Nioh 3: Kamaitachi Boss Fight – Location, Rewards, Builds, and Winning Strategy

What to know

• Kamaitachi lurks in a small forest clearing near Maisaka Junction shrine in Warring States era.

• Equip wind resistance and Ninja stance to counter its speedy, unblockable attacks.

• Focus on Burst Breaks during rear-up tells for massive Ki damage and openings.

• Rewards include Kamaitachi Soul Core and Transformed Arts like Pollard Combo.

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In Nioh 3, Kamaitachi is a swift yokai weasel armed with razor-sharp blades on its legs. This formidable enemy demands patience, as its blistering speed and wind-infused assaults keep you on your toes. Gear up with wind resistance and talismans to turn the tide in this exhilarating clash.

Head to the southeastern Warring States map in the Maisaka region, where a tight forest clearing sits right beside the Maisaka Junction shrine—activate it first for quick respawns. Spot the yokai near some trees and a Sudama; sneak up for a stealth backstab if undetected. In Heian era, another spawns in Rokuhara’s Lesser Crucible for repeated farming.

Preparing your build against Kamaitachi

Boost wind resistance on armor and use Windstop Talismans to shrug off its piercing gusts. Ninja stance lets you dash and strike at matching speeds, while longer weapons like spear help maintain distance. Summon acolytes via benevolent graves with Ochoko Cups for distractions, and pop Power Pills or Talismans to amp damage output without stacking.

How to reach and initiate the fight

Approach Maisaka Junction shrine in Warring States. Scan the nearby wooded clearing for Kamaitachi patrolling. Hide in bushes until it passes, then creep behind for a free grapple attack to chunk its health early.

Mastering Kamaitachi’s attack patterns

Kamaitachi zips around with blade slashes, crescent wind projectiles, and Beyblade spins that track straight across the arena. Roll into spins for safety, as rolling away risks the wide radius catching you. Frontal swipes and tail combos hit from its right—stay to its left (your right) and close for punishment.

Handling Burst Breaks

Kamaitachi signals ground drills by rearing on hind legs—back off, then form switch into Burst Break on contact for Ki stagger.

Surviving the Dark Realm phase

At 30% health, it drags you into darkness; dodge new stationary tornadoes from claw swipes. Ground Burst Breaks repeat twice—nail the first to avoid chains. Aerial sawblade Burst Break launches from a twisted hover—sidestep safely or time Burst Break at impact.

Dodging the clone assault

Its deadliest phase spawns two clones for triple spins—go pure defense, block or roll through, never aggress.

How to defeat Kamaitachi step by step

Stay mobile, deplete Ki relentlessly, and exploit Burst windows for combos.

Step 1

Activate Maisaka Junction shrine and scout the clearing.

Step 2

Sneak for backstab if possible; engage with wind protection active.

Step 3

Dodge spins by rolling inward; block slashes but watch chip damage.

Step 4

Counter rear-up drill Burst Breaks perfectly for stagger.

Step 5

In Dark Realm, evade tornadoes and repeated ground bursts.

Step 6

Defend clone spins fully; punish recoveries.

Step 7

Sidestep or Burst aerial sawblade; overwhelm with Ninja rushdown.

Step 8

Repeat Ki breaks until victory—patience wins.

Claim your Kamaitachi rewards

Harvest the Soul Core for wind-based abilities and Transformed Arts to enhance your arsenal. Farm multiples across eras for upgrades, fueling your journey through Nioh 3’s brutal realms.

You’ve now got the edge to slice through Kamaitachi wherever it prowls. Practice those Burst timings, and this speedy yokai becomes prime farming fodder for your builds.