Nioh 3’s northern campaign culminates in a fight that demands more than brute force—it rewards preparation. Baba Nobuharu, the towering guardian of Futamata Castle, isn’t just a level 39 challenge; he’s a lightning-resistant nightmare until you learn his patterns. Unlike earlier bosses, he lacks Crucible’s health decay, meaning every mistake costs dearly. The key to victory lies in outmaneuvering his mirages, exploiting his lightning weakness, and mastering the art of stance-swapping between Samurai and Ninja modes.
This isn’t just another boss fight—it’s a shift in strategy. After defeating Jakotsu-baba, players often underestimate Nobuharu’s level jump, assuming their gear will suffice. It won’t. His water-based attacks demand water resistance, while his lightning vulnerability becomes your greatest weapon. The fight also tests timing: parry his Burst Break to trigger a healing boost, or dodge his grab too late and face a devastating counter.
Every player tackling Futamata Castle will face Nobuharu, but those unprepared will struggle. Newcomers to the series may find his mirage attacks disorienting, while veterans might overlook the importance of elemental synergy. The fight rewards those who’ve unlocked Hamamatsu’s Crucible skills—Supreme Parry and Enduring Destruction—and those who’ve farmed for lightning-infused gear.
- Gear up for water resistance—Nobuharu’s attacks are relentless, and without proper defense, his waves will chip away at your health.
- Prioritize lightning damage—Equip the Bloodedge Demon Soul Core (Yang slot) and Sudama Soul Core (Yin slot) for a devastating lightning combo. Lightning Amulets and Nekomata’s Thunderclaw Kick add further pressure.
- Master stance-swapping—Ninja mode excels at mobility and ranged attacks like Uncanny Bolt, while Samurai delivers high-damage combos post-Burst Break.
- Unlock Crucible skills—Supreme Parry extends your parry window, and Enduring Destruction heals you after landing Burst Breaks.
- Overlevel if needed—Nobuharu is level 39, but a few extra levels can tip the balance in your favor.
Key attacks and counters
Nobuharu’s arsenal is deceptive. His mirage attacks—marked by steam from his arm—trick players into early dodges. Wait for the fake to complete before parrying the real strike. His Burst Break is a two-hit combo; interrupt the first hit to gain an opening. The grab attack is your best chance to strike from behind as a Ninja, while his Wave attack requires a quick backward dodge to avoid the water blast.
Lightning as your secret weapon
The Bloodedge Demon’s summon and Sudama’s lightning spell can stagger Nobuharu’s Ki bar, leaving him vulnerable. Combine this with Nekomata’s electric-infused abilities and Living Artifact mode for maximum damage. Ninja’s Uncanny Bolt lets you harass him from range while waiting for openings.
- His mirage chains—some include spins or lunges, so stay alert.
- Burst Break timing—swapping to Samurai mid-combo is critical.
- Grab windows—dodge sideways and counter immediately.
- Wave follow-ups—he may spin after the blast, forcing a second dodge.
Victory over Nobuharu unlocks the Demon of Mino’s Charm, a Samurai Lock, and a haul of Amrita. The fight isn’t just about damage—it’s about precision, adaptability, and exploiting every weakness. With the right gear and timing, even his lightning-soaked arena becomes conquerable.
