How to Beat Takeda Shingen in Nioh 3
The 'Tiger of Kai,' Takeda Shingen is a Sengoku daimyo wielding a massive spear with Guardian Spirit support.
Overview
The 'Tiger of Kai,' Takeda Shingen is a Sengoku daimyo wielding a massive spear with Guardian Spirit support. Fought inside a Crucible which inflicts Life Corrosion — reducing maximum HP over time. He has three phases: normal spear attacks, fire enchantment at 75% HP, and wind enchantment at 25% HP. A methodical fighter relying on brute strength with a massive health bar.
Recommended Setup
Recommended Level
43+
Element to Use
Water (Primary)
Bring Water Talismans and Quick-Change Scrolls. Consider using the Water Spear Build build for this fight.
Boss Moves
indicates a dangerous attack that should be prioritized for dodging.
| Move | Type | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spear Strikes | melee | Multiple sweeping hits in succession | Parry in Samurai stance — most reliable counter |
| Crimson Slam | aoe | Glowing aura gathers, raises weapon high | Burst Break Counter (R2) as impact occurs |
| Impale | melee | Lunging thrust with black/yellow aura | Dodge sideways — do not dodge backward |
| Counter Stance | melee | Raises fan, white spinning lines appear | DO NOT ATTACK — wait for the animation to end |
| Fire Stream | ranged | Upward flame line from ground | Parry or dodge sideways — dodge is safer |
| Grab Attack | grab | Slowest wind-up, smallest range of all his moves | Easy to dodge — exploit the long recovery for free hits |
Strategy by Phase
In Phase 1, Takeda Shingen uses basic attacks. Learn these patterns before the fight intensifies.
Phase 1 Moves
| Move | Type | Tell | Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spear Strikes | melee | Multiple sweeping hits in succession | Parry in Samurai stance — most reliable counter |
| Crimson Slam | aoe | Glowing aura gathers, raises weapon high | Burst Break Counter (R2) as impact occurs |
| Impale | melee | Lunging thrust with black/yellow aura | Dodge sideways — do not dodge backward |
| Counter Stance | melee | Raises fan, white spinning lines appear | DO NOT ATTACK — wait for the animation to end |
| Grab Attack | grab | Slowest wind-up, smallest range of all his moves | Easy to dodge — exploit the long recovery for free hits |
Tips for Beating Takeda Shingen
- His Counter Stance (fan + white lines) punishes your attacks — stop attacking and wait it out
- Grab attack is his weakest move — slowest wind-up with long recovery, dodge and punish freely
- Use Footstool Jump martial art for double jumps over his blocking
- Life Corrosion affects him too — his stamina regeneration is poor inside the Crucible
- At Phase 2 (75% HP), fire enchants his spear — watch for Fire Stream from ground
- At Phase 3 (25% HP), wind enchants his spear — green projectiles added to combos
Drops & Rewards
| Item | Type | Rarity | Drop Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basket Blade & Boar Cutter | weapon | rare | ~30% |
| Potsicker Spear | weapon | rare | ~20% |
| Samurai's Locks | material | common | - |
| Tiger of Kai Armor (piece) | armor | rare | Guaranteed |
Recommended Builds for this Boss
Mission Walkthroughs
Other Boss Guides
Data Sources
Last Updated: Feb 25, 2026Game Version: v1.04