- Primary Subject: Nioh 3
- Key Update: Complete strategy guide covering wind resistance prep, Burst Break timing, Dark Realm survival, and optimal Living Artifact usage.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 11, 2026
- Quick Answer: Stack wind resistance, stay under 30% weight, punish dash Burst attacks, apply Scorched/Saturated, survive Dark Realm calmly, and save Living Artifact for the final phase.
Minamoto no Yoritomo is the kind of boss that punishes impatience. He’s fast, controls space with wind magic, and turns small mistakes into huge damage.
If you try to rush him, you’ll get deleted. If you stay disciplined, manage your Ki, and pick your moments carefully, the fight becomes far more manageable. Here’s how to approach it the right way.
Who Is Minamoto no Yoritomo and Why Is He Difficult?
Minamoto no Yoritomo is a late-Heian boss who feels overwhelming at first because he’s fast, has long-range sword pressure, and layers wind magic on top of almost everything he does.
The safest way to approach him is to prep for wind damage, then play a controlled hit-and-run plan instead of trying to out-combo him.
Before entering, prioritize light gear so you stay under 30% weight for quicker dodges and better Ki recovery, and bring buffs that either raise your damage or lower his defenses.
Wind resistance helps, and Windstop Talismans are especially useful for taking the edge off his elemental chip damage once the fight ramps up.
For damage, lean into tools that apply Scorched and Saturated, since those statuses are his main weaknesses.
As a result, tools like Uncanny Flame and Shrapnel Bomb are strong options for sustained pressure, whereas Shuriken is better suited for safe poke damage and Ki recovery between close-range bursts. If the fight feels overwhelming, summoning help is a practical option.
Benevolent Graves can keep him occupied while you capitalize on openings, and taking time to strengthen your build is completely reasonable.
What Should You Expect at the Start of the Fight?
At the start of the fight, Yoritomo usually tries to establish momentum by abusing his reach.
Expect flurries of blade strikes that can be blocked if you must, a wind column/line attack that punishes straight retreats, and a signature dash-slash sequence where he cuts across the arena and often follows with a second cut.
This dash has two versions: the normal one is best handled defensively (block or evade both slashes), but the Burst version is the one you must respect—he’ll glow red as he “sets” the move, and you can counter with a Burst Break.
It’s essentially a two-hit pressure move; if the first counter window slips by, the next swing can still be Burst Broken, so don’t panic and prepare for the second blow.
Another high-danger move is the overhead slam that “splits” the ground and sends a wind wave straight forward; if you aren’t right on top of him, your best answer is to dodge to either side, because it hits hard and punishes late reactions.
Thankfully, his grab is highly punishable, since he telegraphs it with a leap, a short hover in the air, and a direct downward strike.
Back off as soon as he lifts, roll past him when he dives, and you’ll usually get a clean window to turn and land several hits while he recovers.
What Is the Best Overall Strategy?
Your overall plan should stay straightforward and consistent by baiting his attacks, dodging forward-left to get behind him, punishing with a brief combo, and backing off before he resets.
If he starts approaching at a slow pace, take it as your signal to attack from range with Ninjutsu, especially bombs or elemental items that let you stack status safely.
The ideal pattern is burst damage up close, create pressure, then reset at range and use Ninjutsu while waiting for Ki to refill.
If you’re using summoning seals or yokai allies, use them after you’ve made distance, not while you’re panicking right in front of him. Above all, keep your Ki topped up.
Most “instant deaths” happen because players empty their stamina, get stuck, and then eat either the dash sequence or a wind follow-up.
How Do You Survive the Dark Realm Phase?
When Yoritomo pulls you into the Dark Realm, what was once a block-heavy sword fight becomes a survival scenario, since his wind-empowered attacks inflict dual damage types and quickly wear down your guard and stamina.
The transformation phase leaves him open, giving you a short chance to unload a big combo or Ninjutsu before creating distance again.
While in the Dark Realm, play cautiously and keep your movement tight, as his deadliest pattern involves firing crescent-shaped projectiles mid-air and following up with a heavy slam that sends a shockwave across the ground. Do not run in panic.
Take short, measured sidesteps to weave through the projectiles, and once the final one clears, dodge immediately to avoid the ground attack.
He also has a fast circular wind disc move that begins with a subtle sword thrust; if you recognize it early, you can create space and avoid getting clipped by the expanding rings.
When he casts wind attacks while airborne, an effective punish is to dodge in and be ready to hit him on landing, because his recovery after touching down is one of your safer windows to do real damage.
When Should You Use Living Artifact?
Living Artifact is powerful here, but using it at the wrong time can waste it.
In the Dark Realm, Yoritomo’s constant AoE wind attacks drain your gauge fast if you try to absorb the damage, so it’s smarter to hold onto Living Artifact until the final stretch when you can finish him off safely.
Pop it in the normal realm to bully him harder, keep pressure with safe combos, and avoid getting chipped down by unavoidable wind splash.
After you empty his health, he’ll collapse to one knee, leaving himself exposed. Step forward and unleash a critical hit to activate the finisher and end the encounter.
If progress feels stalled, try lowering your equipment load, enhancing essential gear, adding Windstop or wind resistance, and only committing to fast, safe openings.
Summon a companion if you need breathing room, and do a “practice attempt” where you mostly dodge and block just to learn the tells, especially the red dash and the projectile-into-fissure sequence.
Once you can consistently survive those two patterns, the rest of the fight becomes a steady process of chipping him down with disciplined hit-and-run pressure until you can close it out with Living Artifact and the final critical strike.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming guides.