Part 55

Learn how to defeat Otani in Nioh with detailed breakdowns of his powerful attacks like Sword Dash and Air Slice. Master battlefield navigation and enemy encounters.

Alright, let's talk about Otani. This guy can power himself up, which is a real pain because it lets him extend his attack combos to a whopping five hits. He also gains this nasty 'Air Slice' move. Honestly, though, he's still pretty much the same Otani you've been fighting. Just keep your health topped up, use your buffs, and get a feel for his attack ranges so you can punish him. Be ready to dodge his 'Sword Dash' and 'Air Slice', remember to use your Living Weapon when needed, and you'll get through this.

Otani's Moveset:

1. Attack Combo(s): Otani mixes up sword slashes and kicks. In his base form, he'll do up to three hits, but when powered up, it's five. Once you learn the reach of these, you can counter-attack pretty reliably.
2. Sword Dash: This is probably his most irritating move. He'll quickly dash at you with both swords, trying to land a double hit. Your best bet is to roll out of the way, but guarding is a minimum. These hits don't do massive damage, but he can chain them, so stay sharp!
3. Power Boost: This is when Otani stabs himself with his katanas, giving them an energy aura. This makes his swings bigger and, more importantly, allows him to string together five attacks. He also gains the 'Air Slice' move. He'll lose this buff if his demonic ki drops, but he can power up multiple times per fight.
4. Air Slice: Once Otani powers up, he can use this. He swings his katanas, sending out energy waves. These will hurt even if you block, so try to roll away. He can do this multiple times in a row and usually only uses it when you're at a distance, so be ready.

After you finally put Otani down, you'll see some cutscenes. He'll die trying to explain himself, and then we get a little chat between Mitsunari and Shima Sakon. Looks like Mitsunari's not backing down.

Now, let's move out. Head out of the tents and through the door on the left. The soldiers are all fired up, but you'll want to head right to grab a corpse and then kick down the ladder. Feel free to use the Shrine here if you need to, then head back up.

You'll follow the path the soldiers took down to a bridge. Now, we have a couple of options. We *could* go straight over the bridge, but if you veer right, you can drop down to the river. There's a dead end to the right with another corpse, and heading down the river will get you another corpse and let you take out a scavenging soldier. At the very end of the river, there's a small alcove with some statues and a Healer Kodama.

We're approaching a house now, and you're on the actual battlefield, behind enemy lines. Take out the spearman here and check out the house if you want. The objective is to go past that distant watchtower, but we're going to head right first. Keep an eye on the two soldiers in the watchtower up ahead and shoot them down. This next part is a bit tricky and, honestly, kind of cheap, but we can backstab pretty much every enemy by working our way towards the bridge on the right. Just make your way to the house and bridge, taking out everyone. Also, note that there are four corpses scattered in this field – two to the left of the barricades, one in front of the house, and one behind it.

To the LEFT of the house, you'll find a Shrine and a well. If you activate this Shrine, all those enemies will respawn, and they're tough to fight head-on since they can spot you easily (I tried, it's rough). You don't have to fight them again, though. From the Shrine, head forward and into the house on the right. Follow this house around and kill the Samurai. This field to your right is being pounded by cannons, but there are four more corpses scattered around here – just be aware it's much more dangerous.

Head to the house over here; inside, you'll find a cowering ally. Go up the ladder and knock down the water barrel, then jump down, taking out a Samurai on the other side of the house. Go past where the barrel opened up and head left to find a Swordsman Kodama tucked away in the corner. Then, head back.

Keep heading right (straight ahead), sticking close to the wall on your right, and you'll reach a burned building. Go around the back to take out a Samurai. Further on, you'll see a man hiding behind a tree (more cannon fire) and a corpse out in the field. As you continue, you'll spot a small creek.