Mezuki

Mezuki is a boss in Nioh 2.

Character Directory[]

A Mezuki is a demon with the head of a horse. It can be seen in various picture scrolls depicting images of hell, torturing the wicked alongside the bull-headed demon Gozuki. However, its appearances in legend have also placed it outside of its underworld domain. Most notably, it is one of the demons on parade in the famous Hyakki Yaygo ("Night Parade of a Hundred Demons") that is written about in the Uji Shui Monogatari of the early 13th century.

One theory postulates that Mezuki came to be when a large number of humans and horses met their deaths, their grudges and hatred intermingling until finally taking form as the horse-headed demon. After slaughtering victims in droves to rid itself of its lingering resentment, Mezuki finally fell down into hell. It was sentenced by Enma, the judge of the underworld, to work there for as long as it took to make up for the lives it had brutally taken.

Due to the grudge it bears, Mezuki favors wielding weapons that cause pain to its enemies more than those that are effective at ensuring a swift kill. As a counterpart to its more malicious and sadistic side, it also has the tendency to recklessly charge at its enemies, displaying less forethought and more similarity to a rampaging horse. One might attribute its dual nature to its mixed human and horse origins. If you face Mezuki in battle, dodging its charges and attacking it from behind will surely lead you to victory.

Location[]

Mezuki is the boss of the first mission, The Village of Cursed Blossoms. Afterwards, it appears as a miniboss in a few missions, often alongside Gozuki. It also appears near the end of The High-spirited Demon by itself, providing a useful Soul Core to deal with Daidara Bocchi.

Behavior[]

Mezuki uses its massive cleaver for huge sweeping strikes. It can also release spirits that deal slight damage and summon Dark Realm pools. It has a grapple that saws through the player, dealing multiple strong hits. Its Burst attacks are a furious three-hit swing and a mighty swing. When its Ki is depleted, it will summon the Dark Realm. It can fling shockwaves with its cleaver and gains a new Burst attack where it charges the player.

Weak Spot & Tactics[]

Mezuki's horns can be broken, greatly reducing its maximum Ki. A ranged weapon is recommended for this, as most of its attacks do not lower its head.

Keep your distance when fighting Mezuki and close in when it is safe. Try to stay behind it if possible. Don't be afraid to use Yokai Shift for temporary invincibility. If you have a Fire Talisman, use it to inflict Scorch, chipping away at its health while you keep your distance. It may be the first boss, but it will still put up a fight.

Drops[]

Mezuki Soul Core
Blood-Encrusted Sawtooth

Locations[]

Dialogue[]

Yokai text: I'LL CLEAVE THEM ALL INTO TINY BITS. I'LL HACK AND SAW UNTIL I FINALLY REACH HELL...

Related trophies[]

Icon	Name	Description	Trophy
	Grazer Eraser	Defeated Mezuki and Gozuki in the same mission.	Bronze