Nioh 3 - Demo - Playthrough - Stream

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Nioh 3" is the latest installment in Team Ninja's dark samurai action RPG series, announced during the PlayStation State of Play in June 2025.
Overview
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Genre: Action role-playing game (RPG), often categorized as a "Soulslike" due to its challenging combat and intricate level design
Platforms: PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam)
Release Date: Scheduled for early 2026
Story and Setting
In "Nioh 3," you play as a young warrior destined to become the next Shogun, battling formidable yokai (supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore) in a dark, historical Japan-inspired setting. The narrative explores the protagonist’s motivations for fighting these creatures, though specific plot details are being kept under wraps for now.
Gameplay
Combat Styles: A key feature is the ability to switch between two distinct combat styles—Samurai and Ninja. The Samurai style will feel familiar to series veterans, with new actions added, while the Ninja style introduces unique mechanics, such as the absence of ki pulsing (a stamina management technique from previous games).
Open-Field Design: Unlike a true open-world game like Elden Ring, "Nioh 3" features a tighter "open-field" approach. This design expands on the series’ traditional level structure with more open levels, offering greater exploration while maintaining the core identity of the Nioh series. The producer has emphasized that a fully open-world map would deviate too far from what defines Nioh.
Core Mechanics: Expect the signature challenging combat, blending precise melee attacks, dodges, and strategic use of abilities to conquer enemies and bosses in a crucible of skill and perseverance, with the tagline "Conquer the Crucible, Become Shogun."
Demo
A free Alpha Demo is available now for PlayStation 5 via the PlayStation Store, running until June 18, 2025. Players can experience the new combat styles and improved graphics, which have been praised as a step up and a sign of the series’ maturation.
Feedback from the demo highlights the impressive visuals and the exciting shift between Samurai and Ninja stances, with some players noting the game feels more refined compared to its predecessors.
Additional Notes
Not Open-World: The game avoids a sprawling open-world structure to preserve the tight, focused experience Nioh is known for.
Community Reaction: Early sentiment on X and web sources shows excitement, with fans praising the demo, the new combat system, and even small details like the cute design of the Chijiko (a possible companion or collectible element).
Trailer: An official reveal trailer was showcased during the State of Play, giving a glimpse of the third-person action and the protagonist’s journey.
Current Status
As of June 7, 2025, "Nioh 3" is in development, with the demo offering a hands-on preview. The game builds on the legacy of the series, which began with "Nioh" (set in Japan circa 1600, following an Irish samurai named William) and continued with "Nioh 2." Fans are eager for this next chapter, blending historical and supernatural elements with intense gameplay.