Tokugawa Ieyasu
The unifier who recognized the power to cleanse the Crucible.
Tokugawa Ieyasu appears in Nioh 3 as a pivotal historical figure during the late Sengoku period, specifically in the year 1572. He serves as a key ally to the protagonist, Tokugawa Takechiyo, recognizing their unique ability to cleanse the supernatural domains known as Crucibles. While his predecessor's game established him as an ancestor, this installment places him directly on the battlefield alongside Hattori Hanzo and Ii Naotora to repel Takeda Shingen's Crimson Army. His presence anchors the narrative in a time when Japan was fractured by war and overrun by yokai, requiring both traditional military might and mystical intervention to secure the future of the Tokugawa clan.
- Role
- Warlord / Ally
- Affiliation
- Tokugawa Clan
- Era
- Sengoku Period (1572)
- Status
- Alive (Game Timeline)
Lore & Background
In Nioh 3, Ieyasu is encountered in 1572 during a desperate defense against Takeda Shingen's forces. After Takechiyo arrives from the future and assists Honda Tadakatsu in forcing Yamagata Masakage to retreat at Futamata Castle, Ieyasu meets the protagonist alongside Hattori Hanzo and Ii Naotora. It is Ieyasu who learns of Takechiyo's destiny to purify the Crucibles, domains where yokai hold an overwhelming advantage due to the corruption of Crucinite. He acknowledges Takechiyo's identity and purpose only after witnessing their victory over Shingen at Hamamatsu Castle and Saigagake, realizing the protagonist's role in stopping the spread of the dark substance that fuels the conflict.
In Their Own Story
The year was 1572 when the Tokugawa Forces faced the Crimson Army of Takeda Shingen. Takechiyo, having traveled back from a ruined future, joined Honda Tadakatsu in battle against Yamagata Masakage, forcing the enemy commander to retreat. Soon after, Ieyasu reunited with his general and Hattori Hanzo, where they encountered Takechiyo. Ii Naotora quickly identified that this time-displaced warrior possessed the power to cleanse Crucibles, the corrupted domains threatening their world. As Takechiyo defeated Shingen first within the Hamamatsu Castle Crucible and then in his Yokai form at Saigagake, Shingen admitted his reliance on Spirit Stones due to old age and illness. In the aftermath of these victories, Ieyasu watched as Takechiyo vanished in Kusanagi's light, finally grasping the true identity and purpose of the stranger who had saved their forces.
Reader's Guide
Tokugawa Ieyasu functions primarily as a narrative anchor during the Sengoku period segment of Nioh 3. Players encounter him after assisting Honda Tadakatsu against Yamagata Masakage in 1572. His role is supportive but critical: he provides context for the threat posed by Takeda Shingen and the Crucible at Hamamatsu Castle. Unlike previous entries where historical figures might be obscured or purely antagonistic, Ieyasu here acts as a bridge between Takechiyo's time-traveling mission and the immediate survival of the Tokugawa clan. He does not wield supernatural powers himself but relies on allies like Hattori Hanzo and Ii Naotora to guide the protagonist toward the Crucible purification tasks. His presence confirms that the timeline has been altered by Takechiyo's arrival, setting the stage for the broader conflict against the spread of Crucinite across different eras.
Did You Know?
- In Nioh 3, Ieyasu meets the protagonist Takechiyo in 1572 after Takechiyo helps defeat Yamagata Masakage.
- Ii Naotora is the one who first recognizes that Takechiyo has the power to cleanse Crucibles.
- Takeda Shingen admitted he depended on Spirit Stones due to old age and illness before his final defeats.
- Takechiyo vanishes in Kusanagi's light shortly after Ieyasu realizes their identity and purpose during the Sengoku arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tokugawa Ieyasu in Nioh 3?
He serves as a pivotal warlord and key ally to the protagonist, Takechiyo, during the late Sengoku period. Set in 1572, he joins forces with Hattori Hanzo and Ii Naotora to combat supernatural threats.
What is Tokugawa Ieyasu's role regarding the Crucibles?
Ieyasu acts as a unifying figure who specifically recognizes Takechiyo's unique ability to cleanse the corrupted domains known as Crucibles. His support is essential for navigating the fractured landscape overrun by yokai.
Which historical figures fight alongside Tokugawa Ieyasu in this game?
He battles directly on the front lines with trusted retainers Hattori Hanzo and Ii Naotora. Together, they form a critical defense against Takeda Shingen's Crimson Army.
Is Tokugawa Ieyasu alive during the events of Nioh 3?
Yes, he is very much alive and active within the game's timeline set in 1572. Unlike previous entries where he appeared as an ancestor, this installment places him directly on the battlefield.
Why is Tokugawa Ieyasu important to the story of Nioh 3?
His presence anchors the narrative in a time when Japan was deeply fractured by war and supernatural infestation. As a leader of the Tokugawa Clan, his alliance provides the necessary strength to repel major enemies.
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