What to know
- Tatsumaro the Dung Lover is a side NPC, not a boss
- He is found deep below the Eternal Rift castle structure
- Accessing him requires deliberate vertical exploration
- Dung Balls are exchanged for unique rewards
In Nioh 3, the Eternal Rift is packed with hidden encounters that reward curiosity rather than brute force. Tatsumaro the Dung Lover is one of the most unusual of these. He is easy to miss, never required for story progression, and tucked away far below the obvious paths. If you are aiming for completion, trophies, or rare smithing texts, this encounter is worth the effort.
Who is Tatsumaro the Dung Lover in Eternal Rift
Tatsumaro the Dung Lover is a named NPC encounter tied to a small side interaction rather than a combat challenge. You do not fight him. Instead, you meet him, speak with him, and provide specific items to trigger rewards. His presence is also tied to a trophy-related interaction, making him notable for completion-focused players.
He is located exclusively within the Eternal Rift, hidden beneath the castle structure rather than along its main routes.
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.
| Area | Eternal Rift |
|---|---|
| Vertical position | Lowest underground level |
| Landmark above | Castle interior / central structure |
| Access type | Ladders + controlled fall |
How to get to Tatsumaro the Dung Lover
Reaching Tatsumaro is entirely about navigation. Enemies along the way are manageable; the real challenge is knowing where to go down.
Step 1: Find the castle entry in Eternal Rift
Begin by locating the castle-like structure within the Eternal Rift. This is the same area most players pass through while progressing normally, which makes it easy to assume there’s nothing hidden below.
Enter the structure rather than circling around it.
Step 2: Descend using the ladder inside
Once inside the castle, look carefully for a ladder leading downward. This ladder is not on the main path and is easy to miss if you rush through the interior.
Climb down fully before proceeding.
Step 3: Drop through the hole in the floor
After descending, you will find a hole in the floor that looks intentional rather than like a trap. This drop is required. Falling here does not result in death if done correctly.
This is the point of no return for the path—once you drop, you are fully committed to the lower layers.
Step 4: Continue to the lowest level
After the drop, continue navigating downward until you reach the lowest cavern level. This area is dimly lit, filled with barrels, crystals, and environmental clutter.
Tatsumaro will be standing calmly here, clearly marked and non-hostile.
What to do once you reach Tatsumaro
Interacting with Tatsumaro is straightforward but unusual. He asks for Dung Balls, an item many players overlook or discard earlier in the game.
You can give him multiple Dung Balls, and each interaction rewards different items. This exchange also triggers a trophy related to the interaction itself.
Tatsumaro rewards and item exchanges
Based on in-game screenshots, Tatsumaro rewards several notable items, including smithing texts and equipment.
| Reward Type | Example Reward |
|---|---|
| Key item | Blackened Key |
| Smithing Text | Conch Eboshi |
| Smithing Text | Coiled Snake Helmet |
| Smithing Text | Horned Turban Helmet |
| Equipment | Coiled Snake Helmet (Lv. 95) |
| Equipment | Horned Turban Helmet (Lv. 60) |
Rewards appear to vary based on how many times you interact and what you give him, making it worthwhile to bring multiple Dung Balls.
Important tips before visiting Tatsumaro
Do not rush this encounter. If you arrive without Dung Balls, you’ll need to backtrack, which is inconvenient due to the vertical layout. It’s best to collect and keep a few beforehand.
Also, do not expect combat. This is a narrative and item-based interaction, not a test of skill.
Dung Lover in Eternal Rift
Tatsumaro the Dung Lover exists to reward exploration and attention to detail. He provides unique smithing texts, contributes to trophy completion, and adds flavor to Eternal Rift’s world-building.
For players aiming to fully experience Nioh 3’s side content, this encounter is essential.
To reach Tatsumaro the Dung Lover, you must enter the Eternal Rift castle, descend via ladder, drop through the floor, and continue to the lowest underground level. Bring Dung Balls, interact calmly, and collect your rewards. There is no fight, no trick—just careful exploration and preparation.
