete. Always check the full dialogue with trainers and explore the surrounding areas for potential quests.

Q: How important is gear and equipment compared to Breathing Style choice?

A: While Breathing Style choice is crucial, gear and equipment also play significant roles in your overall effectiveness. The best approach is to pair a high-tier Breathing Style with appropriate gear for your playstyle and content type.

Q: Will this Onikami Breathing Tier List change in the future?

A: Absolutely. As Onikami receives updates and balance patches, the power of certain Breathing Styles can shift. We will update this list to reflect the changing meta and ensure you always have the most current information.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Breathing Style in Onikami is a key step toward mastering the game. Based on our comprehensive analysis, the S-Tier powerhouses—Flame Breathing for raw power, Thunder Breathing for unmatched speed, and Insect Breathing for versatile strategic play—offer the best path to dominance in both PvP and PvE scenarios.

However, remember that while tier lists are excellent guides, personal skill and enjoyment are paramount. The best style is ultimately the one you have the most fun mastering and that suits your individual playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find your perfect match.

For the latest codes and updates, be sure to check our Roblox Onikami Codes guide, and if you’re interested in other Demon Slayer-inspired games, take a look at our Demon Slayer Legacy Codes guide.

Keep practicing, stay updated with the meta changes, and most importantly, have fun on your journey to become the ultimate demon slayer in Onikami!

Bookmark this page for regular updates and share it with your fellow slayers to help them choose the perfect Breathing Style for their playstyle!