Tadakatsu Honda

Tadakatsu Honda is a one of Ieyasu Tokugawa's retainers who attended to his lord in several campaigns. He is Ina's father. After his death, Tadakatsu has been heralded as a mighty and intelligent warrior, said to have returned from all of his battles unscathed. People in the Edo period have lauded him with several honorary titles, one of which includes the Four Guardian Kings of Tokugawa.

Before his playable debut in the Samurai Warriors series, he served as the model character for generic generals in Samurai Warriors. He acts as the figurative Dynasty Warriors Lu Bu of the series. Fans voted him to twenty-ninth place in Gamecity's Sengoku Musou 3: Empires character popularity poll. For the Samurai Warriors 4 poll, he placed forty-ninth.

His Nobunaga's Ambition counterpart is sixteenth place in Gamecity's character popularity ranking for 2015. The Nobunaga no Yabou 201X poll for 4-star officers puts him in eighteenth place. He placed twenty-sixth in the Nobunaga no Yabou Taishi poll for most favorite father.

In Saihai no Yukue, his height is 201 cm and he is 45 years old. He reads and trains as a hobby and his favorite food is rice.

Role in Games

 * "Ieyasu owns two things that exceed his own worth: that unique helmet and that officer, Tadakatsu."
 * Shingen Takeda, Samurai Warriors

Samurai Warriors
When he was introduced in the first Samurai Warriors, Tadakatsu was but a generic officer fighting under Ieyasu. His defeat at Okehazama is required in order to get Ieyasu Tokugawa to defect to the Oda. He is also given a spotlight at Mikatagahara, where he acts as the rearguard once Ieyasu's formation collapses. He also rallies the allied army and defends them as they retreat, being very hard to take down and even praised by Shingen (as seen above). This act of valiance also gives Hanzo Hattori the opening he needs to slay Shingen in all the commotion.

Tadakatsu is one of Ieyasu's formidable warriors who is famed for his strength in the field. He begins his story by advising his lord to attack the Imagawa at Okehazama. By obliterating Yoshimoto's forces, Ieyasu is able to declare independence and allies with Nobunaga. As a part of their alliance, Tadakatsu assists the Oda troop's escape from Kanegasaki. Years later, when Shingen marches into Mikawa, Tadakatsu vows to protect his allies and requests that Ieyasu escape from the overwhelming Takeda troops.

If an ally falls during their retreat, Tadakatsu is forced to use brute force for his lord's safety and slays Shingen, putting an end to the Takeda. Emphasizing strength over morals and patience, Ieyasu conquers the east with Tadakatsu's feats. Their remaining opposition is Kenshin, who is supported by Masamune and the remnant Takeda followers, Yukimura and Kunoichi. During the battle at Kawanakajima, Tadakatsu helps Hanzō through the eastern path to ambush Kenshin's camp at the mountain top. Waiting for them is Keiji, who eagerly challenges Tadakatsu. After the wild man's defeat, he declares that he will be waiting for a proper duel later. Upon their victory at Kawanakajima, Ieyasu rules the east. In a bid to rule the west, he breaks his alliance with the Oda and faces them at Yamazaki. Slaying Nobunaga and his followers makes Ieyasu the land's new ruler. As Ieyasu retreats back home to celebrate, Tadakatsu remembers his promise with Keiji and rides to duel him at Mt. Tennou. Striking Keiji down, the wild man ponders the purpose behind his rival's strength before he dies. Whilst training at another location, Tadakatsu reflects that the world needs more than might and loyalty and finally relaxes his guard.

Should Tadakatsu protect all of his allies, he remembers the importance of mercy and his duty. After Nobunaga is killed at Honnōji, Ieyasu is pursued by Mitsuhide's army at Iga. With Hanzō guiding their lord to safety, Tadakatsu is given the task of aiding all other allies on the field. Soon after their retreat, Hideyoshi avenges his master and stands as one of the two greatest men in the land. Although Hideyoshi's numbers greatly outnumber their own, Tadakatsu refuses to bow to any other leader and offers for his lord to fight back at Komaki-Nagakute. Routing Hideyoshi's army to defend his master's ambitions, Hideyoshi is able to escape and their dispute remains unsettled. As the Tokugawa army marches through the blackened ruins of the battlefield, Tadakatsu reaffirms his loyalty for his lord's desire for peace.

Samurai Warriors 2 has Tadakatsu support his master against the larger Asakura army at Anegawa. Tadakatsu is given the task of taking the central garrison to assist the rear attack on the Asakura's main camp. Due to his might, the battle is won and he earns the reputation of matching Zhang Fei's legendary strength in battle. When Shingen ambushes his lord and pins them at Mikatagahara, Ieyasu is willing to fight to the death with his men. Knowing the future of the land rests on his lord's shoulders, Tadakatsu advises his lord to retreat instead. As Ieyasu reaches the midway point, Shingen orders his army to charge and four brave Tokugawa followers pose as their lord to ensure Ieyasu's escape to Hamamatsu Castle. Defeating Sakon by the escape point, Tadakatsu orders a full scale retreat as their lord leaves the field. Tadakatsu has the option of defeating Shingen, but regardless of the result, Ieyasu mourns for the men who lost their lives for him. Encouraging his lord to realize the peace they will never see, Ieyasu decides to bare the burden for them.

