Nioh 3 Guide | How to Defeat Yamagata Masakage

Here’s a guide on how to defeat Yamagata Masakage in Nioh 3.

Game Guide by TauxicPandA on Feb 09, 2026

In Nioh 3, you need to keep your cool and have a steady hand to fight Yamagata Masakage. Even though this boss looks scary, he's not as hard to deal with as you think. Just take your time. Don't rush in. Instead, keep your cool and wait for the right time to strike.

Nioh 3, Guide, How to Defeat Yamagata Masakage

Handling the Red Aura

When Yamagata Masakage starts to glow with a red light, he is about to use a breaking move. This often happens right after he spins on the floor.

Do not try to stop him the second you see the red light, or you will miss. Wait until he lifts his Spear high and starts to bring it down. If the timing feels too hard, just run away or dodge twice to get clear.

As his health gets lower, this move changes. He might jump and use a strike that hits from far away, or he might charge at you before the red light shows up. If he charges, it is usually easier to catch him. If he jumps, it is best to just get out of the way entirely.

Nioh 3, Guide, How to Defeat Yamagata Masakage

Watching the Spear

Keep an eye on his Spear. If it starts to glow with a golden light, he is trying to grab you. This move does enough damage to end the fight instantly, so you must stay back.

He also has normal swings that you can block without much trouble. However, watch out for attacks that have a wind effect around them in Nioh 3.

These will drain your energy quickly if you try to block them. If your energy hits zero, you will be stuck in place, and he will likely take you out. It is better to move out of the way of these wind strikes than to hold your guard.

Nioh 3, Guide, How to Defeat Yamagata Masakage

Breaking His Guard

The best way to win is to let him swing until he gets tired. Every time he attacks, he loses some of his own breath. Stay back while he moves, then go in for two or three quick hits once he stops. Do not get greedy. Just chip away at his health and energy slowly.

Once his energy bar is totally gone, you can use a big attack to deal massive damage. Later in the fight, you can use your spirit form to change shape.

Even in this form, do not play like you cannot be hurt. You still need to dodge and block. If you take too many hits while transformed, you will lose the form early and lose your chance to end the fight in Nioh 3.

Also, check our Nioh 3 Review and other guides below: