A big part of the map is inaccessible
The Mikatagahara locked gate in Nioh 3 is confusing almost everyone who encounters it in Team Ninja’s latest Soulslike, because this area — recommended for players at just level 20 — is otherwise fairly small. With a single path running from the south and bending around to the east, and just a few points of interest to hit along the way, the locked gate heading north looks like it should be able to be opened.
Unfortunately, the first time you pass here, it cannot, for reasons we’ll explain. Here’s how to unlock the locked gate in Mikatagahara in Nioh 3.
How to open the Mikatagahara locked gate in Nioh 3
The long and short of it is that you need to keep progressing through the story to unlock the Mikatagahara locked gate. That’s the spoiler-free version, so if you still have story objectives to tick off in the Warring States period, crack on and come back to the locked gate in Mikatagahara later down the line.
For a more detailed explanation, this part of Mikatagahara is only accessible once you complete the quest called “The Battle of Futamata Castle.” After speaking with Hattori Hanzo at Hamamatsu Castle, this will begin a quest titled “The Battle of Mikatagahara,” where you’ll join forces with Tokugawa Ieyasu to take down Takeda Shingen. Head back to the gate once you’ve spoken to Hanzo and you’ll push it open upon interacting with it; no key required.
For more Nioh 3 help, check out our top tips, along with guides on how to emote, how to unlock the blacksmith, and the best weapons.
