Nioh 3 Review – Rise of the Shogun

Nioh 3 is the most ambitious entry in the Nioh series, building on the foundation laid by previous Nioh games while introducing bold new systems. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game launched in February on PlayStation 5 and PC, marking a major step forward for the franchise.

Rather than simply refining familiar mechanics, Nioh 3 rethinks progression, exploration, and playstyle variety, offering a more flexible experience that still preserves the brutal challenge fans expect from the full game.

What’s New on Nioh 3

Open Fields and Points of Interest

One of the biggest changes in Nioh 3 is the move away from strictly linear missions toward expansive open-field areas. These regions are filled with clearly defined points of interest, including optional boss arenas, hidden loot paths, and side encounters that reward curiosity.

Locations such as Edo Castle serve as large, multi-layered hubs that blend exploration with intense combat. This structure allows players to chart their own path rather than following a single prescribed route, giving Nioh 3 a stronger sense of discovery.

Dual Combat Styles Define Playstyle

Nioh 3 introduces a dual combat system that lets players switch between Samurai and Ninja styles at will. This dramatically impacts playstyle, encouraging experimentation and adaptation in every encounter.

The Samurai style emphasizes deliberate strikes and Ki management, while the Ninja style favors speed, evasive movement, and stealth-based tactics. Being able to combine both approaches mid-fight gives Nioh 3’s combat a depth unmatched by previous Nioh games.

Demo Impressions and February Early Access

Ahead of release, a new demo for Nioh 3 was made available in January, giving players an early look at the game’s open fields, combat changes, and overall pacing. The demo highlighted how exploration and combat flow together more naturally than in earlier entries.

Players who engaged with the demo noted how crucibles—dangerous combat zones that escalate enemy difficulty—serve as optional challenges designed to test mastery rather than block progression.

Yokai Story and Setting

Set across multiple eras of Japan’s turbulent history, Nioh 3 follows Tokugawa Takechiyo on a journey toward unifying the land amid supernatural chaos. Familiar locations are reimagined with darker, more mythical twists, reinforcing the series’ blend of history and folklore.

While narrative still plays a secondary role to gameplay, the story provides context for the sprawling environments and the growing threat posed by yokai and rival factions.

Combat Systems and Progression

Depth Without Losing Identity

Combat in Nioh 3 remains fast, technical, and demanding. New mechanics such as Deflect counters, Living Artifact transformations, and expanded skill trees add layers of complexity that reward precision and planning.

Each weapon type feels distinct, and progression systems encourage players to refine their preferred playstyle rather than forcing a single optimal build.

Accessibility and Customization

Despite its depth, Nioh 3 offers more flexibility than earlier entries. Players can respec builds, explore alternate areas, or take on crucibles to gain experience before tackling main objectives.

This approach makes the full game more approachable without sacrificing the challenge that defines the Nioh series.

PC Performance, Playstation, and Technical Notes

Nioh 3 runs smoothly on PlayStation 5, with performance mode delivering consistent frame rates during most encounters. The PC version offers extensive graphics and performance options, making it a strong choice for players who prefer customization.

Load times are minimal, and the open-field structure feels well-optimized across both platforms.

Bonuses and Replay Value

Early adopters of Nioh 3 received an early purchase bonus, typically including cosmetic items and minor in-game boosts. While not essential, these bonuses provide a small incentive for returning fans of previous Nioh games.

With cooperative multiplayer, layered difficulty modes, and extensive endgame content, Nioh 3 offers significant replay value long after the main campaign ends.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Open-field design with rewarding points of interest
• Deep combat enhanced by dual playstyle systems
• Strong performance on both PS5 and PC
• Meaningful evolution from previous Nioh games

Weaknesses:

• Complex systems may overwhelm newcomers
• Inventory and menu navigation can feel dense
• Story remains secondary to combat and exploration

Final Verdict

Nioh 3 is a confident evolution of the Nioh series, combining the precision combat fans love with broader exploration and greater freedom. The addition of open fields, a refined demo-to-full-game transition, and flexible playstyle options make it the most complete entry yet.

For players seeking a challenging action RPG that rewards mastery and experimentation, Nioh 3 stands as one of the strongest releases of February and a defining moment for the franchise.

FAQ – Player Questions Answered

Can I play Nioh 3 on Steam?

Yes, Nioh 3 is available on PC and can be played through Steam. The PC version includes performance and graphics options similar to previous Nioh games, making it suitable for a wide range of hardware configurations.

What is the release date of Nioh 3?

Nioh 3 was officially released in February 2026. The launch followed an earlier demo period in January, which allowed players to preview combat systems and open-field exploration before the full game became available.

Does Nioh 3 have a review thread on Reddit?

Yes, Nioh 3 has active review and discussion threads on Reddit, particularly within communities focused on action RPGs and the Nioh series. These threads feature player impressions, build advice, and comparisons to previous Nioh games.

Are there live streams of Nioh 3 gameplay on Twitch?

Nioh 3 has an active presence on Twitch, with live streams showcasing boss fights, challenge runs, cooperative gameplay, and first-time playthroughs. Streamers often focus on different playstyle approaches, including Samurai and Ninja builds.

What has been the critical reception of Nioh 3 so far?

Critical reception for Nioh 3 has been generally positive. Reviews have praised its deep combat systems, expanded exploration, and meaningful evolution of the Nioh formula, while noting that its complexity may still be demanding for newcomers.

Where can I find player reviews and community discussions about Nioh 3?

Player reviews and community discussions about Nioh 3 can be found on Steam user reviews, Reddit threads, and social platforms such as Discord. These spaces are commonly used to share gameplay tips, feedback on balance, and endgame strategies.