Team Ninja is back. After side projects like Wo Long and Rise of the Ronin, they’re going all in on Nioh 3. For many, the Nioh series still defines what sharp, high-stakes combat looks like.

This new entry keeps the core, but builds out big ideas that finally break the old level structure.

Nioh 3 Quick Facts

  • Release date: February 6, 2026
  • Platforms: PS5, PC (Steam)
  • Pre-orders: Available now on PS Store and Steam
  • Editions: Standard, Digital Deluxe, and two physical PS5 options
  • Key mechanics: Samurai and Ninja style swapping, open-field exploration, historical time-travel story

Release and Platforms for Nioh 3

Nioh 3 launches Friday, February 6, 2026. It’s confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, but there’s no version for Xbox or Switch. Based on the series history, that’s unlikely to change. This remains a PlayStation and PC-focused franchise.

Pre-Order Pricing and Editions

Pre-orders are up on both PlayStation Store and Steam, and the editions follow a clear tier system.

  • Standard Edition is £64.99 or $69.99
  • Digital Deluxe Edition is £94.99 or $109.99 and includes the base game, a Season Pass with two DLCs, the Infernal Weapons Set (14 types), and the Kodama Netsuke Charm
  • SteelBook Launch Edition (PS5 only) adds a collectible case, the Lucky Tanuki charm, and the Kusanagi Netsuke
  • Treasure Box edition includes the SteelBook plus an artbook, CD soundtrack, desk pad, and a physical Scampuss Furball charm keychain

Bonuses for Early Purchases

Digital pre-orders unlock the Hellfire Equipment Set and a Scampuss Furball Netsuke. Buying any edition before February 20, 2026 grants the Hellfrost Equipment Set and legacy armor for William and Hiddy. Completing the demo before February 15 adds a special Twin-Snake Helmet to your account.

Digital Deluxe already includes the Season Pass. Buying it separately is redundant, so double-check your cart to avoid overpaying.

Gameplay Changes and What’s New

Nioh 3 keeps the foundation familiar. You still have stamina-based combat, weapon mastery, and yōkai encounters. Build diversity and gear progression are still front and center. What’s changed is the structure and style freedom.

  • Style switching in combat. You can now shift between Samurai and Ninja movesets mid-fight without pausing.
  • Open-field map structure. The classic mission corridors are gone. Larger zones now allow exploration, side quests, and secrets between main objectives.

It’s more like an “open field” than an open world, giving a feeling of connected fields with flexible paths, optional content, and branching routes. It moves the formula forward without losing the sense of challenge.

Combat Styles and How They Shape Builds

You start with access to both playstyles and can toggle between them on command.

  • Samurai style focuses on timing, defense, and strong hits. It keeps the familiar pacing of the earlier games.
  • Ninja style gives you fast movement, evasive tools, and quick recovery. You spend less time locked in and more time repositioning.

This system rewards flexibility. You can enter a fight with one stance, break the enemy’s guard, and then flip to the other to finish them off. It’s less about locking into one role and more about staying fluid between them.

Story and Settings

You play as Tokugawa Takechiyo, younger brother of Tokugawa Kunimatsu, who launches a surprise siege on Edo Castle with a yōkai army. The goal is clear: you have to stop your brother and preserve your legacy.

The twist comes early. Takechiyo gets pulled back in time by the guardian spirit Kusanagi. You’ll cross through major Japanese periods like Heian, Sengoku, and Bakumatsu, interacting with historical and mythological figures while trying to shape events in your favor.

Each era is tied to unique locations, enemies, and political conflicts. It’s not just set dressing. The historical framing shapes enemy types and quest progression.

What’s Still Missing

Some key pieces of information are still locked away. Here’s what hasn’t been shared yet:

  • Full details on the Season Pass content or release schedule
  • System requirements for PC and confirmation of frame rate targets or performance modes on PS5
  • No mention of Abyss-style endgame systems or NG mechanics

That leaves some uncertainty around how much content the game will have after the credits roll, and how well it will scale for power users.

Your Build, Your Style

The most immediate choice you’ll make is how to approach combat. You can go all-in on Samurai, stick to fast Ninja counters, or mix both. Weapons, armor, and buffs respond differently across styles, and players who build for hybrid play will likely get the most flexibility. Style-swapping is no gimmick. It’s the centerpiece.

Think about how you like to control space, close distance, or break rhythm. The game gives you tools for every approach. You just need to learn how and when to apply them.

Nioh 3 feels like a game that understands its audience. It sticks to its combat roots but stops repeating the same structure. The new movement systems, layered map design, and dual-style combat show that Team Ninja is still trying to push itself.