Tips for Defeating Yamagata Masakage, the First Boss in Nioh 3
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Figuring out how to defeat Yamagata Masakage in Nioh 3 isn’t as daunting as some of the other bosses you’ll face in the expansive Warring States map, but it does serve as a solid introduction to the game’s core combat mechanics. The Burst Break mechanic is crucial in this encounter, so pay close attention—don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.
I’ll also share additional strategies to help you take down this spear-wielding warrior from the Takeda clan. Once you defeat Masakage, you’ll wrap up the prologue and gain access to the rest of the game.
While Yamagata Masakage isn’t overly difficult, he does require you to adapt to Nioh 3’s combat system, especially the Burst Break mechanic. By using Burst Break with R (RT on controller) when Yamagata flashes red, you can inflict significant Ki damage (the blue bar beneath his health), making it easier to stun him and then press Y to execute a Grapple that will chip away at his health. Burst Break also allows you to switch between Ninja and Samurai modes, which you can customize.
You’ll recognize this attack when he spins and performs a circular slash, glowing red before slamming his weapon down—this is your cue to Burst Break. Here are a few more tips.
After Yamagata’s combos, there’s often a window where you can land a few hits and stunlock him, helping to whittle down his health. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as he’ll become immune to stunlocks once he starts his next combo or will begin blocking your attacks.
This encounter is definitely more beginner-friendly compared to others, as Samurai mode is effective for damage but less evasive. Ninja Mode allows for easier dodging of Yamagata Masakage’s combos if you’re having trouble, and it features quicker attacks that can keep him stunlocked for a brief period. As you attack, you’ll regain your Ninjitsu abilities, like shuriken or explosive feathers.
To use these abilities, hold shift (or right bumper on controller) and then left mouse button and the wheel (X and Y on controller). These can chip away at Yamagata’s health, and if you save up several explosive feathers and unleash them all at once, you can ignite him, causing damage over time.
In one of his attacks, Yamagata will attempt to impale you with a thrust, which is easy to spot due to the dark, smoky aura surrounding his weapon, dotted with golden spots. It has a long windup, making it simple to dodge.
You can evade most of Yamagata’s attacks with the mobility and dodges of Ninja Mode, especially his four-strike combos. However, the final strike of this combo is a downward slam that requires precise timing to dodge if you’re close, as it’s an area-of-effect attack. Wait for the delay after the third strike when he leaps into the air, then dodge as the spear comes crashing down.
When Yamagata’s health drops to one-third, you can summon Kusanagi to enter the Living Artifact state—a temporary supercharged mode with enhanced combos. In this state, you won’t take HP damage, but being hit will reduce its duration. Performing a Burst Break will also prematurely end this state, so it’s wise to hold off on that until you’ve maximized your survivability.