After Shingen dies from illness and Nobunaga's death at Honnōji, his lord makes an alliance with the Hōjō and they attack the Sanada and Uesugi at Ueda Castle. While a great deal of their generals fall victim to the Sanada's water attack, Tadakatsu presses onward towards the main keep and defeats the zealous Yukimura. The defeat of the young general opens the gate and throws off Masayuki's plans. Whilst storming the main keep, Nobuyuki tries to stop him. His bold defiance impresses Tadakatsu to someday introducing the youth to his daughter. Years later, the power of the land is disputed between Mitsunari and Ieyasu, clashing their forces at Kusegawa. Sakon, who plans to use the setting to crush Ieyasu's men, directs the Eastern army into an ambush. Tadakatsu defies him by ordering the swift rescue of his isolated allies and leading an all-out attack. As the armies gather to end their differences, Tadakatsu decides to make Sekigahara his final battle for peace. With his duty fulfilled at last, he plants his beloved spear into the ground and bids a rest to the chaotic age.

In his dream mode, he participates in a tournament for champions. There, he faces Keiji, Musashi, Kotarō, Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, and Masamune to prove himself the mightiest warrior of the age.

Samurai Warriors: Katana introduces Tadakatsu in the Swordsman scenario where he stands guard over his lord at the Battle of Ōsaka Castle. His unexpected defeat causes the Tokugawa to fear the protagonist's might and cease their attack on the Toyotomi. The Stealth scenario has him return to Mikawa in order to expel the Fūma clan; he loses his life as a result. In the Unification scenario, the player must subdue him in time before the Uesugi's escape route from Hasedō is cut off.

Facing insurmountable odds from the Takeda army, Tadakatsu and his daughter proudly guard their lord at Mikatagahara in the third title. Scolding the Tokugawa men to live and not die for their lord, both he and his daughter have a small bout with Sakon and Yukimura. As Ieyasu pulls back from the disastrous battlefront, Shingen places his men in a pincer and traps their lord from the east and west. Protecting his daughter from danger and defeating Yukimura and Sakon, Tadakatsu then pulls back to protect his lord from Kunoichi and Shingen. Upon their defeat, the Takeda commander realizes that the tables have turned and orders his men to pull back. Soon after, Ieyasu's life is in danger when Mitsuhide assassinates Nobunaga at Honnōji. Crossing through Iga and placing his life in Tadakatsu's strength, the general clears a path by defeating Kotarō and Motochika for his master's safe return to Mikawa.

Hideyoshi rises to power afterwards and rivals Ieyasu for the land's ruler. As their forces confront one another at Komaki-Nagakute, Tadakatsu fights to swiftly bring victory for his lord and defeats Hideyoshi's "children" (Mitsunari, Kiyomasa, and Masanori), Nene, and Toshiie. Bested by Tadakatsu, Hideyoshi admits defeat and asks Ieyasu if he can create a land worthy in Nobunaga's image. Ieyasu instead offers that they work together to create a land of prosperity. For now, Ieyasu is content to have Hideyoshi rule the land and decides to settle his differences with the Takeda loyalists at Ueda Castle. After Hideyoshi's death, Ieyasu pushes for his right to take control of the land, giving his personal apologies to his belated friend but remaining undaunted in his conquest. Similar to his previous counterpart, Tadakatsu decides to have his last battle at Sekigahara for the land's peace. Routing several generals on the west, including Ginchiyo and Muneshige, victory is declared once Mitsunari dies. Tadakatsu returns unscathed to the delight of his lord and comrades.

Sengoku Musou 3: Empires has Tadakatsu resume his duties to Ieyasu when the latter renews his ambitions for the land. After defending their lord from Sakon's assassins, he and Ina hope to recruit Yukimura as an ally to no avail. Nonetheless, their efforts help the Tokugawa seize the land while the surviving members of the Western army are exiled to parts unknown.

Tadakatsu continues to fight for Ieyasu's forces in every campaign but Osaka Castle in Samurai Warriors 4. He and his daughter volunteer to act as Ieyasu's rear guard at Mikatagahara. When Ieyasu is shocked by their actions, Tadakatsu simply restates his oath of loyalty to his lord as his answer. Years later, his lord remembers his pledge and confides his trust in him at Sekigahara. Tadakatsu answers his lord's wishes to protect him by fatally cutting down Toyohisa.

