Nioh 3, released on February 6, 2026, continues the series' tradition of brutal combat and deep exploration across its eras from Warring States to Bakumatsu. Among its dozens of bosses, main story encounters, and formidable enemies, a handful stand out as true secret bosses. These hidden fights are optional, often tucked away in obscure spots or triggered by specific actions, and offer unique rewards like trophies, rare loot, and powerful soul cores. The most prominent are the three "Demon" ikiryo bosses tied to Tokugawa Kunimatsu's lingering grudges, best tackled post-story at level 130+ for optimal gear.
Additionally, the Bloodedge Demon serves as a roaming secret superboss formed from slain revenants' malice, providing repeatable high-end drops.
Each Demon boss is marked by a golden chest icon on the map.
Overview Table
| Boss | Era/Region | Prerequisites | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demon of Pride | Warring States / Iinoya | Post-Sacred Mountain Defiled | Trophy, loot |
| Demon of Envy | Heian / Hachijo | Post-Sacred Mountain Defiled | Trophy, loot |
| Demon of Obsession | Bakumatsu / Nijo Castle | Post-Those Left Behind | Trophy, loot |
| Bloodedge Demon | Varies (dynamic) | Defeat multiple Revenants | Rare items, equipment |
1. Demon of Pride
Location: Sengan Waterfall shrine in Iinoya (Warring States era). Look for the golden chest icon nearby.
How to Find
- Progress to the Heian period and complete the "Sacred Mountain Defiled" main mission.
- Fast travel to Sengan Waterfall shrine.
- Head down to the river below, then north toward the waterfall.
- Use a Spirit Vein to ascend, and interact with the shadowy figure or golden chest to trigger the fight.
Strategy
These fights are tough early but trivial post-game. Unlock "Summoning Basics" from the Onmyo Magic Veteran mission (talk to the mage in Eternal Rift during Bakumatsu era). Boost Magic stat, equip powerful seals like Ibaraki Doji, and spam them to melt the boss in seconds. Dual Ninja Swords in Ninja Style recommended for backups.
Rewards
"Kunimatsu’s Pride" trophy, high-rarity loot.
2. Demon of Envy
Location: Anneibo Temple shrine in Hachijo (Heian era). Golden chest icon marks the spot.
How to Find
- Same prerequisite: Complete "Sacred Mountain Defiled."
- From Anneibo Temple shrine, face it and turn left.
- Climb the scaffolding/ladders to the top of the nearby watchtower.
- Sprint west off the edge, jump to the adjacent ledge, drop into the hidden cave (Spirit Vein en route), and engage the shadow.
Strategy
Identical to Pride; seal spam dominates. Dodge its aggressive combos and burst attacks.
Rewards
"Kunimatsu’s Envy" trophy, high-rarity loot.
3. Demon of Obsession
Location: Mibu Temple - Main Gate shrine in Nijo Castle (Bakumatsu era). Golden chest in northwest corner.
How to Find
- Reach Bakumatsu and complete "Those Left Behind."
- Fast travel to Maruta Ruins shrine (or Abandoned Temple Outskirts).
- Head south to Lesser Crucible, cleanse it to open the path.
- Cross the log gap, pass the wooden bridge, exit the enemy base north into a bamboo forest.
- Go northwest to the shadow, follow to the shrine, cross the bridge, and approach the shadow/golden chest.
Strategy
Same seal cheese method. Its obsession-fueled attacks hit hard, so prioritize Ki depletion.
Rewards
"Kunimatsu’s Obsession" trophy, high-rarity loot. Required for Platinum.
4. Bloodedge Demon
Location: Dynamic; spawns at purple/bloody graves across regions (e.g., under bridges, villages near crucibles).
How to Find
- Defeat Revenants from red Bloody Graves repeatedly.
- Each kill shows a "malice direction" arrow on-screen/map (upper left), pointing toward the Demon's spawn.
- Follow trails until a purple grave appears; interact to summon the four-armed katana Asura-like boss. Respawns on reload.
Strategy
Block slashes, dodge pokes/AOEs, Burst Break red bursts. Avoid fire/wave/tornado attacks. High mobility and multi-sword combos demand perfect timing.
Rewards
Rare weapons, armor, soul cores from nearby grave.
These secret bosses embody Nioh 3's punishing yet rewarding design. Farm them post-game for the best experience, and check interactive maps on Reddit for visuals. Happy hunting!
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