Endings Explained: Should You Kill or Spare Tokugawa Kunimatsu?
The main story ending for Nioh 3 can change slightly depending on whether you kill or spare Tokugawa Kunimatsu. See which endings you can get based on this decision and what it means in this guide!
List of Contents
Nioh 3 Ending Explained
Defeating Hiruko Cleanses the Spirit Tree
After defeating the Final Boss Hiruko, he will disappear along with Himiko, and the Crucible over the castle will be cleansed. The Spirit Tree will return to its previous vitality, with no more corrupting influence.
Tokugawa Takechiyo Becomes the Shogun in 1622 CE
The ending scene of Nioh 3 declares Tokugawa Takechiyo (the player character) becoming Shogun, taking on the name Tokugawa Iemitsu. The details surrounding his ascension to Shogun may vary depending on your choice before the ending scene.
Should You Kill or Spare Tokugawa Kunimatsu?
The Choice Slightly Affects the Ending Cutscene
The main story for Nioh 3 ends with a final choice for the main character: to kill or spare Tokugawa Kunimatsu. Takechiyo becomes Shogun either way, but the choice in Kunimatsu's fate will change the length and tone of the ending scene.
Killing Him Shortens the Ending — The Protagonist Rules Alone
Choosing to execute him will show Tokugawa Takechiyo ending Kunimatsu's life while saying the role of Shogun is his alone.
The scene will cut to the ceremony of Takechiyo becoming Shogun, interspersed with a short scene of him in a Ninja uniform defeating yokai. The spirit of Himiko is shown to be watching him from the shadows.
Sparing Him Gives Extra Scenes — Kunimatsu Supports the New Shogun
Choosing to spare him will have Tokugawa Takechiyo take Kunimatsu's hand and prevent him from ending his own life. The scene continues to the ceremony announcing Takechiyo as Shogun, cutting to the same scene of a Ninja-clad man defeating yokai.
It is revealed, however, that it was Kunimatsu in disguise who defeated the yokai. He had been tasked with eliminating yokai while working in the shadows, supporting Takechiyo's reign as Shogun.
Nioh 3 Related Guides
Recommended Guides
| General Guides | |
|---|---|
 Interactive Map |
 Best Weapon Tier List |
 Crucible Wraiths |
 Best Clans to Join |
 Smithing Texts |
 List of Soul Cores |
 List of Graces |
 Endings Explained |
 Trophy List and All Achievements |
 Character Creation Codes |
| Collectible Guides | |
 List of All Collectibles |
|
Shrines
Chijiko
Kodama
Lesser Crucibles
Enemy Bases
Scampuss
Six Jizo
Masters
Hot Springs
NurikabeNioh 3 Wiki
| Nioh 3 Wiki Contents | |
|---|---|
 Builds |
 Bosses |
 Main Missions |
 Side Quests and Myths |
 Tips and Tricks |
 Martial Arts |
 Armor |
 Weapons |
 Skills |
 Guardian Spirits |
 News and Game Info |
- |
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