In the aftermath of Sekigahara, Nobuyuki, and Ina plea for Ieyasu to spare the captured Yukimura. Takatora states in Ieyasu's stead the reasoning for the youth's necessary death: he is too dangerous to keep alive and his survival would disgrace those who fell at Ueda Castle. Upon hearing these assessments, Tadakatsu interrupts and joins the request to spare Yukimura. If his lord means to execute Yukimura with his current charges against the Sanada, then he must kill the married Sanada couple and himself to complete his command. Only then does Ieyasu give in and accept. After Yukimura's exile is issued, Tadakatsu disappears from the main narrative.

4-II shapes him into a prominent mentor figure for Naomasa in the Clash of Wills story. Once his comrade matures, they become trusted comrades-in-arms. Tadakatsu hasn't completely abandoned his reproachful concerns for his partner, continuing his competitive taunts even as they fight the remnants of the Western Army together.

He is the instigator for the husbands and wives downloadable scenario. Ina has been married to Nobuyuki, yet Tadakatsu can't completely come to terms with it. He challenges other married couples to prove their love and instruct the newly weds in a mock battle, facing the victors himself. Admitting his sound defeat to the power of marriage, Tadakatsu resolves to choke the personal gripes he has being separated from his daughter.

During Spirit of Sanada, Tadakatsu's first appearances are during the Mikatagahara campaign, often acting as his lord's rear guard. Though Masayuki corners Ieyasu, Tadakatsu and Hanzō rescue their lord and escape just as news of Shingen's death arrives to the Sanada forces.

During Nagashino, he and Ieyasu join Nagashino's defenders in defending the castle from Katsuyori's assault. Once Nobunaga begins unleashing the might of his rifles, Ieyasu politely asks Tadakatsu to bring the battle to a swift end, and he charges both Katsuyori and Masateru Sanada. When Nobunaga is killed by Mitsuhide, Ieyasu and his vassals are forced to flee back to Mikawa, and Tadakatsu and Hanzō decide to pass the Iga mountains to do so.

Hideyoshi later kills Mitsuhide and declares himself as Nobunaga's spiritual heir, which runs against the will of Nobunaga's remaining successor, Nobukatsu. Though Tadakatsu joins the fight, both sides opt to have a truce, and Ieyasu submits to Hideyoshi's will, recognizing as the true inheritor of Nobunaga's will.

Tadakatsu later joins his lord during the Tenshō-Jingō conflict against the Hōjō and the Sanada, hoping to claim the former lands of the Takeda for themselves. Although the Sanada initially ally with the Hōjō, they quickly turn to the Tokugawa for help, and Tadakatsu aids the Sanada in chasing out Ujimasa's forces. As a result of the battle, Ieyasu begins negotiations with the Hōjō, and agrees to have the Sanada cede Numata to their allies.

Masayuki, however, ignores the order and forms an alliance with the Uesugi instead, leading to the first siege of Ueda. Despite their massive numbers, the Tokugawa are duped by all of Masayuki's traps, and Ieyasu flees once again, with Tadakatsu guarding his lord's rear. Since the conflict has now earned Hideyoshi's attention, the conflict is called off, but Tadakatsu and Ieyasu continue to take note of the Sanada's talented lineage, most especially of the pragmatic Nobuyuki. To further tie their families together, Tadakatsu consents to his lord adopting Ina and wedding her to the young man. Once the Hōjō refuse to speak with the Toyotomi, Hideyoshi orders an invasion on Odawara. Ieyasu and Tadakatsu ultimately opt to remain with the Toyotomi and are part of the main siege at Odawara.

After the Hōjō's demise, Hideyoshi falls ill and perishes, followed shortly by Toshiie Maeda. With the lack of central control thanks to the large power vacuum left behind by both men, Ieyasu decides to take charge and rallies his allies to face the anti-Tokugawa faction, led by Mitsunari Ishida. Although the Eastern Army prevails at Sekigahara, Hidetada's near-costly tardiness at the battlefield leads to Ieyasu deciding to kill Masayuki and Yukimura.

Standing by his son-in-law, Tadakatsu joins Nobuyuki in pleading for clemency, even threatening to rebel. Though Ieyasu sees through Tadakatsu's bluff, he finally relents to their wishes when Hidetada himself asks for his own execution alongside the Sanada members.

Tadakatsu quietly passes off-screen, with his sons, Tadatomo and Tadamasa, inheriting his legacy and helping the Shogunate forces at Ōsaka in his name.

Warriors Orochi
During Orochi's story, Ieyasu laments sending Tadakatsu away to survey the terrain when his castle is invaded by the serpent king's forces. Tadakatsu is thus separated from his lord when the Tokugawa forces surrender to Orochi.

While he was away from his lord in the story of Warriors Orochi, Tadakatsu and his sons save innocents from Orochi's tyranny and appear prominently during each faction's 7-X stages, where he may be impressed by the player's actions. In Shu's story, he will aid Yukimura in defending peasants from Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo's wrath at Xi Liang. In Wei's story, he will ally himself with the Azai army after they rescue his sons at Nanzhong. During Wu's story, he will take position at Ji Province, initially mistaking the Wu Army to be specters. When it is revealed to be a plot by Dong Zhuo to have his enemies fight each other, Tadakatsu helps the Wu forces. In the Samurai story, he will help protect Huang Zhong's messengers from Lu Bu at Kanegasaki. Similarly to Lu Bu, Tadakatsu can only be unlocked by being impressed at the 7-X stages in all four stories.

By the time Warriors Orochi 2 takes place, Tadakatsu returns to his lord and joins the Shu army. At the Battle of Nagashino, he joins Zhang Fei in his mission to plow through Lu Bu's army, remarking that he is fighting with the true greats now. The two men also personally wish for their daughters' safety when the girls leave for a reconnaissance mission.

Tadakatsu appears in two dream stages in this title. He teams up with Zhang Fei and Musashi to demonstrate their expertise with their weapons. Tadakatsu personally volunteers to rescue his lord from danger and open a path for the main camp. In his second dream stage, he teams up with Lu Bu and Keiji to test their might against Orochi. When they near the main camp's gates, Xu Huang, Zhang Liao, Pang De, and others challenge them to prove their worth in battle. Tadakatsu agrees to their request.

Retaining his loyalties to Ieyasu in Warriors Orochi 3 Tadakatsu was one of the defenders stationed at Yangping Gate, a protective gate before Chengdu. Since Chengdu is overrun in the original timeline, it's implied that Tadakatsu either fled or died fighting the serpent forces. When the coalition from the future head towards the gate to warn Shu and Tokugawa of the danger the Hydra poses, Tadakatsu shares the belief that their visitors have blindly swore their allegiance to Da Ji and declare them their enemies. Once the coalition members prove their honest intentions to him, he lends his strength for their cause.

Tadakatsu then assists the pinned down Wei forces at Luo Castle to make sure Guo Jia doesn't go missing. He and Zhang Fei later take part in the search for his isolated daughter at Yiling.

During the events of Ultimate, Tadakatsu, Lu Xun, and Zhuge Dan are tasked with using the enchanted mirror to seal Tamamo for good at Wan Castle. Unfortunately, it only forces her to transform into the being known as Kyūbi. He, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun are also given an alternative scenario, where they are able to triumph over Guan Yu and Sun Quan's forces at Yangping Gate, though the trio still believe the story that they came from the future as they would not simply follow Da Ji.

In Warriors Orochi 4, Tadakatsu was originally accompanying Naomasa and Naotora Ii to Komaki-Nagakute when they are transported to the new world. Encountering Lu Bu and overwhelmed when he unleashes the power of his snake bracelet, the trio flee and end up encountering a new army at Guangling. Learning that the leader is Sun Quan, the group are eventually able to clear the misunderstanding and travel together to find more information about the land.

Tadakatsu later joins the army in rescuing villagers from Nobunaga's allies and join Liu Bei and Kenshin Uesugi's rebel army soon after. Tadakatsu later joins his fellow vassals in rescuing Ieyasu at Mikatagahara-Jianye. He also joins Zhang Fei, Sima Yi, and Naotora in testing the mettle of their children at Baidi Castle. Tadakatasu later joins his daughter in facing Orochi X at Olympus, being among the first humans to regain their lost memories from the previous games.

Pokémon Conquest
In the main story of Pokémon Conquest, Tadakatsu does not hold the reputation of being the greatest warrior of the land. He is instead known as a general who is close to Ieyasu and acts as his lord's protector. When Ieyasu mourns for the beaten Pokémon partners in his battle with the protagonist, Tadakatsu is the one to encourage him to press onward for them. His words inspire Ieyasu to see the battle to its end. He withdraws with his lord after the protagonist takes Fukutsu Castle.

Kessen
In Kessen, Tadakatsu acts as one of Ieyasu's advisers and his most prized general on the field. His martial skills surpass his lord in the first title but he is given a smaller amount of troops to balance himself with the rest of the army. He continues to act as Ieyasu's aid until his son takes over his position.

He resumes this role to a lesser degree in Kessen III. He aids his lord at Nagashino with rifle troops, but he mainly appears with sturdy spear or cavalry units in battle.

Nobunaga's Ambition
During Nobunaga no Yabou 201X's Strange Tale of Mikatagahara event, Tadakatsu is separated from his lord by the UMA horde. As he sought to fight his way back, he spotted Marihime (one of Shingen's daughters) surrounded by UMA. Her courageous resistance reminded him of Ina so he unabashedly hurries to her aid. He miscalculated the size of the threat, and the duo are nearly overrun. They are saved by the SLO agents and Nobutada's party.

Once they have a break, Tadakatsu humbles himself before his uncle; in his mind, he is no where near Tadazane's skill or Ina's bravery. Yet Tadazane's bravado heartens him to further devote himself to his duties. The Honda pair proudly fight side-by-side for the rest of the UMA extermination.

