Nioh - Derrick the Executioner Boss Guide

This page contains a boss strategy guide for Derrick the Executioner in Nioh on PS5 and PS4. Included are enemy attack patterns, recommended equipment, and tips and tricks to defeat the boss in the game.

Nioh and Nioh 2 (including all DLCs) are also bundled in the Nioh Collection on PS5.

Click here to go to the Boss Guide Summary Page.

Derrick the Executioner Boss Guide

The first boss of the game is Derrick the Executioner who wields a giant axe, and is encountered in the Main Mission The Man with the Guardian Spirit. As his build might suggest, he is quite slow and his attacks are very telegraphed. The key to the fight is making him miss (particularly his charging attack) and swiping him once or twice with your weapon. Don’t be afraid to use even the Battle Axe against him, as you can still put in two hits when he misses before he retaliates. You’ll do well with any armor, but lightweight gear should help you to dodge and evade his attacks.

First Phase

Derrick moves very sluggishly, having very telegraphed movement when he’s going to attack. One good strategy is to keep strafing him until he charges at you. Dodge to his side and attack him two times, then back away and bait him again.

Second Phase

For the second phase of the fight, Derrick’s transformation will cause him to have longer range with his axe, as well as being a bit faster and stronger. Fortunately, his attacks are still very telegraphed. He will often charge at you head-on (which has a very telling startup), so bait him from afar for him to use it again. Dodge to the side, then do a couple of strikes before he retaliates by turning around and striking you. He will drop to his knees when he you deplete his Ki again, so take advantage of this and unleash two cycles of a combo, then get away from him again before he gets up. Repeat the process and he will fall. Once your Guardian Spirit tells you to use your Living Weapon, the fight will end.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply



Be the first to comment