
Okay, so Nioh 3 is basically a samurai game where you’re slashing through tons of monsters with your sword. They do give you guns, but honestly, I barely use them. Ammo’s super limited, and trying to reload when a demon is charging at you? Yeah, no thanks. I stick with the blade!
In Nioh 3, enemies aren’t limited to melee attacks – you’ll also encounter riflemen and soldiers with cannons. Fortunately, you can dodge or block these ranged attacks, and even take advantage of their reload times to quickly close in for a strike.
One of the bosses in Nioh 3, Takasugi Shinsaku, is unique because he fights with both a sword and a pistol. He’s also accompanied by a strong Guardian Spirit, making the fight feel more like an over-the-top battle from a series like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Nioh 3: Takasugi Shinsaku’s Moves & Attacks

Image Via Team Ninja
Man, fighting Takasugi Shinsaku is seriously tough! He’s constantly switching between using his gun and sword, keeping you on your toes. And his Spirit? It just relentlessly throws out water attacks, often right when you try to block, which is super frustrating. He really makes you pay for trying to defend!
| Attack | Description | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Sword Strikes | Takasugi Shinsaku performs two regular attacks with his sword before his aura turns crimson, and he performs a third strike. | Parry the first two, then Burst Break Counter (R2) the third. |
| Water Bonding | Takasugi Shinsaku and his Guardian Spirit bond. He performs sword strikes while they fire water balls at the player. | Run and dodge. The timing of the two attacks makes parrying too risky. |
| Grab | Black and yellow dots appear around Takasugi Shinsaku’s hand. He lunges towards the player and tries to grab them. | Wait until he starts the lunge, then dodge. |
| Popping Caps | Takasugi Shinsaku pulls out his pistol and fires three bullets. | These can be parried, but dodging is safer. |
| Crimson Dive | Takasugi Shinsaku’s aura flashes crimson. He then rushes towards the player. | Use Burst Break Counter (R2) just as he comes into contact with the player. |
When Takasugi Shinsaku’s health drops to 50%, he’ll start attacking much more frequently and rapidly. It’s best to make sure you’re at full health before this happens.
How to Beat Takasugi Shinsaku in Nioh 3

Image Via Team Ninja
Takasugi Shinsaku is a tough opponent with a lot of health, making the battle a long one. He can attack from any part of the arena, and his powerful Guardian Spirit adds to his strength, making him especially dangerous.
Takasugi Shinsaku isn’t without his flaws. He needs to reload his pistol after only a few shots, which creates openings for attack. Also, he relies heavily on his crimson attacks, giving you plenty of opportunities to stun him.
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The Guardian Spirit is the biggest challenge in this fight, especially if you rely on blocking. Focus on playing as the Ninja, using quick movements to dodge attacks – that’s the best way to handle both enemies at the same time.
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2026-02-06 11:13