Geten no Hana
Tadakatsu receives a named appearance in Geten no Hana Yumeakari during Ieyasu's personal route. He interrupts one of his lord's conversations with Hotaru to deliver a letter from Mikawa. Once he sees the princess beside Ieyasu, he wholeheartedly thanks her for helping his lord overcome his fear of women. Hotaru warmly agrees to the retainer's enthusiastic request to keep supporting his lord, unaware of the deeper connotations of her words and Ieyasu's bashfulness over them. Tadakatsu continues to worry about his lord and is the first to inform Hotaru about anything which he deems peculiar.

Saihai no Yukue
In Saihai no Yukue, Tadakatsu resumes his role as Ieyasu's vassal. He admires his lord greatly and is sincerely trusted by his lord in turn. He bravely declares that he has never been injured in any battle and is often seen as an obstacle for Mitsunari to overcome. He has a minor rivalry with Yoshihiro as the two veterans are eager to test their skills against one another. Humorously, he drags his beaten body to his lord after their defeat at Sekigahara and promptly loses consciousness afterward.

Mōri Motonari: Chikai no Sanshi
Once again seen as Ieyasu's steadfast general in Mouri Motonari: Chikai no Sanshi, Tadakatsu trusts his lord and enthusiastically stays true to his duties. Despite being named one of the Four Guardian Kings, Tadakatsu is left mystified by his lord's actions and can't relate to Ieyasu in the slightest. Baffled yet undeterred, Tadakatsu at least serves his lord's purposes in battle as his might is feared by those in the Mōri army. He participates in all three battles against the Mōri and bravely dedicates the battle at Gifu Castle as his last. When defeated, he dies whilst expressing his loyalties to Ieyasu.

Development
Tadakatsu was conceptualized to have an aura of being "the strongest" for the Samurai Warriors series. Designers struggle to keep the strength of his three iconic items with history fans intact with each entry. To emphasize the idea of power and to parallel Keiji's tiger designs, he has a dragon tail attached to the back of his armor. His second design sought to rework his armor with more plating to focus on the tail, as if to fortify his stature.

The fourth title's design cuts back on his armor to make it appear more maneuverable. His concept was challenging for his designer, Hayaken. Supervisors remark that it required nearly as many retakes as Nobunaga's before finalizing. His charm point for this entry is that his deer horns now point backwards.

Personality
A scrupulous and puissant individual who firmly believes in Ieyasu, Tadakatsu swears to be his master's undaunted blade in war. Revered for his might and uninjured reputation, he is seen as the ideal embodiment for a warrior on the battlefront. He doubles as Ieyasu's sound aide in earlier titles, but his importance as a general is gradually put into the focus as the series develops. Proud of his perfect record, Tadakatsu boldly dares any challengers to try to best him in combat. If there are valorous fighters he deems worthy of praise, he won't hesitate to spare a few words for them. In the Japanese script, he rarely calls himself by any conventional pronouns, replacing them with his full name, his samurai name (平八郎, Heihachirō), or a combination of his name and samurai name. When he does use pronouns, he uses the humble terms common with samurai in fiction.

Even though he is best known as a stern warrior of power, Tadakatsu is a formal and perceptive man who admires his venerable spear, Tonbo-giri. He equates his spear to be his comrade-in-arms, sometimes calling upon it to grant him victory in battle. Tadakatsu expresses similar concerns to the rest of Ieyasu's army and Nobuyuki, earning their respect when they are in dire straights. His collective nature is like Hanzō's and they frequently coordinate their efforts for Ieyasu's beliefs. He may gift his comrades with his personal wood carvings during their spare time. His latest incarnation plays his warrior composure for laughs when out of battle; he adheres to it so much it makes him seem too dated and stubborn to conform to casual pleasantries.

He cares for his daughter's safety and is her idol for conduct. Tadakatsu is proud of her accomplishments yet stresses that she mustn't falter to achieve their lord's vision with absolute focus. In his newest incarnation, he is lonely when she is married and struggles to cope with his paternal concerns for her. Once Naomasa reaches the age to fight, he considers the youth his equal and a worthy man to entrust the Tokugawa's future. Yet he never calls Naomasa by name. He prefers to snub him as "Rookie" (新入り, shiniri) and roughly taunts him to prove himself. Tadakatsu is used to Naomasa's bitter remarks for his obscure praise; it takes time for his comrade to comprehend and appreciate him.

In the Warriors Orochi series, he respects Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Lu Bu.

Character Symbolism
Tadakatsu has three legendary trademarks known by history fans: his black body-wrap armor, his deer horn helmet, and Tonbogiri. The armor is often adorned with large prayer beads, said to be worn as a form of mourning those fallen in combat, by his hand or otherwise. Tadakatsu's armor aims to be easy to maneuver in when worn and isn't too heavy, thus making his unscathed record very momentous. Ieyasu is famed to have once remarked, "Manchiyo (Naomasa Ii) wears heavy protection and it's always marred with scratches; yet Heihachirō (Tadakatsu) remains completely intact even with such light armor."

