Nioh 3: How to Unlock the Secret Boss in Azuchi Castle (Complete Guide)

In Nioh 3, in addition to the main story bosses, there are optional secret bosses that do not appear automatically during normal progression and offer additional challenges along with special rewards.

One of these hidden encounters takes place in Azuchi Castle, an iconic location in the game set in feudal Japan. This article explains how to locate that secret boss and the recommended strategies to defeat it.

How to Unlock the Demon of Obsession

To activate this optional fight, it is necessary to progress through the main story beforehand.

The fundamental requirement is completing the main mission “Those Left Behind”. Once finished, access to the area where the encounter can be triggered becomes available.

From the Maruta Ruins or Abandoned Temple Outskirts shrine area, the route is as follows:

• Head south toward the Lesser Crucible and eliminate it to unlock the path.
• Cross the log and the wooden bridge that connect to the enemy base.
• Exit through the northern section toward the bamboo forest.
• Move northwest until encountering a spectral figure.
• Follow that shadow to the shrine area in Abandoned Temple Outskirts, where the secret boss fight is triggered.

This procedure is not explicitly marked on the map, which explains why it can easily be overlooked during a standard playthrough.

Rewards for Defeating It

Overcoming this encounter unlocks the achievement “Kunimatsu’s Obsession” and grants high-rarity equipment, along with resources useful for optimizing character builds in advanced stages of the game.

The rewards are primarily aimed at players seeking to strengthen their build after completing the main content.

Recommended Preparation Before the Fight

Due to its difficulty, this boss is designed to be faced in the later stages of the game.

It is recommended to:

• Reach at least level 130 to ensure a greater margin of survivability.
• Upgrade weapons and armor to the highest available level before the encounter.
• Prepare talismans and support items that increase elemental resistance.

The fight requires constant Ki (stamina) management, so a balanced configuration between damage and mobility is more effective than one focused solely on offense.

Strategies to Defeat the Secret Boss

The Demon of Obsession alternates between fast attacks and wide, high-damage movements. The key to the fight lies in identifying attack patterns and taking advantage of the openings that appear after its longer attack sequences.

Some specific recommendations include:

• Maintain constant mobility, especially when using a Ninja style.
• If choosing the Samurai style, prioritize Ki control and efficient blocking.
• Use Water elemental attacks to trigger the “Saturated” status, which increases the damage the enemy receives.
• Avoid remaining in areas affected by negative environmental effects.
• Activate special abilities such as Living Artifact at critical moments in the fight, particularly when the boss enters more aggressive phases.

Patience and careful reading of attack patterns are decisive factors in overcoming this encounter.

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