Mastering Baba Nobuharu in Nioh 3: Your Guide to Defeating Him and Taking Futamata Castle

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After defeating Jakotsu-baba in Nioh 3, your next challenge is to venture north to Futamata Castle, where you’ll face the mandatory boss, Baba Nobuharu. This fight is a significant step up, so be prepared.

To make this battle more manageable, I initially struggled against Baba Nobuharu until I adjusted my strategy and defeated him on my next try.

Baba Nobuharu is a crucial boss at the end of the quest to reclaim Futamata Castle. Since he’s level 39, it’s essential to explore the newly unlocked areas for experience and gear before taking him on.

Here are some preparations to consider before entering the arena with Baba Nobuharu:

With your lightning gear ready, you’re set to take on Baba Nobuharu. I suggest alternating between Samurai and Ninja styles during the fight. Samurai offers high burst damage, while Ninja provides mobility and Ninjitsu like Uncanny Bolt.

Position yourself as a Ninja to dodge and then switch to Samurai for powerful combo attacks after his key moves or a successful Burst Break. Mastering stance swapping and Burst Breaks is crucial for overcoming Baba Nobuharu.

Here are his key attacks and how to counter them:

I can’t emphasize enough how effective lightning damage is against Baba Nobuharu. The Bloodedge Demon Soul Core (Yang) allows you to summon a creature that unleashes a significant burst of lightning damage, while the Sudama Soul Core (Yin) grants you a lightning bolt spell. Ninja’s Uncanny Bolt can be spammed from a safe distance while waiting for openings.

Additionally, using Nekomata’s electric-infused attacks and Living Artifact can deal substantial damage to Baba Nobuharu’s Ki bar, staggering him and making him vulnerable to long Samurai combos. Mastering Ki Pulse and stance swapping is essential, and the Flux and Frost Moon skills on the Samurai tree are incredibly helpful.

Defeating Baba Nobuharu rewards you with the Demon of Mino’s Charm, a Samurai Lock, and plenty of loot and Amrita. After the fight, Hattori Hanzo will greet you and guide you to the next part of your journey.