His deer horn helmet is said to have its origins when Tadakatsu was fourteen years old and coming back after a battle. Stuck in dreadful weather, the waters of Yahagi River began to rise to a dangerous level and it looked impossible to cross. By chance, Tadakatsu happened to spot a deer treading through the river and watched it safely cross. He mimicked the deer's actions and was able to return home in one piece. Feeling forever grateful to the animal for saving his life, Tadakatsu later had his helmet fashioned in its honor.

Tonbogiri is Tadakatsu's legendary spear and one of the Three Great Spears of Japan. The creator of the spear is so far not known. According to traditional legend, it was made by Fujiwara no Masazane. If one is to investigate, however, there isn't much found regarding the swordsmith, making his existence unclear. However, Muramasa was said to have had a younger brother under the same given name who was taught Ise swordsmithing techniques. Since Masazane hasn't been found to have actually served Ieyasu, some people think the name is a typo, and that the weapon was actually forged by Muramasa himself. The spear is said to have been named once it was standing upright. A dragonfly happened to fly on the top of the spear's tip, instantly being sliced in two due to its sharpness. Its length is said to be about six meters, nearly double the length of a normal spear. Tadakatsu was said to have personally asked for the length, stating that it was best to have a longer spear for battle. After seeing his skill with the spear, Nobunaga was said to have praised him as "Our land's Zhang Fei". Although the original spear and his armor were lost from the Honda clan after the Osaka Campaign, a replica can be seen on display at Okazaki Castle. His spear is used in his various appearances in fiction, being his first weapon in Samurai Warriors 2 -or his second weapon for his debut. In the Samurai Warriors series, however, the particular weapon is simply called his personal spear of choice rather than by its full name.

In the Samurai Warriors series, he's symbolized by the character for "resound" (轟), the character for "roar" (哮), and blue and yellow electric streaks. His trait of calling himself "Tadakatsu" in the series is tied to a legend regarding its creation. His given name was said to be a personification of the phrase, "only for victory" (ただ勝つのみ, Tada katsu nomi).

Tadakatsu's titles in Samurai Warriors 2 are "Mikawa Warrior", "Mighty Samurai", "Loyal Protector", "The Unparalleled", "The Indomitable", "Valued Guardian", and "Greatest Ever" (in the Xtreme Legends expansion).

Tadakatsu's third weapon -fourth weapon in his debut- is originally named Ningen Mukō.

Arahabaki is a Japanese god known to be celebrated within the Tōhoku region; it forms the namesake for his fifth spear in the first title, fourth weapon in the second, and Unique in the third. Unlike several gods in Japanese mythology, Arahabaki isn't listed in Japanese mythological records and is highly believed to have been a manifestation devised and celebrated by locals. Arahabaki was first thought to have originated from India, was told to merchants or travelers in China, and then told through word of mouth in Japan. Since different regions have their own interpretation of Arahabaki, it has been accepted as a marōtogami or a god formed by travelers going to different prefectures. During the Yayoi period, Arahabaki was named as the highest rank god by tribes throughout the land. It continued to be known as such within the Kiki, but the introduction of Buddhism nearly eradicated the god's worship. With the several erected shrines left behind, the writings on them have been faded and, by the Edo Period, their purpose in mythology became largely unknown. Locals have accepted Arahabaki as a god of wood, a snake god, a dragon god, a god of highways or footpaths, a god of iron, a mountain god, and so on. Although a god of mystery, a statue has been seen nearby Shitennō-ji, leading many to believe it has some sort of ties with the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism.

His rarest spears all share the same name in the three games. They are named after Gōzanze Myō-oh. Tadakatsu's spear is formed to be like Myō-oh's hand and its name implies it has the power to strike down Enma.

Voice Actors

 * Douglas Rye - Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends (English-uncredited)
 * Nigel Stern - Samurai Warriors 2 (English)
 * James Babson - Warriors Orochi series; first and second games only, Samurai Warriors 3 (English-uncredited)
 * Philip Weber - Samurai Warriors TV series (English)
 * Eli Gabe - Kessen (English)
 * Gerhard Acktun - Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends (German-uncredited)
 * Tobias Brecklinghaus - Samurai Warriors TV series (German)
 * Akio Ōtsuka - Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends ~ 4, Warriors Orochi series (Japanese)
 * Chikahiro Kobayashi - Samurai Warriors 5 (Japanese)
 * Yukimasa Kishino - Kessen (Japanese)
 * Takeshi Mori - Kessen III (Japanese)
 * Hiromu Miyazaki - Geten no Hana Yumeakari; credited as "Warrior"
 * Tesshō Genda - Nioh
 * Satoshi Tsuruoka - Touken Ranbu Warriors
 * Yū Taniguchi - Shin Nobunaga no Yabou

