February 26, 2026

Moroccan rug

How to defeat Great Tengu in Nioh 3

sbou120005 mins


The Great Tengu in Nioh 3 is the first major boss of the second act of the game, where you are transported back to the Heian era. You will encounter him during The Age of Clans Begins main story quest. While he is not a challenging boss, he has a few moves that can certainly put you on the back foot. Defeating him is also essential, as he is one of the main bosses.

This article will cover how to defeat the Great Tengu in Nioh 3.

Tips and tricks to defeat the Great Tengu in Nioh 3

The Great Tengu is a main story boss whom you will encounter during The Age of Clans Begins quest in Nioh 3. He will be waiting for you in Mount Kurama, and you will need to defeat him to continue the Heian story arc of the game. Let’s take a look at how to defeat the Great Tengu in Nioh 3.

Best setups

  • Recommended Style: Ninja
  • Guardian Spirit: Kongojinshi
  • Paralytic Shuriken
  • Uncanny Flame
  • Flame Breath
  • Windproof Amulet

Defeating Takeda Shingen for the second time will unlock the Kongojinshi Guardian Spirit that you can use both as a Ninja and a Samurai. Use it on the Ninja Style as it gives your Living Artifact Flame damage. The Great Tengu is weak to fire damage.

Having Paralytic Shuriken will also allow you to stun the boss. Your kit will revolve around Flame Ninjutsu as well.

How to defeat the Great Tengu in Nioh 3

Great Tengu (Image via Koei Tecmo)
Great Tengu (Image via Koei Tecmo)

Attack Patterns

  • When the Great Tengu starts flying in the middle of the arena, make sure to move away from him. He will unleash a powerful attack that can kill you.
  • His burst attack will be him sweeping towards you. You can either counter or side-step to dodge. In any case, you will get a few seconds to land some backstab damage.
  • Side-step to dodge his unblockable attack.
  • When he plants his Staff on the ground, make sure to move away as it activates a barrage of Lightning bolts.

Additional tips

  • The boss will wobble after both his burst and grab attacks. If you successfully dodge them and play in the Ninja style, make sure to get some backstab damage quickly.
  • You can block the Tengu’s normal attacks, but be careful of his magic ones.

After defeating the Great Tengu in Nioh 3, you will receive the following rewards:

  • Mino Veteran’s Gauntlets level 59
  • Crescent Moon Kusarigama level 59
  • Valor Record
  • Kurama Tengu

Check out more articles: