If you have found yourself slamming your controller in frustration after being one-shotted by a lightning bolt, you are not alone. Players across the globe are currently searching for Nioh 3 – How to Easily Defeat Kajiwara Kagetoki, and for good reason. Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer stepping into the shoes of a shiftling, this fight is a brutal test of reflexes and preparation.
Kajiwara Kagetoki isn’t just a damage sponge; he is aggressive, unpredictable, and hits like a freight train. But every boss has a pattern, and every pattern has a counter. In this guide, we are going to break down exactly how to dismantle this lightning-themed menace, phase by phase, without relying on pure luck.
Understanding the Enemy: Kagetoki’s Moveset
Before we dive into the specific phases, it is crucial to understand what makes Kagetoki tick. He is a hybrid fighter, meaning he excels at both ranged and close-quarters combat. He utilizes a mix of traditional samurai sword techniques and supernatural lightning powers (reminiscent of the Raiken enemies).
Many players make the mistake of staying too far away. If you distance yourself, he will spam his bow attacks, which are difficult to dodge and cause terrible status effects. Conversely, if you hug his legs, you risk getting grabbed or swept by his wide-area lightning clears. The “sweet spot” is mid-range—just close enough to bait a melee attack, but far enough to retreat when he starts charging his elemental attacks.
For more general tips on managing difficult gaming encounters, check out our article on high-pressure strategy management.
Phase 1: The Human Form
The first phase is relatively straightforward but serves as a warm-up for what’s to come. Kagetoki fights primarily with his odachi and his bow.
The Bow Spam:
You will notice he loves to backflip and fire arrows. Do not block these indefinitely; your ki will deplete, and you will be stunned. Instead, wait for him to release the arrow and strafe slightly to the left or right. Follow up with a quick dash to close the distance.
The Cleave Combo:
He often performs a three-hit horizontal slash. The first two hits are easy to block, but the third comes with a delay. If you block the full combo, your stamina will be gone. The strategy here is to block the first two, then dodge through him or away to avoid the final heavy strike.
Phase 2: The Dark Realm and The Shift
Once you deplete his first health bar, Kagetoki will initiate the Dark Realm. This is where the fight earns its reputation. The arena shrinks, visibility drops, and his elemental attacks are amplified.
Lightning Tracking:
In this phase, tracking lightning bolts will rain down. You can see the target markers on the ground before they strike. Keep moving! Never stand still in the Dark Realm. If you see a red circle appear directly under you, dodge immediately—even if you are mid-combo.
The Night Raid:
He gains a new move where he dashes forward, cloaked in lightning, similar to a Night Raid grapple. This is unblockable. Watch for the red flash of the weapon (the grapple signal). You must dodge perpendicular to his path. If you time it right, you can get a free heavy hit on his back as he recovers.
Learning to read these grapple cues is a skill that applies to many high-level boss fights. For further reading on developing these skills, see our guide on reaction time improvement.
Nioh 3 – How to Easily Defeat Kajiwara Kagetoki with Burst Counters
If you are playing on the newer difficulty settings or utilizing the Yokai Shift mechanics, the Burst Counter is your best friend. Kagetoki has several “Burst Attacks” indicated by a purple or red aura.
When you see him winding up for a massive lightning slam or a charged arrow volley, do not dodge. instead, hold the Triangle button (Y on Xbox) to initiate a Burst Counter. If timed correctly, this will nullify his attack, stagger him, and dump a massive amount of damage onto him. This is the single most efficient way to shave off health in Phase 2.
Recommended Gear and Builds
You don’t necessarily need top-tier gear, but the right equipment makes a massive difference. Since Kagetoki deals lightning damage, preparation is key.
Armor Set:
The Tatenashi set is a fantastic choice here. It boosts your damage reduction when your Ki is high, which helps you survive his one-shot combos if you have a full stamina bar. Alternatively, if you are comfortable dodging, the Kigetsu set allows you to inflict Lightning status on him, lowering his defense.
Weapon Choice:
- Odachi: The high damage and long reach allow you to trade hits effectively. The “Moonlit Snow” skill is excellent for dodging through his attacks and hitting back hard.
- Switchglaive: If you prefer to play it safe, the Switchglaive allows you to poke from a distance and retreat before he can counter.
- Fists: For the aggressive player, Fists allow you to dance around his slow wind-ups and stunlock him if you are perfect with your timing.
Guardian Spirit:
You want a Spirit that deals Lightning or Fire damage, or one that offers defensive buffs. Komainu is a solid all-rounder, providing a buff to your close-quarter damage and heavy defense. If you are good at Burst Counting, Genbu or Seimei can help you regenerate Ki in the Dark Realm.
Consumables and Items
Don’t let your pride get in the way; use your items.
- Thunderproof Talismans: These are essential. They significantly reduce the lightning damage you take. Pop one before entering the second phase.
- Elixir of the East: Always keep your healing items stocked. You should enter the boss fight with at least 5-6 elixirs.
- Sloth Talismans: This is a bit of a cheese tactic, but it works. If you are struggling with the timing of his attacks, hitting him with a Sloth Talisman slows him down significantly, giving you ample time to heal or wail on him.
For a broader list of essential items for survival RPGs, visit this extensive resource on RPG consumables.
The Third Phase: Desperation
If you thought Phase 2 was bad, Phase 3 is Kagetoki at his most dangerous. He retains all his Phase 2 moves but gains increased speed and aggression.
The Clone Technique:
Occasionally, he may summon a phantom doppelganger. This is purely a distraction. The clone deals damage but has very low health. Focus on the real Kagetoki (the one with the health bar), but be careful not to get clipped by the clone’s lightning.
Strategy for the End:
This is the “Burn” phase. Stop playing defensively. If you play the turtle game in Phase 3, you will eventually make a mistake and die. Use all your Yokai Shift orbs, use your Living Weapon, and dump every bit of damage you have into him. Ignore healing unless you are below 20% health—just trade hits until one of you falls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being Greedy: Hitting him three times when you only have time for one is the quickest way to die. Patience beats speed in Nioh.
- Ignoring Ki Pulses: If you deplete your Ki, you are a sitting duck. Always manage your stamina properly.
- Locking On Too Much: While locking on is usually good, sometimes unlocking and running straight away from him is the only way to dodge his tracking arrows effectively.
Conclusion
Mastering this fight is a rite of passage. While it may seem impossible at first, once you memorize his telegraphs and manage your Ki effectively, he becomes just another stepping stone on your journey. We have covered the importance of preparation, the nuances of each phase, and the specific strategies for Nioh 3 – How to Easily Defeat Kajiwara Kagetoki. Equip your best armor, stock up on talismans, and get back out there. The glory of victory awaits.