Nioh 3: How to Unlock the Mikatagahara Locked Gate

3 hours ago 2

How to Unlock the locked gate in Mitakagahara in Nioh 3

Published Feb 9, 2026, 2:55 PM EST

Christian has over three years of experience writing in the gaming industry, including guides and reviews, for publications such as DualShockers, Attack of the Fanboy, and PC Invasion. He has been an avid gamer since he was a kid, viewing it as the best possible art form and medium. Some of his favorite genres include Survival Horror, Soulslikes, and RPGs, but he finds joy in almost any type of game.

Nioh 3 has a large world to explore, filled with secrets and hidden paths. Unfortunately, some of the paths are blocked by locked doors that can only be opened with the proper key.

Most players will encounter a locked gate in Mikatagahara and will instantly wonder how to open it. But, after searching endlessly for the key, they’ll come up empty-handed and with no key in sight.

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The main reason for this is that this gate is tied to main story progression. If you’re wondering how to open the Mikatagahara locked gate in Nioh 3, this guide has you covered.

Unlocking the Locked Gate in Mikatagahara in Nioh 3

In order to unlock the Mikatagahara locked gate in Nioh 3, players need to progress through the story and complete the “Battle of Futamata Castle” main quest. This main quest begins after defeating Jakotsu-baba in the first Crucible of the game.

After completing The Battle of Futamata Castle, speak to Hattori Hanzo at Hamamatsu Castle to begin the next quest called “The Battle of Mikatagahara.” During this quest, you can interact with the gate again, but instead of being locked, it will be opened for you. In other words, there is no key needed for this gate. As a reminder, I have attached the location of the gate below.

Locked gate location in Mikatagahara Nioh 3

This gate doesn’t lead to much, except that opening it allows you to continue the Battle of Mikatagahara quest. Progressing this quest eventually leads to a showdown against Takeda Shingen, one of the hardest early-game bosses in Nioh 3. Be prepared for the fight by bringing your best weapon and armor.

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The Battle of Mikatagahara Quest Rewards

At the end of the Battle of Mikatagahara, which actually is a subquest called "A Fiery Invasion," you will be tasked with taking down Takeda Shingen in the Crucible. Takeda Shingen is challenging here, so make sure to come equipped with extra Elixirs and other consumables that can counter fire and poison.

After defeating Takeda Shingen, you will have officially completed the Battle of Mikatagahara quest in Nioh 3. The rewards for defeating Takeda Shingen are as follows: Samurai Locks, Basket Blade & Boar Cutter Smithing Text, and Shingen's Fan. Additionally, you will earn a bunch of loot drops, ranging from Rare to Exotic tier. The type of loot you receive is randomized due to the RNG nature of the game.

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You will also earn a new way to parry Burst Attacks, called Burst Breaks. This unique ability allows you to counter Burst Attacks by using your Guardian Spirit Skill instead of switching to a different style. While I prefer the original method, I can see the appeal in this skill as it removes the need to switch back and forth between styles.

Lastly, you have the opportunity to destroy the Crucible for good and return the region back to its normal state. After doing that, you are tasked with defeating Takeda Shingen in his second form during the "Battle of Saigagake" quest. Takeda Shingen is even harder during this quest, so I recommend grinding for some levels and leveling up your weapons and armor at the Blacksmith.