Nioh 3, the latest entry in Koei Tecmo Games’ dark samurai action RPG series from Team Ninja, is set to launch on PlayStation 5. I had the chance to go hands-on with the game at Tokyo Game Show 2025. I explored the newly revealed snowfield area and confronted the daunting yokai incarnation of Takeda Shingen. Here’s how it went.
Journey through open fields and engage in thrilling battles
One of Nioh 3’s defining new features is its open field, which I was able to experience firsthand during one of the demo’s main missions.
The size was smaller in scale due to it being a demo, but the snowfield area was still packed with discovery. I began by unlocking a shrine to serve as my central hub, and from there, I uncovered treasure chests containing equipment, dark walls that unlocked new Guardian Spirit abilities when destroyed, lost Kodama spirits, and enemy outposts that remain sealed until the Dark Realm is cleared. The new jump action further opened up the battlefield, allowing me to scale rocky cliffs and leap across floating stone islands. This addition of vertical exploration greatly broadens an area’s possibilities.
Master the arts of two new fighting styles: Samurai and Ninja
Another highlight of Nioh 3 is the ability to master two different fighting styles: Samurai and Ninja. A simple press of the R2 button swaps between the two, altering stats, weapons, skill sets, and even visuals — effectively giving your character two distinct builds in combat.
The Samurai style closely mirrors the classic Nioh experience. It lets you wield weapons such as katanas, dual swords, odachi, and spears to deliver devastating blows. Pressing R1 with precision after an attack triggers the Ki Pulse, which restores a portion of your spent stamina (Ki) and dispels the Dark Realm created by yokai that otherwise disrupts Ki recovery.
A new mechanic called Arts Proficiency introduces a gauge that fills up as you attack and guard. Once maxed out, you can unleash a powerful strike or martial skill to boost its strength. Attacks enhanced by Arts Proficiency don’t consume Ki, making them particularly useful for managing stamina.
The Samurai’s defensive prowess stands out with its guard mechanic. By guarding right before an enemy’s attack lands, you trigger a Deflect that not only restores Ki but also charges the Arts gauge and Ninjutsu gauge. The Ki recovery effect is especially powerful. Nailing the timing on a perfect guard is challenging, but the payoff is deeply rewarding and satisfying.