How to Beat Jakotsu-Baba in Nioh 3
Jakotsu-Baba is a yokai appearing as an elderly woman accompanied by twin serpent skeletons.
Overview
Jakotsu-Baba is a yokai appearing as an elderly woman accompanied by twin serpent skeletons. The right serpent controls ice and the left controls fire. She wields a wooden staff and possesses long, sharp claws. Her dual-element attacks require constant awareness, and an Amrita crystal emerges from her head in Dark Realm phase — destroying it deals massive Ki damage.
Recommended Setup
Recommended Level
14+
Element to Use
Lightning (Primary)
Bring Lightning Talismans and Quick-Change Scrolls. Consider using the Lightning Sword Build build for this fight.
Boss Moves
indicates a dangerous attack that should be prioritized for dodging.
| Move | Type | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crush | melee | Raises staff with both arms | Parry just before the club hits the ground |
| Snake Slam | melee | Pulls left snake head far back | Parry just before being hit, or dodge sideways |
| Ice Shards | ranged | Winds up with right snake head | Dodge sideways or parry just after she shoots |
| Fire Breath | aoe | Red snake opens mouth, smoke gathers | Roll through or create distance immediately |
| Grab Attack | grab | Fire serpent surrounded by smoke before grabbing | Unblockable — dodge sideways immediately |
| Head Projectiles | ranged | Detaches head from spine, body glows | Dodge toward and behind her — she cannot redirect backward |
Strategy by Phase
In Phase 1, Jakotsu-Baba uses basic attacks. Learn these patterns before the fight intensifies.
Phase 1 Moves
| Move | Type | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crush | melee | Raises staff with both arms | Parry just before the club hits the ground |
| Snake Slam | melee | Pulls left snake head far back | Parry just before being hit, or dodge sideways |
| Ice Shards | ranged | Winds up with right snake head | Dodge sideways or parry just after she shoots |
| Fire Breath | aoe | Red snake opens mouth, smoke gathers | Roll through or create distance immediately |
| Grab Attack | grab | Fire serpent surrounded by smoke before grabbing | Unblockable — dodge sideways immediately |
Tips for Beating Jakotsu-Baba
- Mid stance blocking in Samurai style is highly effective against her quick sweeps
- Always Ki Pulse to dispel yokai energy pools on the ground
- In Dark Realm phase, an Amrita crystal appears on her head — use high stance attacks or kunai to break it
- Dodge behind the boss for more damage — most attacks can't hit you from behind
- When she shoots her head from her spine, dodge toward her, not away
- Living Artifact mode destroys her health even without major upgrades
Drops & Rewards
| Item | Type | Rarity | Drop Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakotsu-Baba Soul Core | soul-core | rare | ~15% |
| Smithing Text: Twin-Snake Helmet | material | exotic | ~5% |
| Iron Switchglaive | weapon | rare | - |
| Ninja's Locks | material | common | - |
Recommended Builds for this Boss
Data Sources
Last Updated: Feb 25, 2026Game Version: v1.04