The Warring States is the first map players will get to explore in Nioh 3. It has a lot of secrets and hidden mysteries, including a secret boss that has special requirements to be accessed. Players don't need to immediately attack the boss once it's unlocked, as they might be under-leveled. Here's where to find the Warring States secret boss in Nioh 3.
Those Who Live In Shadows Myth Guide In Nioh 3
Here's how to find clues about the Mysterious Ninja to complete Those Who Live in Shadows Myth in Nioh 3.
The following article contains spoilers for future quests and bosses in Nioh 3. Please proceed with caution.
Warring States Secret Boss Location In Nioh 3
The Warring States secret boss is the Demon of Pride and cannot be accessed until players visit the Heian Era and complete a quest there.
Once the quest is complete and the Kurama Tengu Guardian Spirit is unlocked, head back to the Warring States and teleport to the Sengan Waterfall Shrine southeast of the Roytan Temple.
The Demon of Pride is actually represented by the gold box on the map. Go to the icon and use the Spirit Veins between the rocks to fly higher. Follow the Kunimatsu shadow closer to the waterfalls to summon the Demon of Pride. The boss has blue wings and a long feathery tail that looks like a peacock, which is not surprising considering it is a prideful creature.
Defeating the Demon of Pride is going to be challenging, and it's going to test players' patience. The secret boss uses mostly long-ranged attacks that deal high water damage. He will get close sometimes and swing his fans as well as stomp his foot.
Try to use mostly Ninja Style to take advantage of the three Ninjutsu spots where players can equip long-ranged throwables. Additionally, you can increase the Magic Stat to unlock more slots for the Yin Positions in the Soul Core section of the Shrine. This way, players can equip multiple Onmyo Magic Items that can debuff the Demon of Pride and give you an advantage or more healing.
Skills-wise, equip the Indomitable Spirit for Samurai as it increases Ki recovery speed when HP is lower than 30%, as well as the Recoup, and Unshakable. As for Ninja, Supreme Shift allows you to move behind the boss after a successful Burst Break when using Style Shift to switch to Ninja. Dodging and Snakebite Technique are also great, considering the latter increases damage with successive attacks. Equipment is also essential, so try to search for some pieces that can give you water resistance so you don't keep using your own stash of water-resistant talismans.
Defeating the Demon of Pride will reward players with a lot of Amrita, equipment, as well as unlock a Transformed Art called Death From Above Water. Interact with the ghost to get a cutscene of a more in-depth view of Kunimatsu's feeling towards his older sibling, you.
How To Get The Kurama Tengu Guardian Spirit
Kurama Tengu is obtained from the Heian Era. It allows you to briefly fly and jump up to a higher area.
Explore Mount Kurama and defeat the Tengu boss to complete the Sacred Mountain Defiled main quest in Nioh 3 and unlock the Kurama Tengu Guardian Spirit.
-
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
