The first time you face Yamagata Masakage in Nioh 3, the game strips away almost everything that makes its combat satisfying. No Skill Tree access. No upgraded stances. Just a brute-force challenge that forces players to rely on raw timing, mobility, and a few carefully chosen tools.
This isn’t a fight for reckless aggression—it’s a duel of patience. Masakage’s attacks are relentless, his counters punishing, and your options feel deliberately limited. But beneath the frustration lies a lesson: Nioh 3 rewards those who treat its mechanics like a language, not just a button-masher’s playground.
The solution? A mix of Ninja Style’s deceptive speed, the Living Artifact’s thunder-infused invincibility, and the discipline to retreat when necessary. Ignore the urge to stand and trade blows—this boss thrives on forcing you to play smart.
Why Ninja Style Isn’t Just Faster—It’s Smarter
Samurai Style might feel familiar, but at this stage, it’s a liability. Ninja Style, with its faster Ki regeneration and access to Uncanny Flame Ninjutsu, becomes your greatest asset. The ability doesn’t just deal damage—it stacks Burn debuffs over four hits, turning Masakage’s recovery frames into free damage. Pair that with shurikens for ranged pressure, and suddenly, you’re not just dodging—you’re controlling the fight.
But speed alone won’t win it. The real power comes from Arts Proficiency. Fill the gauge in the lower-right corner, then unleash a heavy air attack followed by a quickdraw (like Iai Quickdraw for swords). The combo resets the gauge faster than you’d expect, turning what feels like a desperate gambit into a repeatable damage spike.
The Living Artifact: A Temporary Shield Against Madness
Around the halfway point, the game grants you Living Artifact—a brief window of invincibility, thunder-charged attacks, and a chance to break Masakage’s rhythm. It’s not a free pass. The boss can still block your strikes, and overcommitting will leave you vulnerable. Use it to reset the fight: land a few strikes, then retreat to rebuild Ki. This isn’t about spamming the ability; it’s about using it to turn the tide when your health or stamina is low.
Timing is everything. Activate it during one of Masakage’s recovery phases, not mid-combo. Let him waste his own Ki before striking back.
A Hit-and-Run Philosophy
The core strategy boils down to three words: Strike, retreat, repeat. Masakage’s attacks are telegraphed—learn his tells, and you’ll find openings after his heavy strikes or when he’s mid-recovery. Never stay in one place. If you’re blocking, your Ki drains. If you’re attacking, his counters will punish you. The goal isn’t to out-damage him; it’s to whittle him down while minimizing your own exposure.
Short light combos (three hits max) are your bread and butter. End each with a Ki Pulse or Mist to reset your stance and distance yourself. It’s tedious, but it works. The fight drags on until you realize Masakage isn’t just a test of skill—he’s a test of endurance.
When All Else Fails: Call for Backup
Stuck? The game includes a hidden lifeline: a Benevolent Grave behind the shrine near the arena. Summon an NPC ally to soak up some of Masakage’s aggression, giving you space to heal or unleash ranged attacks. It’s not a game-changer, but in a fight where every second counts, even a few extra moments can make the difference.
Defeating Yamagata Masakage isn’t about brute force. It’s about adapting. Once you master the rhythm—dodging when you must, striking when you can, and using every tool at your disposal—you’ll emerge not just victorious, but ready for what comes next. And only then does Nioh 3 truly begin.