Live Action Performers

 * Yoshihiro Takayama - Sengoku Bushou Matsuri
 * Makito Mazima - Butai Sengoku Musou Sekigahara no Shou
 * Ryuto Imada, Takuma Sueno - Butai Nobunyaga no Yabou ~ Neko Gungi 2
 * Shouta Kawakami - Butai Nobunaga no Yabou Taishi Fuyu no Jin Oudou Shikkou ~Kiko no Shiroshio Hen~
 * Hidemitsu Miyamoto - Butai Nobunaga no Yabou Taishi Mugen ~Honnoji no Hen~
 * Judai Shirakashi - Butai Nobunaga no Yabou Taishi ~Saishuu Hen~ Gunyuukakkyo Sekigahara

Quotes

 * See also: Tadakatsu Honda/Quotes


 * "Tadakatsu Honda shall make orphans of your souls!"
 * "War is fought by men not by some strategy in a book."
 * "This battle will decide the greatest warrior of the land! I will not retreat!"
 * "Have no fear! I will turn the tide of this battle!"
 * "Learn well of Symboli Rudolf's victory!"
 * "What can we gain from this?"
 * "What can be lost from this?"
 * Tadakatsu and Keiji; Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends


 * "Your loyalty is unquestionable. Unfortunately, it is also misguided."
 * "So... I guess that means I'm not going to get a date with that sweet daughter of yours?"
 * Tadakatsu and Sakon; Samurai Warriors 2


 * "Lord Tadakatsu, on the battlefield you are unparalleled in strength and in skill. How is it that you spend your time when not at war?"
 * "I prefer to spend my free time wood carving. When I focus, it is as though the whole world around me vanishes. Thus, even through a simple hobby I can hone my powers of concentration."
 * "I see our true greatness now. For the truly strong, self-improvement is a constant process."
 * Nagamasa and Tadakatsu; Samurai Warriors 2: Empires


 * "You are prepared to sacrifice your very life for a greater cause. You are an example to us all!"
 * "I sacrifice nothing. My lord will never be touched, and I will never be wounded."
 * Yukimura and Tadakatsu; Samurai Warriors 3


 * "Lord Tadakatsu, I... um... Have you remembered my name yet?"
 * "Yes. You are Dōsetsu's daughter and the wife of Muneshige, the Greatest Warrior of the West. It was... Gi.. Kimuchiyo?"
 * "Ah... Just a little more. I must be really pathetic then..."
 * "Do not falter. I remember your hardships on the battlefield. Your name shall be engraved in my mind given time."
 * Ginchiyo and Tadakatsu; Sengoku Musou 3: Empires


 * "Our lord's reign has arrived. I don't see any fights popping up again."
 * "Looks like we're out of work, huh."
 * "Wrong, this is where our real work begins. Our true battle is during the peaceful age. Peace will bring about more roles for those in the shadows."
 * "Indeed."
 * Tadakatsu and Hanzō; Samurai Warriors Chronicles 3


 * "Do you think it was a wise to show Lady Ina and Master Nobuyuki such a pair of lovebirds?"
 * "They surely learned something by fighting the other couples. Although I admit it might have been a little cloying. I need to think of another way to approach this..."
 * "Could it simply be that you're sad about Lady Ina going off to get married?"
 * "R-Ridiculous!"
 * "It doesn't sound ridiculous to me. This is no good, no good at all, Master Tadakatsu."
 * Naomasa and Tadakatsu; Samurai Warriors 4-II


 * "You shall feel the wrath of the greatest warrior of all time, I promise you!"
 * "This is what I wanted. Your promise pleases me."
 * Tadakatsu and Orochi; Warriors Orochi


 * "Lord Tadakatsu, it seems your daughter strives to model herself after you."
 * "...I hope she becomes more than I. I know nothing but the way of the warrior."
 * Sun Shang Xiang and Tadakatsu; Warriors Orochi 2


 * "Let my Tonbo-giri be a passage to hell!"
 * Tadakatsu before he fights; Kessen

Ground Moveset

 * undefined, (undefined), (undefined): Holds his spear upwards with both hands above himself, then powerfully swings his spear and swings it two more times to send out clearing waves that get bigger per button press.
 * , undefined, (undefined), (undefined), (undefined): Sends a single enemy flying with the lower end of the spear, then he grabs the spear with both hands by the lower end to slice first once vertically, then twice horizontally, sending any enemy caught flying.
 * ,, undefined, (undefined), (undefined), (undefined): After two slashes, performs a stronger horizontal slash, follower by a slightly upward swing of his spear before delivering a leaping sweep attack. The direction of the leap may be influenced with the movement.
 * ,, , undefined, (undefined), (undefined), (undefined): Performs a series of three spear slashes and smashes the ground creating a small horizontal geyser flowing in front of him. The attack resumes as Tadakatsu swipes his spear back and forth to the left and right before twirling while facing diagonally upward, then finishes with a powering-up gesture for an earthquake. This attack is the most complicated as it requires more than just three presses of the triangle button.
 * ,, , , , , , : Moves forward, hitting the enemies with four side to side slashes before one last swinging attack to conclude the combo.


