Most players will finish Nioh 3 main story in around 30 to 40 hours. Go for full completion, like side missions, collectibles, gear farming and the clock pushes closer to 60 to 70 hours.
That’s not counting the extra time needed for higher difficulty tiers unlocked after the final boss.
Nioh 3: What Affects Playtime
The biggest factors are how quickly you get used to the fast, punishing combat, how many times you wipe on bosses, and how much optional content you engage with.
Nioh 3’s less linear, open-field design gives you freedom to speed through or get completely sidetracked. Post-game difficulty tiers and build chasing can add dozens of hours.
Main Story Estimate
Stick to critical objectives and you’re looking at 30 to 40 hours. Open-field structure means you can skip distractions, but the game constantly tempts you with shortcuts, hidden loot, and detours that extend your run.
Completionist Path
To do everything: exploration, sub-missions, dungeons, collectibles you’ll hit 60 to 70 hours, maybe more. Optional dungeons and side bosses are often just as challenging (and rewarding) as the main ones.
Side Content Worth Your Time
- Exploration: hidden routes and chests often hold rare gear
- Dungeons: tough encounters with strong rewards
- Kodama spirits: unlock passive bonuses and shrine perks
- Scampuss cats: pet them for items and minor buffs (and because they’re great)
Sub-Missions and Battle Scrolls
Battle scrolls unlock short, focused sub-missions that feel closer to classic Nioh stages. They’re fully optional but smart to complete for better loot and boss prep without interrupting the main campaign flow.
Quick Tips
- If your goal is simply to see the credits roll, keep your eyes on the main path and treat optional content as a tool. Dip into side missions or exploration only when you need better gear, levels, or a power boost to get past a tough boss.
- If you’re in it for the full experience, slow things down. Wander off the beaten path, poke into every corner of each zone, clear all the dungeons, and chase down every collectible. That’s where a lot of the game’s best moments, toughest fights, and most satisfying rewards are hiding.
Where are you at in your run? Still mid-story or deep into post-game farming?