How to Beat Otoroshi in Nioh 3
Otoroshi is a massive beast-like yokai that shifts between quadrupedal and bipedal forms.
Overview
Otoroshi is a massive beast-like yokai that shifts between quadrupedal and bipedal forms. Considered the easiest main story boss, it uses ice attacks and has slow, telegraphed movements perfect for backstabbing. In all-fours form it scampers around the battlefield; depleting its stamina forces it bipedal in Yokai Realm, where different but still manageable moves appear.
Recommended Setup
Recommended Level
69+
Element to Use
Fire (Primary)
Bring Fire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokai Teleport | aoe | Disappears briefly, dark energy at its position | Run or dash forward to avoid the reappearance AoE |
| Teleport Grab | grab | Teleports close with grabbing motion | Dodge forward — cannot block or parry |
| Crimson Ice Crash | aoe | Hand slams downward with red glow | Burst Break Counter (R2) at hand contact |
| Ice Storm | ranged | Rears back and summons ice shards | Block or Ninja dodge to the side |
| Ice Clubs | melee | Forms temporary ice weapons on arms | Dodge and wait — they break after a short period |
| Spirit Blast | aoe | Gathers energy, releases in a sphere around body | Run to the side — creates safe zones for counterattack |
Strategy by Phase
In Phase 1, Otoroshi uses basic attacks. Learn these patterns before the fight intensifies.
Phase 1 Moves
| Move | Type | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokai Teleport | aoe | Disappears briefly, dark energy at its position | Run or dash forward to avoid the reappearance AoE |
| Teleport Grab | grab | Teleports close with grabbing motion | Dodge forward — cannot block or parry |
| Crimson Ice Crash | aoe | Hand slams downward with red glow | Burst Break Counter (R2) at hand contact |
| Ice Storm | ranged | Rears back and summons ice shards | Block or Ninja dodge to the side |
Tips for Beating Otoroshi
- Slow movement makes backstabbing straightforward — circle behind constantly
- All-Fours phase: Use Ninja mode and keep hitting from the back
- Bipedal phase: Switch to Samurai stance — many moves can be parried
- Ice Clubs are the most dangerous move — run away and wait for them to break
- Spirit Blast creates safe zones — use them to heal or reposition
- Despite high recommended level, this is the easiest main story boss
Drops & Rewards
| Item | Type | Rarity | Drop Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otoroshi Soul Core | soul-core | rare | ~20% |
| Beast Fang | material | common | - |
| Frozen Beast Claw | weapon | rare | ~25% |
Recommended Builds for this Boss
Other Boss Guides
Data Sources
Last Updated: Feb 25, 2026Game Version: v1.04