Nioh 3 Review: Revolutionizing Soulslike Combat and Exploration

In the ever-evolving landscape of action RPGs, few series have pushed the boundaries of difficulty and depth quite like Team Ninja's Nioh franchise. Launching on February 4, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC, Nioh 3 doesn't just build on its predecessors—it reinvents them. Trading linear levels for vast open worlds spanning Japanese history, introducing a game-changing Ninja Stance, and refining every mechanic, this sequel cements Nioh as a pinnacle of the soulslike genre. But does the bold shift pay off? Our review dives deep into what makes Nioh 3 a triumphant evolution.

The Story: A Familiar Weakness in a New Era

Nioh's narrative has always played second fiddle to its blistering action, and Nioh 3 continues that tradition. You step into the boots of Takechiyo, grandson of the legendary Ieyasu Tokugawa and heir to the shogunate. In a world corrupted by an ancient evil, you embark on a time-traveling quest to gather artifacts and allies across pivotal moments in Japanese history—from the Sengoku period's chaotic wars to the Edo era's shadowy intrigues. Yokai demons, corrupting Spirit Stones, and ethereal Guardian Spirits weave through these historical tapestries, creating a supernatural lens on real events.

While the setup promises epic scope, the storytelling remains dry and exposition-heavy. Cutscenes are concise and visually striking, with fluid animations that evoke samurai films, but the plot often feels like a history lesson rather than an emotional journey. For players versed in Japanese lore, the contextual nods to figures like Oda Nobunaga or battles like Sekigahara add intrigue. For newcomers, though, it can come across as obligatory setup for the real star: combat. Thankfully, the narrative never impedes the gameplay, serving as a loose thread connecting sprawling open zones rather than a rigid railroad.

Combat: The Best Soulslike System Yet

If Nioh's combat was already elite in the original 2017 release and its 2020 sequel, Nioh 3 elevates it to stratospheric heights. This is the gold standard for soulslikes—surpassing even FromSoftware's Dark Souls and Elden Ring in mechanical depth and tactile feedback. Every weapon swing feels weighty yet responsive, with a arsenal boasting katanas, spears, kusarigamas, and more, each offering stance-based versatility.

Samurai Mode: Tradition Refined

The core Samurai Mode retains Nioh's signature rhythm: managing Ki (stamina) via precise Pulse attacks to recover mid-fight, fluidly switching between low (defensive), mid (balanced), and high (aggressive) stances. Enemies—human ronin, spectral yokai, or massive bosses—demand hyper-aggressive playstyles. Dodge, parry, or Burst Counter incoming strikes, then unleash combos that drain foes' Ki for devastating grapples. The AI is smarter than ever, adapting to your patterns and punishing hesitation, turning every encounter into a high-stakes dance.

Ninja Mode: A Fresh, Frenzied Twist

Enter Ninja Mode, Nioh 3's boldest innovation. Activated via a new gear slot, it ditches Ki management for blistering speed. Attacks cost minimal stamina, enabling relentless barrages that overwhelm enemies before they react. Imagine chaining shuriken throws into aerial dashes and ground pounds—it's like injecting caffeine into the series' DNA. This mode shines against groups or agile yokai, encouraging hybrid builds where you swap modes mid-battle. Combined with evolved Soul Cores (summonable yokai abilities) and Guardian Spirit bursts, combat variety explodes, ensuring no two fights feel alike.

What sets Nioh 3 apart is its weapon diversity and build freedom. Dual-wield odachi for crowd control, or mix firearms with ninjutsu for ranged dominance. Loot drops fuel endless customization, from armor sets enhancing stances to codices unlocking skills. It's overwhelming at first—like Nioh 2—but rewarding for those who invest time.

Open-World Overhaul: Freedom Across Time

Gone are the mission-based levels of old; Nioh 3 embraces open worlds that blend historical eras into seamless, yokai-infested playgrounds. Traverse misty forests of the Warring States, urban sprawls of feudal Kyoto, or volcanic islands echoing ancient myths. These zones aren't empty—shrines for fast travel, hidden bosses, and dynamic events populate them, encouraging exploration over grinding.

The time-travel mechanic ties it together: shift eras to alter landscapes, revealing new paths or summoning spectral armies. It's a smart evolution, borrowing from Breath of the Wild's freedom while keeping soulslike tension. Fast travel via Torii gates and improved mission select reduce backtracking, making progression feel purposeful. Multiplayer co-op returns, now with shared open-world summons for tougher sieges.

Quality of Life and Technical Polish

Team Ninja addresses past pain points with finesse. Inventory management is streamlined via auto-sorting and storage lockers. Difficulty scaling adapts to your build, with optional aids for casual players. On PS5, 60fps combat is buttery smooth, enhanced by haptic feedback for every clash. PC ports benefit from DLSS support, ensuring wide accessibility.

Yet, it's not flawless. The open world can feel sparse in quieter areas, and story integration sometimes falters during era shifts. Still, these are minor quibbles in a package that refines Nioh 2's strengths—stellar combat, deep systems—while ditching its clutter.

Final Verdict: A Series-Defining Triumph

Nioh 3 isn't just better than its predecessors; it's a reinvention that could redefine soulslikes. At 9/10, it's essential for fans craving challenge and innovation. If you conquered Nioh 2's yokai hordes, this open-world odyssey will thrill. Newcomers, brace for a steep curve—but the payoff is unparalleled. In a genre dominated by giants, Nioh 3 stands tallest.

Platforms: PS5, PC
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Release Date: February 4, 2026