Nioh 3 has officially been announced, introducing two exciting new combat styles: Samurai and Ninja. Fans of the series can now engage with a free time-limited demo available exclusively on PlayStation 5. Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have excitedly brought forth this new entry in the acclaimed soulslike action RPG series, much to the delight of gamers who were eager to jump in right away. The Nioh franchise launched in 2017, featuring the journey of Irish sailor-turned-samurai William Adams, followed by the prequel Nioh 2 in 2020, highlighting the story of half-yokai Hidechiyo.
This latest installment builds on the traditions rooted in Japanese mythology, promising to enhance the gaming experience further. The announcement came during a June State of Play presentation, which had been the subject of speculation prior to its airing. While the event showcased new footage for existing titles, it also revealed unexpected surprises, including a new James Bond game titled 007 First Light and MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, a collaborative fighting game. In discussing the new gameplay enhancements, Team Ninja revealed that Nioh 3 would not only retain the beloved character creation feature from Nioh 2 but will also refine combat mechanics, evolving them with the introduction of the new Ninja style.
This new style focuses on agility, offering quicker movements through dodges and impressive aerial performances. Fans have expressed excitement for Nioh 3, celebrating the thrill it brings back, especially as they awaited a new entry following the release of The First Berzerker: Khazan. Many players shared their eagerness, noting their readiness to dive into battle once more, while others raised questions about the potential return of existing mechanics such as the Yokai Shift and Living Weapon. As Team Ninja gears up for its 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025, the Nioh 3 announcement stands as a highlight, exciting the community and hinting at more impressive content to come, including a trailer for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound set to release in July 2025.