Nioh 3: Release Date, System Requirements, Gameplay, And Pre-Review

Nioh 3 moves the series into an open-world format, allowing players to explore a reimagined Sengoku-period Japan filled with yokai. The game introduces a dual-style combat system, letting players switch between Samurai and Ninja approaches during fights. It is set to release for PlayStation 5 and PC in early February 2026. The story follows protagonist Tokugawa Takechiyo in a battle to save a Japan ruled by yokai.

Nioh 3 Release Date

The release date for Nioh 3 is set for February 6, 2026. The PC version of the game will unlock on February 5 for players in the United States, while other regions will gain access on February 6. These times are based on the countdown timer on the game's official Steam store page, as a formal announcement of global unlock times has not been made.

February 5

• West Coast US: 8 pm PST
• East Coast US: 11 pm EST

February 6

• UK: 4 am GMT
• Europe: 5 am CET
• Australia: 3 pm AEDT
• New Zealand: 5 pm NZDT

The game is a direct continuation of the series, which includes Nioh and Nioh 2. Check the “Worth playing Nioh 1 &2?” article if you are a newcomer. Bonus content for Nioh 3 includes armor sets based on the protagonists from the previous two titles, William and Hiddy. The new entry builds upon the fast-paced combat and deep RPG mechanics established in its predecessors, evolving the formula with larger environments and new fighting styles.

Nioh 3 System Requirements

Nioh 3 will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. A stable broadband internet connection is required for online multiplayer, which supports up to three players. The developers note that an SSD is required for the game to run properly on PC.

Minimum

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT (6GB)
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 125 GB available space

Recommended

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-10600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB)
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 125 GB available space

The listed minimum system requirements target a performance of 1080p at 30 frames per second using the 'Lightest' graphics preset with upscaling. The recommended specifications are for playing at 1080p and 60 frames per second with the 'Standard' graphics preset, also with upscaling enabled. Frame generation technology is supported on compatible hardware.

Editions & Price

The game will be sold in a Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game and a Season Pass, which grants access to two future DLC add-ons. Pricing for these editions has not yet been announced.

• Nioh 3 Standard Edition for 70 USD
• Nioh 3 Digital Deluxe Edition for 110 USD

A demo for Nioh 3 is currently available on Steam, covering approximately the first six hours of the game. Koei Tecmo confirmed that progress made in the demo will carry over to the full version upon its release. This allows players to begin their journey early and continue from their save file once the game officially launches.

Gameplay, Genre and Features

Nioh 3 is a dark samurai action RPG set during a version of Japan's Warring States period where yokai and bandits are rampant. The game's protagonist, Tokugawa Takechiyo, travels through time across the Edo, Warring States, Heian, and Bakumatsu periods.

A significant change from previous titles is the shift to an open-field map, which replaces the linear level design of the past. This new structure encourages exploration across large zones filled with enemies and activities. Combat is built around two distinct styles, Samurai and Ninja, which players can switch between instantly. The Samurai style focuses on head-on encounters and breaking enemy defenses, while the Ninja style emphasizes agility and special techniques.

The game also introduces a new high-difficulty area known as "the Crucible," which features empowered yokai and a "Life Corrosion" mechanic that temporarily lowers the player's maximum health upon taking damage.

Nioh 3 Pre-review

A hands-on preview from IGN detailed the new combat options, focusing on the Caestus weapon for the Samurai style and the single katana for the Ninja style. The writer highlighted the Ninja's "Swallow Slash," a fast dashing attack that moves through enemies, comparing it to moves from the Ninja Gaiden series. The experience in the Crucible was described as a significant challenge due to buffed enemies and the constant threat of Life Corrosion.

"Entering the Crucible takes you to a hellish landscape where Yokai are all buffed to deal increased damage. In addition to that, if damage is taken while inside a Crucible, the player will be inflicted with Life Corrosion, which will temporarily reduce their max health until they’re able to deal damage or defeat enemies."

Another preview from The Gamer noted that Nioh 3 adds a significant number of new mechanics while refining the series' core combat system. The report distinguished the Samurai style as a familiar, deflect-focused approach, while the new Ninja style is centered entirely on dodging and quick movements. It clarified that the world is not a single, interconnected map but a series of large "open-zone" areas, each tied to a specific historical era. This design was praised for making exploration more rewarding compared to the more restrictive levels of the previous games.

"The series may not have ever been aiming for FromSoft’s throne, but it’s definitely found a worthy challenger in Nioh 3."