- What to know
- Location of Tatsumaro in Nioh 3
- Nioh 3 Blackened Key secret room details
- Reaching the lowest level beneath the Blacksmith
- How to get the Blackened Key using Tatsumaro
- Opening the secret room above the Blacksmith
- Rewards found in the Blacksmith secret room
- Why the Blackened Key is easy to miss
- Secret rooms in Nioh 3
What to know
- The Blackened Key unlocks a secret room above the Blacksmith
- You must interact with Tatsumaro the Dung Lover to obtain it
- Dung Bells are required, and the key is RNG-based
- The hidden room contains multiple high-level loot drops
In Nioh 3, some of the best rewards are tucked away behind obscure mechanics the game never explains outright. One of the easiest-to-miss examples is the Blackened Key, which opens a secret room above the Blacksmith packed with valuable gear. The process is unusual, slightly gross, and entirely optional—but if you care about loot efficiency, it’s absolutely worth doing.
Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand where this key comes from and why most players overlook it entirely.
Location of Tatsumaro in Nioh 3
On the Eternal Rift map, Tatsumaro appears below the central castle complex, positioned on the lowest accessible level of the area. The map marker shows him slightly south of the main circular arena, separated by elevation rather than distance.
This is important: you do not walk to him horizontally—you descend to him vertically.
Nioh 3 Blackened Key secret room details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key name | Blackened Key |
| Location | Lowest level of the Blacksmith area |
| Required NPC | Tatsumaro the Dung Lover |
| Required item | Dung Bells |
| Attempts needed | Usually 2–3 interactions |
| Reward type | Weapons, armor, accessories, materials |
| Room unlocked | Secret room above the Blacksmith |
Reaching the lowest level beneath the Blacksmith
To begin, you need to make your way to the lowest accessible level beneath the Blacksmith’s location. This area is easy to ignore because it feels like environmental filler rather than a meaningful gameplay space. However, tucked into this lower section is a peculiar NPC who is essential to unlocking the secret room.
Exploring carefully is important here, as the path downward blends into the surrounding stone corridors. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll encounter Tatsumaro the Dung Lover, an NPC whose purpose isn’t immediately clear unless you already know what to do.
How to get the Blackened Key using Tatsumaro
Step 1: Locate Tatsumaro the Dung Lover
At the very bottom of the Blacksmith’s underground area, you’ll find Tatsumaro the Dung Lover standing alone. He does not offer traditional dialogue options or quests, which makes him easy to dismiss on a first playthrough.
Step 2: Use Dung Bells on Tatsumaro
You must give Tatsumaro Dung Bells. This is not a one-time interaction. The Blackened Key is not guaranteed on the first attempt, and most players report receiving it after 2–3 tries.
Each use of a Dung Bell triggers a reward roll. If the key does not appear, simply repeat the process as long as you have more Dung Bells available.
Step 3: Confirm receipt of the Blackened Key
Once successful, the Blackened Key is added directly to your inventory. There is no fanfare or quest update, so it’s easy to miss—double-check your key items to confirm you have it before moving on.
Opening the secret room above the Blacksmith
With the Blackened Key in hand, return to the room directly above the Blacksmith. This area contains a locked section that cannot be opened by any other means. Using the key grants access immediately, revealing multiple treasure chests hidden behind the sealed doorway.
This room is small but dense with rewards, making the entire detour worthwhile even in the mid-to-late game.
Rewards found in the Blacksmith secret room
Based on the loot visible in the room, opening the chests can yield the following items:
| Item | Level |
|---|---|
| Tanegashima Matchlock | Lv. 125 |
| Mountain Ridge Helmet | Lv. 117 |
| Irregular Troop’s Gauntlets | Lv. 121 |
| Poison Omamori | Lv. 119 |
| Hand Cannon | Lv. 119 |
| Storehouse: Arrow x4 | — |
The exact drops may vary slightly depending on your progression, but the item levels are consistently high, making this an efficient stop if you’re optimizing gear upgrades or filling out your collection.
Why the Blackened Key is easy to miss
The biggest reason players miss this secret is that nothing in the game directly tells you Tatsumaro matters. Dung Bells already feel like a joke item, and using them repeatedly on a single NPC isn’t intuitive. On top of that, the lack of a guaranteed drop on the first attempt makes it easy to assume the interaction is meaningless.
Once you know the mechanic, though, the process is fast, repeatable, and low-risk.
Secret rooms in Nioh 3
The Blackened Key is a perfect example of how Nioh 3 rewards curiosity and persistence. By engaging with an odd NPC and investing a few Dung Bells, you unlock a hidden Blacksmith-adjacent loot room filled with solid, high-level rewards. It’s not mandatory, but if you enjoy uncovering everything the game hides beneath the surface, this secret is absolutely worth your time.
