How to beat Baba Nobuharu in Nioh 3

Baba Nobuharu is an early boss tucked inside Futamata Castle, fought as part of the main quest “The Battle of Futamata Castle” on the road to becoming shogun. He wields a large axe, uses water-based attacks, and fights in confined spaces that leave little room to hide.

The boss also employs a trick that can mislead your timing, though the fight is not among the most complex in the game. Prepare by aiming for at least level 39 before attempting the mission and consider finishing short side quests to level up. Exploit wind and lightning attacks where possible: lightning deals extra damage, while fire and scorching are less effective.

Baba will stay in melee range and pressure you, so kiting and striking from afar with ninjutsu can be effective; many of his combos have long animations and recovery windows you can punish. His most notable ability creates an illusionary copy that often performs an attack before the real Baba follows up.

baba nobuharu, nioh 3, futamata castle, large axe, water attacks, lightning damage, wind attacks, ninjutsu, level 39, illusionary copy