How to beat Yamagata Masakage in Nioh 3

Reporting by Pcgamer notes Burst Break is crucial against Yamagata Masakage in Nioh 3. Use Burst Break with R (RT on controller) when he flashes red to deal big Ki damage, making it easier to stun him and press Y to perform a Grapple; Burst Break also swaps you between Ninja and Samurai modes.

Recognize the Burst Break opportunity: he spins with a circular slash, then glows red and slams his weapon — that is when to Burst Break. After many of his combos there is usually a window to be aggressive and stunlock him a couple of times, but he becomes immune to stunlocks or will start blocking if you overcommit.

Use Ninja Mode if you are struggling, as it is more evasive with faster attacks and helps maintain short stunlocks. You regain Ninjitsu abilities like shuriken and explosive feathers by attacking; hold shift (or right bumper on controller) and then left mouse button and the wheel (X and Y on controller) to use them, and saving multiple explosive feathers can set him on fire for DoT.