After a six-year hiatus, Team NINJA has returned with Nioh 3, the latest entry in the hardcore action role-playing game series that has challenged players and redefined soulslike combat. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this installment delivers both nostalgia and fresh mechanics, creating a deep, rewarding experience from start to finish. With its launch set for February 6, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Windows, Nioh 3 is shaping up to be an essential title for any action RPG enthusiast.

Introduction

At the heart of Nioh 3 is the story of Takeichiyo Tokugawa, a fully customizable protagonist who journeys through time to stop his treacherous brother Kunimatsu. Kunimatsu has unleashed powerful Yokai across the land and seeks to seize the shogunate by harnessing the mythical Spirit Stones. This narrative blends historical figures, like Ieyasu Tokugawa, with supernatural enemies and high-stakes action. While the plot itself is engaging, the real challenge—and fun—comes from mastering the game’s evolved combat, character progression, and exploration systems.

Revamped Combat: Samurai vs Ninja

One of the most exciting changes in Nioh 3 is the combat system. The series introduces two distinct fighting styles: Samurai and Ninja. Samurai Style retains the tactical, stance-based combat familiar to players of previous games. You can wield weapons in three stances, each allowing different combos and Martial Arts attacks. These moves are further enhanced through the Arts Proficiency system, which rewards skillful combat with devastating effects. Ninja Style, by contrast, offers a faster, more agile experience. With Ninjutsu abilities, players can disrupt enemies, deal elemental damage, and dodge attacks with greater ease.

Both fighting styles now integrate with Guardian Spirits, which replace the Yokai Skills from Nioh 2. Guardian Spirits provide two elemental abilities each and even introduce a powered-up state called Living Artifact, evolving the mechanics from previous entries. For players who feel overwhelmed by these layers of combat, guides such as Mastering Nioh 3 Combat and Arts Proficiency Flow are invaluable for understanding how stances, Martial Arts, and Ninjutsu interconnect. Upcoming resources promise to highlight the best Guardian Spirits to optimize your playstyle.

Character progression in Nioh 3 builds on the familiar soulslike framework while adding unique twists. Players gain Amrita by defeating enemies or using Spirit Stones, and leveling up at Shrines boosts one of seven key stats. These stats influence weapon performance and gear effectiveness, making choices in progression meaningful. Returning skill trees allow customization across Samurai and Ninja Styles and individual weapons.

New features such as Skills and Skill Points enhance both combat styles by granting passive bonuses and additional abilities. Soul Cores, obtained from defeated Yokai, offer a further strategic layer. When placed in the Onmyo Box at Shrines, these cores can be assigned to either Yin or Yang positions, unlocking Onmyo magic spells or summoning Yokai to unleash signature attacks. Understanding which Martial Arts and Ninjutsu to prioritize is crucial for early success, especially in the intense boss encounters that mark the beginning of the game, such as the formidable Yamagata Masakage.

Exploration and Traversal in Open Fields

Exploration in Nioh 3 also sees a major overhaul. Moving away from linear mission maps, the game introduces expansive open-field areas filled with side content, Myth sidequests, Crucible Wraiths, and hidden treasures. Traversal is entirely on foot, but Guardian Spirits provide abilities that unlock new paths and allow access to otherwise unreachable areas via Spirit Veins. These open fields encourage a sense of discovery and reward players who take the time to explore every corner.

The loot system maintains the addictive structure fans love, with rare weapons, armor, and items scattered across the world. Multiplayer returns in both asymmetrical and co-op forms. Players can interact with red and blue graves, battle the characters of others, or team up for cooperative missions. Nioh 3 even expands the asymmetrical mechanics with the Bloodedge Demon, a powerful Yokai that absorbs defeated Revenants, adding unpredictability to open-field encounters.

Getting Ready with PSN Gift Cards

For those looking to invest in the game’s ecosystem, PSN Gift Cards are a convenient option for PlayStation players to purchase the game or in-game items without using a credit card. Similarly, a PlayStation Network Gift Card can be a perfect way to secure digital content early and ensure you have everything needed to tackle Nioh 3’s challenging content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nioh 3 represents the perfect balance of familiarity and innovation for the action RPG genre. From deep character customization to complex combat and expansive exploration, it rewards both strategy and skill. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer intrigued by the Warring States period, the game’s combination of historical storytelling, supernatural enemies, and layered mechanics offers an unforgettable adventure. With its release on PlayStation 5 and PC, now is the time to gear up, master your skills, and prepare to confront the Yokai menace before it’s too late.