Struggling to beat Yamagata Masakage, the first boss in the “Hitokoto Slope” mission of Nioh 3? This tall, heavily-armored samurai with a massive Nodachi might seem intimidating at first, but with the right strategy, you can take him down effortlessly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Tadasuke Okubo’s summoning and a dash-focused evasion strategy to win the fight with ease.
Who is Yamagata Masakage?
Yamagata Masakage is a powerful boss and one of the first major challenges in Nioh 3. Known for his strong, sweeping attacks with his Nodachi, Masakage is a legendary samurai and a member of the famed “Takeda’s Four Vassals”, leading the elite unit known as The Crimson Army.
Boss Location
You’ll encounter Yamagata Masakage at the end of the enemy compound in Hitokoto Slope, where he awaits after a short introductory cutscene.
Preparing for the Battle
Before jumping into the fight, proper preparation is key. Here are a few tips to get you ready:
1. Summon Tadasuke Okubo
- Tadasuke Okubo is an ally you can summon to assist you during the fight. His presence helps by distracting Yamagata and dealing consistent damage, giving you room to focus on evasion and counterattacks.
- To summon him, make sure you have the required summoning items, such as a Summoner’s Candle or Ochoko Cups.
2. Equip a fast melee weapon
- Although Yamagata uses heavy and slow attacks, his power makes it risky to stay close for too long. Choose fast weapons like Dual Katanas or a Spear to deal quick hits and retreat safely.
3. Bring healing items and buffs
- Stock up on Elixirs for healing and consider using talismans to boost your defense or resistance. Fire talismans can also help deal elemental damage to Yamagata.
Core Strategy: Summoning and Dashing
1. Let Tadasuke take the lead
- Once you summon Tadasuke, he will draw Yamagata Masakage’s attention. This gives you time to observe the boss’s attack patterns and position yourself for safe strikes.
- Focus on positioning yourself behind Yamagata for opportunities to hit his weak points.
2. Dash to evade his attacks
- The key to winning this battle is constant movement. Yamagata’s attacks, such as the Charging Thrust and Spinning Combo, are powerful but predictable.
- Use side dashes or backward dodges to evade:
- Charging Thrust: Sidestep or dodge backward when he charges toward you.
- Wide Side Slash: Step backward or away from the direction of his swing.
- Spinning Combo: Avoid attacking during his spin and wait for the overhead slam to counterattack.
3. Attack after his Spinning Combo
- One of the safest moments to deal damage is right after his Spinning Combo, where he performs an overhead slam. He will be momentarily vulnerable after this move, allowing you to land a few quick hits before retreating.
Alternative Strategy: Melee Combat
If you prefer a more direct approach, here’s how to handle Yamagata Masakage in close-quarters combat:
1. Counter his 4 Slash Combo
- During this attack, Yamagata swings his Nodachi three times in rapid succession, followed by a jumping overhead slash. Keep moving sideways to avoid the slashes, and when he jumps, back away and counterattack as he lands.
2. Avoid the Black Flame Thrust
- This is his most dangerous move, where he ignites his Nodachi with black flames and lunges forward. It deals massive damage and can apply a burn effect.
- Dodge sideways at the last moment to avoid the thrust and stay safe.
3. Exploit the pause in his 5 Slash Combo
- Yamagata sometimes performs a variant of his 4 Slash Combo, adding an extra swing and finishing with a thrust instead of a jumping slash. The thrust has a slight delay, giving you a perfect opportunity to sidestep and counter.
Rewards for Defeating Yamagata Masakage
Defeating Yamagata Masakage will reward you with valuable gear, including:
- Crimson General’s Helmet
- Shinobi Greaves
- Bizen Tachi (Nodachi)
- Heir’s Shinobi Waistguard
- Mino Dual Uchigatana (Dual Katanas)
- Incendiary Arrows
These items will greatly improve your stats and help you in future missions.
Additional Tips for the Battle
- Stay patient: Yamagata’s attacks are powerful but have clear patterns. Rushing in recklessly will only lead to defeat.
- Use ranged attacks: If you have a bow or rifle, you can deal damage from a safe distance while Tadasuke distracts him.
- Watch your surroundings: Avoid getting cornered, as this can limit your ability to dash or evade effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to summon Tadasuke Okubo?
No, summoning Tadasuke is optional, but his help makes the fight much easier by distracting Yamagata and allowing you to focus on evasion and counterattacks.
What should I do if I struggle to dodge his attacks?
If dodging feels difficult, use a weapon with high block stats to reduce the damage taken while you learn his attack patterns.
What’s the best weapon type for this fight?
Fast weapons like Dual Katanas and Spears are ideal for their quick strikes and ability to keep you mobile.
Conclusion
Defeating Yamagata Masakage in Nioh 3 may seem daunting, but with the help of Tadasuke Okubo and a dash-focused evasion strategy, the battle becomes much more manageable. Stay mobile, take advantage of his openings, and remember to keep calm while learning his attack patterns.
Have your own tips or strategies? Share them in the comments and help fellow players conquer this challenging boss!