A surprise return at state of play
At Sony’s latest State of Play event, Nioh 3 made a dramatic reappearance, much to the delight of fans who’ve been craving more from Team Ninja’s intense action franchise. Set in a dark and mystical version of Japan’s Sengoku era, the game once again throws players into brutal battles against both human foes and terrifying supernatural forces.
Dual combat styles – Samurai and Ninja
Far from being just a continuation, Nioh 3 introduces significant gameplay innovations. One standout feature is the ability to switch between two distinct fighting styles:
- Samurai – favoring heavy-hitting melee attacks and direct combat power
- Ninja – built around agility, evasive maneuvers, and aerial assaults
These styles offer dynamic approaches to battle, adding unpredictability and tension to every encounter. Players can adapt on the fly, creating tactical depth while keeping the action fluid and intense.
A Semi-Open World for Exploration
Breaking away from the linear mission structure of its predecessors, Nioh 3 adopts a semi-open field design. This allows players to explore vast environments freely—roaming haunted villages, uncovering hidden secrets, and battling bizarre creatures lurking in the shadows.
This expanded world encourages exploration, delivering a deeper sense of immersion and discovery while maintaining the franchise’s signature intensity.
“Brutal but Rewarding” Returns
According to Fumihiko Yasuda, project lead at Team Ninja, Nioh 3 aims to preserve the series’ core identity:
“We’ve expanded the scale, but stayed true to the spirit of challenge. Nioh has always been brutal, but rewarding. That won’t change.”
Veterans of the series who remember the thrill of toppling a seemingly impossible boss will feel right at home—and newcomers can expect a worthy test of skill and patience.
Demo Live on PS5 Until June 18
The demo is available now on PlayStation 5, giving players an early hands-on look at Nioh 3’s revamped combat and world design. Running through June 18, the demo is a perfect chance to experience the blood-soaked battlefields of feudal Japan before the game’s full launch in 2026.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Nioh 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated action titles of the coming year.