
Hiruko is the last boss of Nioh 3's story during the main mission A Sinister End. See how to beat the last boss Hiruko in this guide, including his weaknesses, drops, and location.
List of Contents
The second encounter with Hiruko is the story's last boss fight, which can be won by using hit-and-run tactics. Follow these tips to win the boss encounter:

Prioritize dodging over blocking during the fight. Hiruko’s attacks not only deal accumulating chip damage but also inflict status effects unless deflected.

The Dark Realm slows down Ki regeneration, so focus on avoiding his attacks during this phase. Use hit-and-run tactics and do not overcommit to attacks.
Most of Hiruko's sword attacks hit directly in front of him. Dodge past him to strike from behind, ensuring you leave enough stamina to disengage.
When Hiruko leaps into the air and throws a fan of projectiles, pull back as he will perform his red attack. This should give you more time to react and counter for a Burst Break.
Do not forget to use your summoning seals, especially as you can now have two of them equipped by this stage in the game. They can help deal extra damage, open opportunities to attack, or even save you from dying.
If you're struggling at the recommended level, take some time to gain a few extra levels and farm better gear before your next attempt.
How to Level Up Fast: Amrita Farming Guide
Keep your Living Artifact ready to secure the victory when Hiruko is low. You're invulnerable while in this state but you must still dodge or block because sustaining damage shortens its duration.
You also have unlimited Ki while Living Artifact is active. Use this to spam your most potent Martial Arts.
Summon an acolyte from nearby benevolent graves to serve as a distraction and help deal chip damage. You'll need Ochoko Cups to summon acolytes, which you can obtain by defeating revenants from bloody graves.
Use talismans and items such as Power Talismans and Power Pills to boost your attack. Note that they do not stack and only refresh the duration of the attack buff.
You can also use the talismans from Soul Cores listed below to give you an advantage.
| Talisman / Soul Core | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sloth Talisman (Joro-gumo Soul Core) |
Greatly reduces the speed of an enemy |
| Scampuss Summoning Seal (Scampuss Soul Core) |
Shreds enemy Ki quickly |
| Life Leech Talisman (Mermaid Soul Core) |
Helps keep your health topped up |
| Preservation Talisman (Mujina Soul Core) |
Saves you from a fatal hit |
| Barrier Talisman (Otoroshi Soul Core) |
Boosts Ki regeneration and dispels Yokai Realms |
| Weaknesses | ・None |
|---|---|
| Resistances |
・Scorched ・Saturated ・Electrified ・Blustered ・Poisoned ・Paralyzed |
| Era | Final Battle of Edo |
| Main Mission |
A Sinister End (Recommended: Lv 134) |
|
・Ornamental Blade Lv. 148 (+1) - Sword ・Ornamental Blade Lv. 148 (+1) - Spear ・Smithing Text: Ornamental Blade - Sword ・Smithing Text: Ornamental Blade - Spear ・Samurai's Locks ・Warrior's Text x2 ・Hiruko Soul Core |
Hiruko (Final Boss) is found in Kyoto Imperial Palace at the Imperial Palace Crucible during the mission A Sinister End.

| Warring States | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yamagata Masakage |
Jakotsu-baba |
Baba Nobuharu |
|||
Yamagata Masakage (Yokai) |
Takeda Shingen |
Takeda Shingen (Yokai) |
|||
| Heian | |||||
Great Tengu |
Otoroshi |
Ibaraki Doji |
|||
Kajiwara Kagetoki |
Minamoto no Yoritomo |
||||
| Antiquity | |||||
Kusanagi |
Hiruko |
||||
| Return to Edo | |||||
Tokugawa Kunimatsu |
|||||
| Bakumatsu | |||||
Takasugi Shinsaku |
Enenra |
Nuribotoke |
|||
Okita Soji |
Tokugawa Yoshinobu |
||||
| Final Battle of Edo | |||||
Hiruko (Final Boss) |
|||||
| Optional Bosses | ||
|---|---|---|
Demon of Pride |
Demon of Envy |
Demon of Obsession |
| Optional Bosses | ||
|---|---|---|
Bloodedge Demon |
Ryomen Sukuna |
Hino-Enma |
Otzu no Kata |
Yoki |
Hattori Hanzo |
| Ninja Yoki | Kyokotsu | Aggrieved Warrior |
| Warring States Era | ||
|---|---|---|
Kamaitachi |
Mezuki |
Green Shadow's Blade |
| Blood-Spurting Ogin | Naito Masatoyo | Anayama Nobutada |
| Honda Tadakatsu | Nuppeppo | Onryoki |
How to Beat Hiruko (Final Boss)



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