Nioh 3

Nioh 3 for PC is the third installment of the acclaimed action role-playing “soulslike” series developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo.



Released on February 6, 2026, the game continues the franchise’s legacy of fast-paced, strategic combat against fearsome yokai, now with larger exploration areas and two fluid combat styles — Samurai and Ninja — that players can swap at will during battle.

It bridges intense historical samurai storytelling with supernatural enemies, set across multiple eras of Japanese history.

Unlike its mission-based predecessors, Nioh 3 game shifts to expansive “open field” environments that reward exploration, loot collection, and tactical choice, while retaining the series’ famously punishing difficulty and precise combat mechanics.

The PC version launched strongly and has attracted a large player base thanks to its simultaneous release and strong performance optimization.



Key Features

Dual Combat Styles: Samurai and Ninja stances, each with unique play mechanics and skills.

Open Field Exploration: Larger zones with points of interest, hidden items, and dynamic challenges.

Character Customization: Deep customization of appearance, skills, and combat proficiency.

Yokai Battles: Fight supernatural creatures with strategic approaches.

Multiplayer Modes: Summon friends for boss fights or explore together in Expedition mode.

Crucible Challenges: Endgame arenas that test builds against tough enemies.

User Interface

Nioh 3 for Windows presents a clean, flexible third-person interface with its HUD showing health, Ki (stamina), quick items, and equipped skills.



Mapping and inventory menus are deep but navigable, and most options can be customized in settings.

Accessibility options such as auto-loot and shortcut sets require digging into the menus but can greatly improve quality of life once configured.

Keyboard and mouse controls on PC are robust, but controller support is excellent and often recommended for seamless execution of combos and parries.

Installation and Setup

• Purchase and download Nioh 3 from Steam.
• Ensure your PC meets the minimum specifications and that you have at least 125 GB of free SSD space.
• Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
• Update Windows 11 and graphics drivers for best performance.
• Launch the game from your Steam library.

How to Play

Create Your Character: Begin by customizing appearance and initial skill affinities.

Learn Combat Basics: Use Samurai and Ninja styles to understand stamina (Ki), special attacks, and dodges.

Explore Open Fields: Navigate open maps to find shrines, items, and side quests.

Battle Yokai: Use strategy and style switching to defeat enemies.

Level Up: Spend Amrita at shrines to increase skills and unlock new abilities.

Gear Management: Upgrade equipment, scrap old gear, or offer it for Amrita at shrines.

Multiplayer Challenges: Use online features for help on tougher bosses.



FAQs

Is Nioh 3 worth playing for newcomers to the series?
Yes — it rewards patience with deep combat and customizable playstyles, but expect a steep learning curve.

Can I play it solo only?
Yes — single-player is fully supported, with multiplayer as an optional feature.

Is the game open world?
It uses “open field” zones with exploration freedom rather than a single continuous open world.

How long is the game?
The main story can take dozens of hours to complete, and post-game challenges significantly extend replayability.

Does it support controllers?
Yes — full controller support is available and highly recommended for fluid combat execution.

Alternatives

• Elden Ring – A sprawling, nonlinear soulslike with a huge world and deep lore.
• Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – A historical action RPG with large battles and mythic enemies.
• Dark Souls III – The benchmark of challenging tactical combat in the genre.
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Focused on precision parrying and intense one-on-one encounters.

Pricing

The standard edition is priced around $70 USD at launch.

Seasonal discounts may apply during major sales events.

Additional DLC content, including a Season Pass with extra story expansions and gear, is sold separately.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
• CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB / AMD RX 5600 XT 6GB
• Storage: 125 GB SSD

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
• CPU: Intel Core i5-10600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti / AMD RX 6700 XT
• Storage: 125 GB SSD (NVMe recommended)

PROS

• Deep and rewarding combat system.
• Flexible dual playstyle mechanics.
• Rich open-field environments.
• High replay value with multiplayer and endgame modes.
• Strong PC optimization options.
• Robust loot and progression systems.
• Active community and post-launch support.

CONS

• Story sometimes feels secondary to gameplay.
• Complex menus may overwhelm beginners.
• Large installation size and SSD requirement.
• Some balance issues at launch.
• Online connection required for certain features.
• Not a fully seamless open world.

Conclusion

Nioh 3 stands as one of the strongest action RPG releases of 2026, successfully expanding the franchise with open-field exploration while preserving its tight, punishing combat design.

The addition of dual combat styles creates meaningful strategic variety, and the endgame content ensures long-term replayability.

The FileHorse review team recommends Nioh 3 to fans of hardcore soulslike experiences and action RPG players who enjoy challenge-driven progression.