Nioh 3: A Fresh Take on Combat and Exploration Set for Release

The highly anticipated game, Nioh 3, is set to be released on February 6, 2026, and promises to deliver an engaging gameplay experience that builds on its predecessors. Last week, a preview event in Paris allowed select players to sample four hours of the game, showcasing its new features and improvements over earlier titles in the series.

At its core, Nioh 3 retains the fast-paced combat familiar to fans of the franchise. Players can still expect a wealth of loot from defeated enemies and the challenge of formidable bosses. The essence of the series remains intact, yet the developers at Team Ninja have introduced several fresh elements that enhance combat and exploration.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a more dynamic combat system, which emphasizes player choice. The game provides various options for character customization, including a return of the robust character creator from Nioh 2. Players can choose between two distinct styles: the traditional Samurai, known for its powerful weapon stances, and the agile Ninja, which focuses on speed and stealth. This versatility allows for a more personalized gaming experience, encouraging creativity in combat strategies.

The preview began in a vibrant pleasure district, populated by yokai, bandits, and Shinsengumi officers. The familiar semi-linear level structure is evident, with opportunities for off-path exploration that should please fans of traditional Nioh gameplay. The immersive environment sets the stage for battles that feel both nostalgic and innovative.

Combat Mechanics and Gameplay Enhancements

A key feature of Nioh 3 is its innovative style-switching mechanic, allowing players to seamlessly transition between the Samurai and Ninja styles during combat. The Samurai style retains its classic three-stance system, enabling players to adopt high, medium, or low stances that cater to different battle scenarios. A new deflect action enhances this style, allowing players to counter enemy attacks with precise timing, adding a layer of strategy to encounters.

On the other hand, the Ninja style introduces a variety of tools and abilities, such as ninpo, shuriken, and bombs. This style promotes a fast-paced approach to combat, although it requires careful management of stamina, as it lacks the Ki Charge feature present in the Samurai style. Players can now also jump and crouch, introducing new exploration and combat strategies, such as sneak attacks from behind cover.

The game’s new Burst Break mechanic for countering powerful attacks further refines gameplay. Instead of the previous Burst Counter, players can now execute this move by tapping the style switch button, making it easier to counter enemy assaults.

Exploration and World Design

After navigating the initial pleasure district, players can explore a larger map for the first time in the series. A new map screen provides easy access to primary and secondary objectives, treasures, and enemy locations. The exploration system encourages players to uncover secrets and challenges at their own pace, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

While the early access preview offered an exciting glimpse into the game, some concerns emerged regarding balance and enemy behavior. The characters provided were significantly overpowered, making it difficult to accurately assess game difficulty. Additionally, the enemy AI displayed unpredictable behavior, occasionally leading to comical scenarios where foes would leap off cliffs during battles.

Graphical performance also raised questions, as the build demonstrated some visual inconsistencies, including texture loading issues. While the game looks impressive overall, the reliance on assets from Nioh 2 was noticeable, and improvements in this area may be needed prior to release.

Despite these concerns, excitement for Nioh 3 remains high. The game promises to refine the compelling combat mechanics of its predecessors while introducing new elements that enhance gameplay. With its release scheduled for February 6, 2026, fans are eager to see how the final product will unfold on PlayStation 5 and PC. The inclusion of beloved moves, such as the Izuna Drop, will further delight players looking forward to the return of classic elements from the franchise.