In Nioh 3, players take on the role of Tokugawa Takechiyo, poised to become the next Shogun during Japan’s turbulent Sengoku period. In the shadows, Takechiyo’s younger brother, Tokugawa Kunimatsu, consumed by hatred towards his brother’s succession, plots to overthrow him. Empowered by a sinister force, he leads a horde of yokai in a fierce assault on Takechiyo, abruptly ending the era of peace and plunging Japan into hell. Guided by the mysterious power of his guardian spirit Kusanagi, Takechiyo transcends time to survive this kingdom in dire straits and become Shogun.
The story of Nioh 3 will unfold on a larger scale than ever before in series history. Covering various eras and regions, Nioh 3 includes Edo Castle and the Tōtōmi region during the Sengoku period, which players were able to explore in the Alpha demo, as well as the recently unveiled Kyoto, the capital of the Heian period. Players will also be able to freely explore each era in open-field experience, featuring beautiful and distinct environments. During his perilous quest to foil his brother’s conspiracy, Takechiyo will face various yokai and other powerful enemies, while taking on the challenge of the Crucible.
During their journey, players will encounter various characters from different eras including Takeda Shingen, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and Minamoto no Yoritomo. Other well-known figures familiar to fans will cross paths with Tokugawa Takechiyo, including Hattori Hanzo, Honda Tadakatsu, and Saito Fuku. Actors Tao Tsuchiya and Kanata Hongo will also be lending their talents in Nioh 3 as Himiko, the mysterious queen of Yamatai-koku, and Kunimatsu Tokugawa respectively. Two behind the scenes videos have been released to commemorate this announcement.
KOEI TECMO America and developer Team NINJA announced that Nioh 3 will be released Feb. 6, 2026 on PS5 and PC (Steam).
The game is also now available to pre-order across both systems. In celebration, a story trailer directed by Shinji Higuchi showcasing the story that awaits fans has been unveiled, along with details on characters and game systems.
In addition to the standard edition, players can digitally pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the base game, Digital Pre-Order Bonus (Hellfire Warrior Armor set, Hellfire Ninja Attire set, Scampuss Furball Netsuke Charm accessory), Digital Deluxe Edition Bonus (Infernal Weapons Set – 14 types, Kodama Netsuke Charm accessory), two add-on DLCs, and a Season Pass Bonus (Chijiko Netsuke Charm accessory).
The Season Pass is also available to purchase separately and includes two add-on DLCs, as well as the Season Pass Bonus (Chijiko Netsuke Charm accessory).
Furthermore, a SteelBook edition is available to pre-order, and comes with the base game and two exclusive bonus DLCs. All versions of the game come with an Early Purchase Bonus** which can be redeemed from the PlayStation™ Store and Steam, available for a limited time after the game releases.
Key Features:
- Open Field: This game is set in an open field, in which players can freely explore, while enjoying the unique tension that accompanies all "Nioh" titles. Face formidable encounters with powerful yokai, explore villages where suspicious beings lurk, take on the daunting challenges of The Crucible, and enjoy the thrilling, hostile new environments as you fight to survive the cursed kingdom!
- Two Styles: In "Nioh 3", players can enjoy two different fighting styles: Samurai and Ninja. Based on the tendencies of the enemies and stages, players can switch seamlessly between Samurai and Ninja techniques instantly at any time, or choose to fight using only one style continuously based on the challenge ahead. Feel free to play with the style you like best.
- Samurai Style: This style provides a gameplay experience similar to previous "Nioh" titles. New actions such as "Arts Proficiency", which enhances the power of martial arts, and "Deflect", which allows players to block enemy attacks at the last moment, have been added, helping create a series of intense and deadly face-to-face confrontations.
- Ninja Style: This style excels in quick movements like dodging and aerial actions, giving ninjas the advantage of being able to attack from outside of the enemy’s range by utilizing a variety of "Ninjutsu" techniques according to the situation on the battlefield. Players have the ability to use techniques like "Mist", which leaves a clone after an attack, and "Evade", which allows for narrowly avoiding enemy strikes. Both techniques help players outmaneuver foes while delivering devastating speed attacks from behind.
- Online Multiplayer: Players will now be able to assist and seek help from other players through the "Summon Visitor" mode, or even explore the open field with others through the online multiplayer mode "Expeditions", popular in the previous entries of the "Nioh" series. This feature will come in handy to those who have reached a stalemate playing solo, or those who would like to overcome challenges together.
Nioh 3 is coming to PS5 and PC (Steam) on February 6, 2025.
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