Nioh 3 Yatsu-no-Kami Boss Guide

Eight-headed giant serpent yokai

Viper's Sanctum
Difficulty ★★★★★
Level 50+
Weakness: Fire / Purity

Boss Overview

Yatsu-no-Kami is a legendary eight-headed serpent that appears in Viper's Sanctum. This is one of the most challenging bosses in the game, with the ability to attack from multiple directions simultaneously. Each head has its own attacks and patterns, requiring players to have excellent spatial awareness and quick reflexes.

Characteristics

  • Multi-Directional: Eight heads attack from all angles
  • Poison Area: Arena is covered in poison
  • Head Priority: Smaller heads must be dealt with first
  • Phase Changes: Loses heads as HP decreases

Weakness & Preparation

Attribute Weaknesses

Fire

Damage over time, wears down all heads

Purity

Extra damage to yokai, essential

Recommended Items

  • Fire Talismans: Apply to all heads
  • Purity Talismans: Maximum damage output
  • Potion Antidotes: Counter arena poison
  • Quick-Change Scrolls: Multiple recommended
  • Poison Ammunition: Additional damage source

Recommended Guardian Spirits

  • Spirits with Fire or Purity attributes
  • Spirits providing poison resistance
  • Spirits with AOE attacks for multiple heads

Attack Patterns

Multi-Bite Attack
Description: Multiple heads bite simultaneously
Counter: Perfect dodge through center
Poison Breath
Description: Several heads spray poison breath
Counter: Find safe gap between heads
Coil Attack
Description: Body coils around crushing player
Counter: Dodge away before coil completes
Venom Rain
Description: All heads spit venom upward
Counter: Keep moving, avoid pools
Head Slam
Description: Main head performs massive slam
Counter: Dodge sideways at last moment

Combat Strategy

Phase 1 (100% - 75% HP) - Eight Heads

  • Focus on eliminating smaller heads first
  • Apply Fire to multiple heads when possible
  • Stay mobile, never stay in one spot
  • Watch poison pools on ground

Phase 2 (75% - 50% HP) - Five Heads

  • Four smaller heads eliminated, faster patterns
  • Main head becomes more aggressive
  • Switch to Medium Stance for balance
  • Use Purity for maximum damage

Phase 3 (50% - 25% HP) - Three Heads

  • Only main head and two sub-heads remain
  • Attack power significantly increased
  • Poison coverage expands
  • Can use High Stance during openings

Phase 4 (25% - 0% HP) - Final Form

  • Only main head remains, berserk mode
  • Extremely fast and powerful attacks
  • Prioritize survival over all else
  • Wait for obvious attack windows

General Tips

  • Positioning is crucial - stay aware of all heads
  • Poison management is essential throughout fight
  • Don't greedily attack - safety first
  • Burst Counter on main head when possible

Recommended Builds

Purity Odachi Build

S-Tier

Weapon: Odachi (Purity enchantment)

Difficulty: Medium

Purity maximizes damage to yokai. Odachi reach helps hit heads while staying safe from poison.

Onmyo Switchglaive Build

S-Tier

Weapon: Switchglaive (Fire/Purity)

Difficulty: Medium

Apply elemental effects to multiple heads. Switchglaive range keeps you away from poison.

← Back to Boss List