What Are Enemy Bases in Nioh 3? ⚔️
Enemy Bases are concentrated enemy encampments scattered throughout Heian. These locations contain multiple enemies that, while individually manageable, can overwhelm you if approached carelessly.
Key characteristics:
✓ High enemy density – multiple foes in close proximity
✓ Yokai presence – some bases contain supernatural enemies
✓ Dark Realm coverage – certain bases are shrouded until cleared
✓ Shrine access – clearing bases often unlocks fast travel points
You might be wondering: Why bother clearing these bases? Beyond progression, they offer valuable loot, experience, and unlock essential shrines for efficient map traversal.
💡 Pro tip: Before engaging an enemy base, scout the perimeter to identify Yokai threats and plan your approach. Dark Realm bases require eliminating all enemies to dispel the realm effect.
Complete Enemy Base List – Heian Region 📋
1. Funaokayama (West) – Level 59 🎯
Location: Western Funaokayama
Acquisition: Automatic during Follow the Soldier’s Shadow myth
Status: Quest-locked
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recommended Level | 59 |
| Myth Required | Follow the Soldier’s Shadow |
| Difficulty | Easy (story-guided) |
| Dark Realm | No |
This base serves as your introduction to enemy base mechanics. Since it’s automatically cleared during the myth quest, you can’t miss it. Use this opportunity to learn enemy patterns in a controlled environment.
2. Funaokayama (East) – Level 59 🎯
Location: East of Funaokayama, below Frozen Ghost Town Shrine
Acquisition: Automatic during Shadows on the Capital myth
Status: Quest-locked
Navigation:
- Accept “Shadows on the Capital” myth
- Progress through quest objectives
- Base clears automatically during mission
Like the first Funaokayama base, this one integrates into story progression, ensuring you don’t need to hunt for it separately.
3. Horiike of Arashiyama – Level 62 🏔️
Location: South from Horiike of Arashiyama Shrine (mid-region)
Acquisition: Manual exploration
Status: Optional
How to find it:
- Fast travel to Horiike of Arashiyama Shrine
- Head directly south
- Look for enemy concentration indicators
❌ Common mistake: Rushing into this base underleveled. The recommended level 62 isn’t a suggestion – enemies hit significantly harder if you’re below this threshold.
4. Nishiichi – Level 66 🛡️
Location: Eastern Nishiichi, near Driftwood Fortress Shrine
Acquisition: Shrine unlock required
Status: Blocks shrine access
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Locked shrine | Clear surrounding enemy base |
| Higher difficulty | Level 66+ recommended |
| Strategic importance | Critical fast travel point |
This base is functionally mandatory if you want efficient map traversal. The Driftwood Fortress Shrine remains inaccessible until you eliminate all base enemies.
Strategy:
- Approach from the western path for better positioning
- Draw enemies one or two at a time
- Clear perimeter before engaging center
- Activate shrine immediately after clearing
5. Awawa no Tsuji – Level 66 🌙
Location: South of Awawa no Tsuji Shrine
Acquisition: Standard exploration
Status: Optional
Navigation steps:
- Fast travel to Awawa no Tsuji Shrine
- Travel south from shrine location
- Base appears in open area
💡 Pro tip: This base often contains Dark Realm sections. Bring items or skills that counter Dark Realm debuffs, as your Ki recovery suffers significantly inside these zones.
6. Hachijo (Anneibo Temple) – Level 73 ⛩️
Location: Eastern Hachijo, Anneibo Temple Shrine
Acquisition: Required for shrine and secret boss access
Status: Critical for endgame content
Special notes:
✓ Highest recommended level (73) in Heian
✓ Closest shrine to secret boss location
✓ Shrine occupied until base cleared
✓ Gateway to optional endgame content
Approach strategy:
- Preparation Phase
- Reach level 73+ before attempting
- Stock healing items and elixirs
- Equip anti-Yokai gear if available
- Execution Phase
- Clear outer enemies first
- Identify Yokai positions
- Use terrain for advantageous positioning
- Post-Clear
- Activate Anneibo Temple Shrine immediately
- Use as staging point for secret boss attempts
⚠️ Warning: This base features the toughest enemy composition in Heian’s enemy bases. Don’t attempt this significantly underleveled – the difficulty spike is real.
Enemy Base Mechanics Explained 🎮
Dark Realm Coverage
Some enemy bases exist within Dark Realms – supernatural zones that:
- Reduce your Ki regeneration
- Boost enemy aggression
- Persist until all enemies defeated
- Can’t be dispelled manually
How to handle Dark Realms:
✓ Manage Ki carefully – don’t overextend combos
✓ Bait enemies outside Dark Realm when possible
✓ Use Yokai abilities for Ki-free damage
✓ Focus on eliminating Yokai leaders first
Myth-Tied Bases
Two enemy bases connect directly to myth quests:
- Follow the Soldier’s Shadow – West Funaokayama
- Shadows on the Capital – East Funaokayama
Benefits of myth integration:
✓ Natural story progression
✓ Quest guidance to locations
✓ Balanced difficulty curve ✓ Story context for encounters
Strategies for Each Level Range 📊
Level 59 Bases (Funaokayama)
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Approach: Standard combat, story-guided
- Use basic combos effectively
- Don’t waste high-tier items
- Learn enemy telegraph patterns
Level 62-66 Bases (Arashiyama, Nishiichi, Awawa)
Difficulty: Moderate
Approach: Tactical positioning required
- Scout before engaging
- Use environmental advantages
- Manage multiple enemies carefully
- Stock appropriate consumables
Level 73 Base (Hachijo)
Difficulty: High
Approach: Preparation mandatory
- Max-level gear recommended
- Full elixir stock essential
- Knowledge of advanced mechanics
- Patience and strategic thinking
FAQ
Q: Can I skip enemy bases?
A: Some yes, some no. Myth-tied bases (Funaokayama x2) are automatic. Shrine-blocking bases (Nishiichi, Hachijo) must be cleared for access. Others are optional.
Q: What happens if I die in an enemy base?
A: You respawn at the nearest shrine with enemies respawned. Your grave remains at death location for retrieval.
Q: Do enemy bases respawn?
A: No, once cleared they stay cleared. You can revisit for item collection but enemies don’t return.
Q: What’s the reward for clearing all 6 bases?
A: Shrine unlocks, experience, loot, and access to Heian’s secret boss via Anneibo Temple.
Q: Should I clear bases immediately when found?
A: Only if you’re at recommended level or higher. Underleveled attempts waste resources and time.
Q: How do I know if a base has Dark Realm?
A: You’ll see purple/dark fog covering the area. Your Ki regeneration drops immediately upon entering.
Q: Is the Hachijo secret boss harder than base enemies?
A: Significantly harder. The secret boss is endgame content requiring level 75+ and optimized builds.
