Honda Tadakatsu

**Honda Tadakatsu** is a character in *Nioh 2.*

## Character Directory

Honda Tadakatsu is one of Tokugawa Ieyasu's most loyal generals and also goes by the name Heihachiro. As one of the Tokugawa clan's four most decorated and celebrated military commanders, he takes his place as one of what are known as the Four Heavenly Kings.

Tadakatsu is what was known as a hereditary daimyo, meaning that his clan has served the Tokugawa clan for generations. He excelled himself on the battlefield, and was a master of using tactical retreats to turn the tables on even overwhelmingly strong enemies. His reputation was such that he was praised as a general who surpassed even Lord Ieyasu himself. So masterful is his prowess on the battlefield and his tactical nous that in spite of being a veteran of countless campaigns, he has never suffered so much as a scratch.

Following a plea from Oda Nobunaga, the Tokugawa forces join the Battle of Anegawa where they clash with the combined forces of the Azai and Asakura clans. The tide of the battle turns against the Tokugawa army when large numbers of yokai join the ranks of their enemy's army. The ferocious commander of the Asakura forces, Magara Naotaka, even transforms into a yokai himself and cuts a swathe through the opposing forces. Tadakatsu tries to take Naotaka on alone but he faces imminent defeat after his spear is sent flying. It is at this point that the protagonist appears and allows Tadakatsu to narrowly escape what seemed like certain death.

As Takeda Shingen advances from the west, Tokugawa Ieyasu attempts to fight back against the seizure of his territory at Mikatagahara but suffers a potentially calamitous defeat. As Tadakatsu stands his ground in order to buy time for his master to make his escape, he encounters a yokai and is forced once again to fight for his life. Just as it seems that all is lost, the protagonist comes to the rescue for a second time. DEeply impressed by the protagonist's bravery and strength, Tadakatsu vows to one day repay his debt of gratitude.

Tadakatsu encounters the protagonist once again on the battlefield of Komaki and Nagakute as his forces face down Tokichiro's troops with the aim of securing a decisive victory. Keen to repay the debts left over from the Battle of Anegawa, Tadakatsu wields his trusty spear, Tombokiri, and secures a path through the melee that allows the protagonist to go after Tokichiro.

## Location

Honda Tadakatsu is an ally in a few missions. He is fought in a duel in Horns on Head, Dragonfly in Hand, and later in The Trustworthy.

## Behavior

Honda Tadakatsu wields his trusty Spear in combat. Aside from several unique Spear techniques, he can unleash a massive Ki Pulse or summon Shin-Roku to leave a lingering lightning field or heal himself.

## Weak Point & Tactics

Honda Tadakatsu is slow but hits incredibly hard, able to take out massive chunks of health with his standard attacks. His thrust attack cannot be blocked, so be ready to dodge.

## Drops

* Tombokiri
* Warrior of the East Armor

## Locations

* The Tiger Approaches (Ally)
* Horns on Head, Dragonfly in Hand
* The Two Faces of Hospitality (Ally)
* The Trustworthy