Nioh 3 Revealed at Sony 2025 Showcase

Team Ninja officially unveiled Nioh 3 during today's Sony State of Play presentation.

The debut trailer confirmed an early 2026 launch window for this action-RPG sequel. It introduces expansive open fields to explore and dual combat styles: Samurai and Ninja. A playable demo is available starting today.

Here is the official description from the PlayStation Blog:

In Nioh 3, you step into the role of a young warrior destined to become the next Shogun. His relentless pursuit to eradicate yokai is a story for another day. For now, know that the conflict introduces two distinct combat philosophies: the Samurai and the Ninja.

The Samurai style delivers an experience reminiscent of earlier Nioh games. It incorporates new mechanics like Arts Proficiency, which amplifies martial arts power, and Deflect, a last-second parry that blocks incoming attacks. These additions create intense, deadly duels fought face-to-face.

The Ninja style, in contrast, prioritizes agility with swift dodges and aerial maneuvers. It allows you to strike from outside an enemy's range by employing various Ninjitsu techniques suited to the battlefield. Skills like Mist, which leaves a decoy after an attack, and Evade, for narrowly sidestepping blows, let you outmaneuver opponents and unleash devastating speed attacks from behind.

You can switch between these battle styles instantly at any time, shaping the narrative of strength, speed, and cunning through your preferred approach. Depending on enemy behavior and stage design, some will seamlessly blend Samurai and Ninja tactics, while others may commit to a single style for the challenge ahead. Choose your favorite way to fight against our fiercest enemies yet.

Beyond the new combat styles, Nioh 3 features an open field that adds newfound exploration freedom to the series' signature tense confrontations. Encounter powerful yokai unexpectedly, investigate villages shrouded in violent secrets, and face the grueling trials of The Crucible. Survive these thrilling, hostile new environments within a cursed kingdom.

We at IGN are huge fans of the Nioh series. We awarded the original Nioh a 9.6/10, calling it "an epic, unforgettable adventure built on a fierce combat system that masterfully balances style and strategy." We similarly praised Nioh 2 with a 9/10, noting that while its "many systems can feel overwhelming, the stellar combat and satisfying difficulty make it thoroughly worthwhile." The series has been quiet since Nioh 2's 2020 release, though Team Ninja has remained active with titles like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Rise of the Rōnin, and the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4.

For a full recap, here's everything announced during Sony's June 2025 State of Play showcase.

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