Nioh 3 Hands-On Preview and Interview at Tokyo Game Show 2025

Unveiling Nioh 3: A New Chapter in a Legendary Series

The Nioh series has evolved significantly since its inception, taking players from an alternative history where an Irish prisoner escapes the Tower of London to embark on a journey as an influential samurai. With the upcoming release of Nioh 3, Team Ninja is reinventing the narrative, introducing themes of time travel and dual identities set against a fresh historical backdrop.

Two Distinct Playstyles: Samurai vs. Ninja

In Nioh 3, players step into the shoes of a samurai, the grandson of the renowned shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. This new protagonist boasts unique skills that unlock two distinct playstyles. As a Samurai, players can engage in combat reminiscent of the original title, complete with diverse stances for each weapon, and utilize the Ki Pulse maneuver to recover stamina. Conversely, the Ninja playstyle eschews stances, allowing players to employ various ninjutsu and tools to execute stealthy surprise attacks, making gameplay more dynamic.

The transition between these combat styles during gameplay is seamless. However, many players may find themselves gravitating towards the familiar Samurai style due to the muscle memory built from previous installments. Notably, specific weapon types are unique to each style, a choice that Nioh 3 Producer Kohei Shibata elaborates on in our interview below.

Revamped Loot System

Continuing the tradition of its predecessors, Nioh 3 presents a veritable cornucopia of loot, as enemies drop a wealth of weapons and gear. A revamped loot filtering system enables players to easily identify and focus on higher-tier items while automatically managing lower-ranked gear, reducing inventory clutter. Though this change doesn’t solve all concerns regarding unique items, it encourages players to seek out more potent gear with potentially superior abilities.

Intense Combat and Boss Fights

Combat in Nioh 3 remains unforgiving. A demonstration at the Tokyo Game Show highlighted the formidable challenges posed by bosses like Takeda Shingen. The intense encounter required players to master defensive techniques while making the best use of their ninja tools. If subsequent battles offer the same level of difficulty and engagement, longtime fans can anticipate another immersive experience lasting around 100 hours or more, with the game set to debut on PlayStation 5 and PC on February 6, 2026.

Insights from Producer Kohei Shibata

Following a challenging session against Takeda Shingen, we had the opportunity to interview Kohei Shibata. Below are some highlights from our conversation.

A warrior and a blue monster are engaged in battle on a snowy mountain. — “The idea of time travel emerged from our desire to create expansive open fields. By depicting different historical periods, we aim to enhance player recognition of the various areas within the game.”

The Significance of Historical Periods

Shibata explained the decision to travel through time within Nioh 3. Unlike previous installments that focused primarily on the Sengoku (Warring States) Period, this installment begins in a peaceful era, setting the stage for the protagonist’s eventual conflicts. This narrative choice encourages exploration of different periods in Japanese history, fostering an intriguing backdrop for the gameplay.

Maintaining Structure in an Open World

Shibata described the balance between freedom and structure in Nioh 3. While the game embraces open-world elements, it retains the recognizable feel of a Nioh title. The developers have thoughtfully designed areas filled with both numerous weaker enemies and stronger opponents, providing a varied experience that prevents combat from becoming monotonous.

With carefully constructed pathways and mission options, players will find diverse ways to progress, ensuring an enriching gameplay experience that still feels distinctly “Nioh.”

Balancing Difficulty for New and Veteran Players

The Nioh series is known for its demanding gameplay. However, Shibata assures that while enemies remain challenging, new players will have access to gradual learning paths, complete with tutorials and onboarding elements to ease them into combat mechanics. Veterans, on the other hand, will find familiarity and challenge in the refined systems, maintaining the series’ traditional level of difficulty.

Distinct Combat Styles and Weapon Choices

In Nioh 3, the separation of weapon types between the Samurai and Ninja styles adds another layer of strategy. Each style features weapons that align with their respective identities, ensuring that players engage with combat uniquely tailored to the character they embody. The developers chose this path to preserve the distinct elements of each style, further enhancing gameplay complexity.

A samurai battles a demon-like creature with a spear in a snowy, barren battlefield. — “By keeping weapon styles distinct, we aim to strengthen the gameplay experience and maintain the identity of both Samurai and Ninja styles.”

Power of Onmyo Talismans Revisited

Onmyo Talismans continue to play a pivotal role in Nioh 3, with adjustments made to balance their effectiveness. Players will earn Talismans by defeating Yokai, adding a fresh layer to the acquisition of these powerful tools.

Improved Loot Management and Accessibility

To tackle concerns over the vast quantity of loot, Nioh 3 introduces new features that simplify inventory management. Players can now automatically equip the strongest weapon in their possession and easily dispose of less valuable items. Combined with the dual combat styles, these enhancements encourage deeper exploration and strategic equipment choices.

Higher Difficulty Levels for Completionists

Upon completing Nioh 3, players can unlock higher difficulty levels, typical of the franchise and aimed at those seeking even greater challenges.

Conclusion

Our discussion with Shibata revealed the thoughtfulness behind Nioh 3‘s development, with an eye toward player experience and innovation. Enthusiasts of the series can anticipate a unique blend of narrative depth, intricate combat, and exploration when the game launches.

For more insights, be sure to check out our source.