Throughout the three open-world maps in Nioh 3, players can find numerous bosses, some tied to the main story while others are linked to the collectibles and myths. Every map or era has a secret boss who is considerably more challenging than any other enemy players might face in that era.
Finding these bosses can be problematic since they aren't exactly marked on the map, and even if players find their location on the map, getting to them is another story. The guide below offers the locations of all the secret bosses in Nioh 3.
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All Secret Boss Locations in Nioh 3
Warring States Secret Boss
- Region: Iinoya
To find the Demon of Pride in Warring States, players will first have to progress through the game and reach the second era, Heian. Even though the boss is in Warring States, accessing it is not possible until you unlock a necessary Guardian Spirit skill. In the first region, Mount Kurama, follow the main path until you have to defeat the Great Tengu boss. After this, the skill will unlock, and you can then make your way to the Temple Ruins - Cemetery Shrine.
From the shrine, exit through the main gate ahead and head east, following the path until you spot some platforms you can jump up to reach a bridge leading to the Sengan Waterfall Shrine. Be sure to activate this shrine, as this is right before the boss encounter. Now head down and go north to find a Spirit Vein that you can now traverse to reach the boss arena.
Demon of Pride's main form of damage is water-based. He has long-range attacks that can almost one-shot you if you are not careful. He also has a habit of sending out water discs with great tracking, so a perfect dodge is advised for them. The Ninja Style is great for this fight because you can use Ninjutsu like Fire Shuriken or Shrapnel Bombs to deal a lot of damage to the boss while also inflicting the burn status effect.
During the second phase, do not be greedy when counterattacking if he has water orbs floating above him. These launch towards you after the boss performs an attack. Since these secret bosses are not missable, you can delay fighting them if you feel underleveled or if you are not doing enough damage.
Defeating the boss will earn you the "Kunimatsu's Pride" trophy/achievement.
Heian Secret Boss
- Region: Hachijo
For the Demon of Envy boss in Heian, you will first have to make way to the Rajomon: Suzaku Avenue Shrine in Hachijo. From here, head north, taking the first right, jump up the wooden platform, and drop down into the swamp. There is an exit if you stick to the left wall and head straight to find an enemy base here. After clearing it, you can interact with the Anneibo Temple Shrine.
From the shrine, head east, up the stairs, and jump across to the roof on the right. Keep going until you can kick a stack of wood down, which acts as a shortcut platform. Now head down the set of ladders and drop into the boss arena up ahead.
The Demon of Envy uses fire attacks, most of which can instantly inflict the burn status effect if you get hit by them. Most of her attacks are AOE, so deflecting them in the Samurai Style is not recommended since you will have to dodge out of the area immediately afterwards.
Since the Ninja Style has faster Ki regeneration, it is best that you play around the perfect dodges while using any Ninjutsu you have to keep the boss at bay.
Defeating the boss will earn you the "Kunimatsu's Envy" trophy/achievement.
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Bakumatsu Secret Boss
- Region: Nijo Castle
For the Demon of Obsession boss in Bakumatsu, you will have to go to Nijo Castle. From the Horikawa Market Shrine here, head east following the path until you reach Mibu. Now keep going on the main road, making sure you head east, then north to reach the Mibu Temple - Main Gate Shrine.
Even though not required for the secret boss, if you want to access the Mibu Temple, you will need a key, which you can get by completing a Myth for Thomas Glover.
From the Main Gate Shrine, turn around and head left to find stairs leading down into a small area with Shinsengumi enemies. Deal with them if you want to, and keep going ahead to reach the Abandoned Temple Outskirts Shrine. Rest at the shrine, then cross the bridge to initiate the boss fight.
The Demon of Obsession is the final secret boss in the game and uses a cannon. Some of the cannon shots are direct, so you will have to deflect or dodge them immediately, while some are imbued with wind so the boss can purposefully delay them. The boss also charges towards you like a bull, so you need to move out of the way.
Be mindful of staying too close to the boss because he has a few tornado attacks that are deadly, and he can also grab you. Both styles here work great, but do not get greedy with your attacks since the boss can slam down his cannon, making you go out of Ki.
Defeating the boss will earn you the "Kunimatsu's Obsession" trophy/achievement.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- February 6, 2026
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo
- Publisher(s)
- Koei Tecmo