 * , undefined: Grabs the spear by the bottom end and smash it into the ground.
 * , : Midair slash with the spear.
 * Swings his spear back and forth to the left and right. Level 3 version has exploding short pillars of light surrounding the attack.

Mounted Moveset

 * , undefined: Slash to the right, then follows with an upward hit with the shaft of the spear.
 * ,, undefined: Slash to the right, then to the left, then charged swing that stuns if connects.
 * ,, , undefined: Slash to the right, to the left, to the right and then yells, causing a small shockwave.
 * ,, , , , , : Series of alternating slashes by swinging the spear around.
 * Charge attack with the horse while swinging the spear.

Samurai Warriors 2
Moveset remains relatively the same except the ending charges of his normal attacks are omitted. Like the rest of the cast, his horse musou changes to a damaging stampede by his horse. He also gains a Level 3 Musou, R1 skills, and a new charge attack in the Xtreme Legends expansion.
 * ,, , , undefined:(Xtreme Legends only) Howls and swings spear forward. Hurls five damaging balls of energy. If used properly, it can be one of the most damaging attacks in the game.
 * R1 + : Regain one division of musou gauge. The more enemies that get hit by this skill, the more Musou is gained.
 * R1 + undefined: Damage enemies simply by running into them.
 * Personal Skill : (Rebound) Knockback after guarding decreased when timed well.
 * Personal Skill : (Rebound) Knockback after guarding decreased when timed well.

Loses his C5 and Level 3 Musou. Gains a new ability.
 * Warriors Orochi
 * R1: A mighty flailing motion with added elements followed by Tadakatsu stomping for a light ripple that causes crashing knockback. Buffs himself in an aura that temporarily increases all of his stats.


 * Warriors Orochi 2
 * Triple Attack 1: Launches a massive pillar of wind by pounding the ground.
 * Triple Attack 2: Performs a quick slash that sends out a fierce air gust.
 * Triple Attack 3: Bellows with enough might to fill the surrounding area with violent gales.

Samurai Warriors 3
Keeps the same moveset with the following alterations.
 * (Ultimate/Kaiden): Jumps into the air and slams his spear into the ground, causing a massive shockwave. Used as his True Musou Attack in Warriors Orochi 3.
 * Spirit Cancel:

Loses the ability to use Spirit Charge. Gains a new Type Action.
 * Warriors Orochi 3
 * R1: Charges via a dash into the enemy ranks with horns and sends them flying via a ground pounding punch upon stopping that causes a quake.
 * , R1 (Ultimate only): Does a heavy upward slash that leaves behind a huge yellow slashing wave, then drop-slams the ground to produce a vertical air wave along the ground.

Samurai Warriors 4
Mighty strike is the same as Deadlock attack. Keeps relatively the same moveset with the following changes.


 * ,, , , undefined, (undefined), (undefined): Tadakatsu swings his spear sending forth a purple wave of energy, then stabs the ground, then swings the spear in a circling scattering some rocks.
 * Finisher changes to a mighty horizontal slash. Its energy wave travels entire screen before dispersing.
 * (Ultimate/Kaidan):
 * Rage Attack/Musou Gokui effect: Activates Ultimate/Kaidan Musou if is used. Performs ending pose for previous  if the effect ends without activating Ultimate/Kaidan Musou.
 * Awakened Skill effect (4-II only):

Hyper Moveset

 * undefined:
 * undefined, : Tadakatsu moves his spear right and swings it upward.
 * undefined, undefined, : Tadakatsu raises his spear behind him and slams it forward.
 * undefined, undefined, undefined, :
 * undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, :
 * undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, : Tadakatsu spins around slashing his spear and sends a large wave of energy outward.
 * undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined:

Fighting Style
Tadakatsu in Samurai Warriors is made to be a powerful fighter with good range despite his mediocre speed. His greatest strength lies in defense, making it difficult for enemies to take him down. His C4 is a good move for dueling officers and crowd clearing. Also, his first R1 ability becomes more effective when used within a large cluster of foes.

In Warriors Orochi, Tadakatsu's defensive capabilities is further improved due to his status as a power-type character. Combined with the buff effects of his R1 attack, he can endure most attacks even in higher difficulty levels.

Weapons

 * See also: Tadakatsu Honda/Weapons

Rare Weapon Acquisition

 * Stage: Incident at Honnōji - The Crossing of Iga

Etymology

 * The name Tadakatsu means "loyalty, fidelity, faithfulness" (忠) (tada) and "victory" (勝) (katsu).
 * Tadakatsu's surname Honda means "base, root, origin, source" (本) (hon) and "many" (多) (ta/da).