Conquering the Bloodedge Demon in Nioh 3: A Comprehensive Guide

The Bloodedge Demon stands out as a distinctive adversary in the Nioh 3 universe, its power directly influenced by the quantity of revenants—hostile spirits of other players—vanquished by the player. For those who frequently enlist benevolent phantom allies, encountering numerous malevolent revenants to reclaim lost Ochoko Cups is a common occurrence, potentially escalating the Bloodedge Demon's challenge significantly. This comprehensive guide details the process of locating this elusive entity and offers effective strategies for its defeat.

Before engaging in combat, understanding the Bloodedge Demon's whereabouts is crucial. Players often receive notifications of its appearance after interacting with shrines, yet no specific location is provided. The demon materializes at a 'bloody grave,' identified by a large, glowing purple sword, which spawns randomly across the game map. A key indicator of its presence is the red trail left by defeated revenants, pointing towards its location. These trails, along with a red arrow on the in-game map, serve as breadcrumbs leading to the grave. Players are encouraged to follow these spectral paths, slaying additional revenants as needed to guide them, though caution is advised as each defeated revenant contributes to the demon's strength. It's also possible to stumble upon the bloody grave by chance, as some players have reported.

Defeating the Bloodedge Demon requires a strategic approach. While the demon's attacks are potent, they are also somewhat predictable. The 'Ninja' combat style is highly recommended due to its superior mobility and energy-efficient offensive capabilities, offering a significant advantage over more defensive styles. Ninjutsu attacks can be effectively utilized from a distance, and the Ninja's bonus damage from rear attacks can be exploited by skillful dodging and strategic Guardian abilities.

Patience and careful timing are paramount during the encounter. The Bloodedge Demon, despite its relentless assaults, presents brief windows of vulnerability following its lengthy combos. These moments are ideal for quick strikes before retreating. Successfully evading its grab or spin attacks often creates the best opportunities for counter-offensives. The demon's 'Burst Break' attack, signaled by a red glow and an impending explosion, can be countered by executing a Burst Break at the precise moment of impact, stunning the boss and opening it up for substantial damage. A fast-acting grab attack, indicated by the demon aligning its four swords and emitting yellow embers, can be avoided by a timely backward dodge.

The Bloodedge Demon's elemental swords—fire, water, and wind—dictate its attack patterns. Fire and water swords can create elemental pools, while water swords also allow for a wide, 180-degree splash attack that necessitates either dodging behind the demon or moving away, depending on distance. Wind swords unleash waves that are best evaded or blocked. Incorporating Soul Core summons, such as the Mezuki Soul Core obtained from defeating the temple boss in northern Tokaido, can provide additional damage and tactical advantages. Upon defeating the Bloodedge Demon, players are rewarded with valuable gear and its unique Soul Core, which, when equipped, allows for the summoning of a Bloodedge Demon ally.