| Nioh 3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Team Ninja |
| Publisher(s) | Koei Tecmo |
| Producer(s) | Fumihiko Yasuda Kohei Shibata |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | February 6, 2026 |
| Genre(s) | Action role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Nioh 3 is an upcoming action role-playing video game developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo. The third installment in the Nioh series and the successor to Nioh 2 (2020), the game is set to be released for PlayStation 5 and Windows on February 6, 2026.
Nioh 3 is an action role-playing game played from a third-person perspective. In the game, the player controls Tokugawa Takechiyo, the grandchild of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who battles yokai and supernatural beings as he ascends to the role of Shogun. [1] Similar to Nioh 2, players will be able to fully customize the protagonist's appearance. [2]
The game features two distinct playstyles. The Samurai style plays similarly to previous Nioh games, with players having access to three weapon stances. Combat actions consume Ki, but players can use "Ki Pulse" to restore stamina after performing a combo or attack. As players deal damage to enemies, their "Arts Proficiency" gradually increases. Once the gauge is filled, players can unleash a devastating attack. The game also introduces a new parrying mechanic. [3]
The game also introduces the Ninja playstyle, which is faster, evasion-focused, and excels at aerial attacks and ranged attacks. [4] Weapon stances are replaced by three ninja tools that players can use in combat. Instead of Ki Pulse, the Ninja playstyle features "Mist," allowing players to create a clone of themselves to distract enemies, enabling a quick dash behind them for devastating damage. While the two playstyle do not share any equipment, players can freely switch between the two playstyles at will. As with its predecessors, players can also use guardian spirit transformations and skills, as well as Soul Cores, during combat. [5]
Unlike its predecessors, Nioh 3 is less linear and features larger explorable spaces. Players can discover points of interest where they can find and complete side quests or optional combat challenges. In addition to the single-player mode, the game offers two online multiplayer modes: "Summon Visitor," which allows players to summon another player for assistance with difficult boss fights, and "Expedition," which enables players to explore the open fields together. [6]
In 1622, Edo Castle stands on the brink of the protagonist Tokugawa Takechiyo's imminent appointment as the next shogun. Takechiyo's younger brother, Tokugawa Kunimatsu, consumed by hatred toward his brother's succession, falls into darkness. Empowered by a sinister force, he leads a horde of yokai in a fierce assault against Takechiyo. The era of peace suddenly turns into hell, and in dire straits, Takechiyo transcends time to change fate and save Japan through the mysterious power of his guardian spirit, Kusanagi. [2]
Over the course of their journey, apart from the Edo period, Takechiyo will also venture into the Sengoku and Heian eras, encountering both returning and new historical characters such as Himiko, Saito Fuku (who is now the protagonist's wet nurse and Onmyo magic mentor), Hattori Hanzo, Honda Takahatsu, Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Yagyu Munenori. Takechiyo will also come into conflict with individuals such as Takeda Shingen and Minamoto no Yorimoto.
Nioh 3 is currently developed by Team Ninja. Explaining the decision to add the Ninja style, General Producer Fumihiko Yasuda said that the team wanted to "create a new kind of action that would act as a major centerpiece" that marked the evolution of the Nioh gameplay formula. Popularity of ninjas in areas outside of Japan and the team's experience making Ninja Gaiden game also contributed to the decision. To further differentiate the gameplay between Samurai and Ninja, the team decided not to give Ninja Ki Pulse, despite it being one of the signature gameplay elements in past games. [5] However, the game does not limit players to any one playstyle. Players can freely switch between the two playstyles as the team wanted to give them freedom in how they want to approach a challenge. [7]
Nioh 3 was announced in June 2025 by Team Ninja and publisher Koei Tecmo. A time-limited demo for the game was released for the PlayStation 5. [8] The game is set to be released for PlayStation 5 and Windows on February 6, 2026. It will receive two downloadable contents following its release, with the first DLC arriving by September 2026, and the second DLC by February 2027. [9] New stories and weapons are confirmed to be included with each DLC. [10]