Nioh 3 Announced at Sony's June 2025 State of Play

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

The debut trailer confirmed an early 2026 launch window for this action RPG sequel. This installment introduces expansive open fields to explore, along with two distinct combat styles: Ninja and Samurai. A playable demo is available starting today.

Here's the official description from the PlayStation Blog:

In Nioh 3, players step into the role of a young warrior destined to become the next Shogun. What drives his relentless battle against the yokai? We'll save those details for a future reveal, but what we can share today is that as the conflict unfolds, players can now engage in combat using two unique styles: Samurai and Ninja.

The Samurai style delivers an experience reminiscent of previous Nioh games. New mechanics like Arts Proficiency, which amplifies martial arts power, and Deflect, allowing players to parry enemy attacks at the perfect moment, have been introduced. These additions create intense, deadly confrontations where every move counts.

Meanwhile, the Ninja style emphasizes agility with swift dodges and aerial maneuvers. Ninjas can strike from beyond enemy reach by employing various Ninjitsu techniques tailored to battlefield conditions. Players can utilize skills like Mist, which leaves a decoy after attacking, and Evade, enabling precise avoidance of enemy strikes. Both techniques help players outflank opponents while delivering lightning-fast attacks from behind.

Players can instantly switch between combat styles at any time, choosing their preferred approach in a narrative shaped by strength, speed, and darkness. Depending on enemy behavior and level design, some players may fluidly alternate between Samurai and Ninja techniques, while others might commit to a single style throughout particular challenges. Feel empowered to fight however you prefer against some of the most formidable enemies we've ever designed!

Beyond the new combat systems, Nioh 3 features open fields that introduce new exploration freedom while maintaining the series' signature tension and confrontation. Encounter fearsome yokai unexpectedly, investigate villages hiding violent secrets, and brave the grueling trials of The Crucible. Survive these treacherous, hostile environments as you fight to overcome the cursed kingdom!

We're huge Nioh enthusiasts here at IGN. We awarded the original Nioh a 9.6/10, describing it as "an epic, unforgettable adventure powered by a fierce combat system that masterfully balances style and strategy." We similarly celebrated Nioh 2 with a 9/10, noting that while "its many systems might feel overwhelming, the exceptional combat and rewarding challenge make it thoroughly worthwhile." The Nioh series has been relatively 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 forthcoming Ninja Gaiden 4.

In case you missed it, here's the complete recap of announcements from Sony's June 2025 State of Play showcase.

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