Nioh 3: How To Beat Yamagata Masakage Quickly – Boss Location, Key Moves, and Combat Tips

What to know

• Yamagata Masakage wields a long-reach spear or nodachi, testing your dodge timing and stamina management early in the game.

• Stay at mid-range to bait charges, then punish with 1-2 hits before retreating to avoid counters.

• Focus on lateral dodges over backward ones to maintain space without getting clipped by sweeps.

• Ki breaks open big damage windows; pulse after every exchange to stay aggressive.

---

You face Yamagata Masakage in the tutorial-like Battle of Hitokoto Slope mission, a hulking warrior whose massive weapon demands precision from the start. This encounter teaches core Nioh 3 mechanics like stance switching and burst counters, setting you up for tougher fights ahead. Beat him fast by controlling distance and exploiting his predictable advances.

Hitokoto Slope battle location

Progress through the linear early mission until you descend the hill into a camp tent—this unavoidable spot triggers the fight amid a spacious arena that lets you circle freely, though his reach quickly shrinks safe zones.

Key moves to dodge and counter

Yamagata pressures with thrust chains that delay to bait dodges, sweeps covering wide arcs, and advancing charges when you back off. His specials glow red for burst counters (R2/RT), like overhead charges or ground slams—time them perfectly to stagger him.

Flank after sweeps for safer hits, as frontal stabs punish greedy trades. At 50% health, his charges add burst attacks; counter the second swing for massive Ki damage.

How to beat him easily step-by-step

Maintain mid-range to force charges, which you dodge twice (diagonal preferred) to land behind for punishes. Repeat: bait, evade, hit twice (heavy finisher if Ki low), pulse, retreat. This chips him reliably without risk.

Step 1

Equip mobility gear and practice Ki pulse (hold guard after attacks). Enter with full elixirs; test range with light pokes.

Step 2

Back off to bait charge—dodge first swing forward, second to his back. Land 1-2 quick attacks or heavy, then pulse Ki.

Step 3

Watch for red glows: counter spear slams or spins with burst break. Follow with backstabs if Ninja style.

Step 4

After thrust chains or sweeps, dodge laterally through the ender for a short combo. Never greed beyond 2 hits.

Step 5

At low Ki, flux tap (triangle/Y) for grapple finishers. Repeat cycle until his health bar depletes.

Rewards

Patience turns this skill check into a breeze—master spacing here, and Nioh 3’s bosses fall faster. You will dominate Yamagata on retry, building momentum for the slope ahead.