The Battle of Mikatagahara is the fifth main story quest in Nioh 3, which is a part of the Warring States chapter that takes place during 1572 CE. This guide will provide you with tips and tricks on how to complete the Battle of Mikatagahara mission, including tips on how to unlock it and beat all the bosses.
How to Open the Mikatagahara Gate
The Red Gate, which brings you to the Mikatagahara battlefield, unlocks automatically after completing The Battle of Futamata Castle story quest and speaking to Hattori Hanzo at Hamamatsu Castle. Note that this condition is essential for unlocking the gate, and if you did everything right, you should see the objective on the map that says: “Make your way toward the Mikatagahara battlefield. Recommended Lv. 43.”
Once you’ve opened the gate, head straight into the burning battlefield and follow the blood trails left through the tents. Assassinate the inspecting guards, which is easier if you’re crouched. Then, follow these steps:
- Fight skeletons inside the buildings and loot the Warrior’s Text chest.
- Take out the horsemen by ambushing them from behind.
- Circle around the giant cyclops by sneaking past the grass and rocks to save time.
- Cross the bridge and defeat the revenant at Bloody Grave to trigger a cutscene with Ii Naotora’s ambush.
After that’s done, follow Hattori Hanzo to the north and clear all the soldiers to activate another shrine. Follow the left uphill to the wooden door and open it for another cutscene. Loot Samurai’s Locks chest on the platform and Ninja’s Locks in the burning building.
How to Beat Yamagata Masakage Boss
Keep going in the northern direction, and soon you’ll start the boss fight against Yamagata Masakage in his mounted Yokai form. Note that this boss is weak to the Water element, so imbue your weapons if possible. Here are a few essential tips on how to beat this boss:
- Dodge his horse leaps and jump strikes by burst breaking his back.
- Dodge his fire arrows by walking in circles, and be sure to equip the Firestop Talisman.
- Once he starts dragging his blade, follow its tip and attack on recovery.
- If he starts glowing with the Red Aura, rising on his horse and slamming his katana, use Yokai Realm pressure to finish him off.
After defeating Yamagata Masakage, you can enter the Fiery Crucible by following the path to the north from the arena. Pray at the first statue to clear smoke and follow the left path to cross lava ramps, past the sunken house. Jump through the burning house and follow the lamp-lit path.
How to Beat Takeda Shingen Boss
Speak to Nakane Masateru in the tent for the Power Pill and help Sakakibara Yasumasa, which is an optional hot spring detour from the rooftop. Once you cross the long bridge and enter the large tent, you’ll watch a cutscene that leads to the battle against Takeda Shingen in his Curicble final form. Note that this boss is weak to Poison, and here’s how it goes:
- Dodge all of his combo attacks that involve sparkling weapons or fire weapons.
- Back off once he activates his Aura Block, which drains your Ki.
- Keep dodging his fireballs and other elemental attacks.
- Once he starts glowing red when attacking, punish him with your burst breaks.
Basically, keep exploiting his recoveries with quick attacks, and soon he’ll be defeated for the following rewards: Samurai’s Locks, Basket Blade & Boar Cutter Smithing Text, Shingen’s Fan, Potsicker Spear, and many other valuables. After the cutscene, speak to Ii Naotora and fast-travel to Hamamatsu to talk to Ieyasu, which completes the Battle of Mikatagahara quest.
