Team Ninja’s Nioh 3 launched on February 6 for PS5 and PC — the series’ first simultaneous multiplatform release — and the reviews are in. The verdict? This is a seriously impressive sequel that makes bold changes to the formula, and critics are overwhelmingly on board.
The Scores
Nioh 3 sits at an 86 on Metacritic (PS5) and 85 on PC, with an OpenCritic average of 85 and a 93% recommendation rate, earning the platform’s “Mighty” rating. That puts it ahead of Nioh 2’s PS4 launch score (85) while trailing the original Nioh (88).
Here’s what major outlets are saying:
- IGN — 9/10: “Nioh 3 delivers best-in-class combat that revitalizes the established formula with a fantastic split between Samurai and Ninja styles, as well as a triumphant move to an open-world structure.”
- Tom’s Guide: “If you’re looking for a remarkably content-rich game that offers mechanically deep combat and a hugely rewarding level of challenge, Nioh 3 is the first must-play game of 2026.”
- PC Gamer: “Nioh 3 is everything I wanted from a sequel to Nioh 2, and yet, somehow so much more. One of the best soulslikes yet.”
- TheSixthAxis: “Nioh 3 is substantially better than the second one — an amazing Elden Ring-sized leap for the series.”
- GameSpot: “With compelling new additions and refinements to its already excellent combat, Nioh 3 sees Team Ninja return to the series at the very top of its game.”
What’s New: Open World and Dual Combat Styles
The biggest change in Nioh 3 is the move from linear mission-based levels to an open-field exploration structure. Think less “Dark Souls corridors” and more Elden Ring-style open areas. The entire open world is playable in co-op, which is a massive selling point for the series’ dedicated multiplayer community.
Combat now features a Samurai vs. Ninja dual archetype system. Players can switch between styles during gameplay, giving fights an additional layer of tactical depth. Combined with the series’ signature stance system, the combat options are deeper than ever.
Three-Player Co-Op from Day One
Nioh 3 supports three-player online co-op across the full game — a step up from the two-player limit in previous entries. Note that there’s no crossplay between PS5 and PC at launch, so coordinate with your squad accordingly.
A free demo launched on January 29 for PS5, so some players had a head start on learning the new systems before release.
The Bottom Line
With an 86 on Metacritic and universal praise for its combat evolution, Nioh 3 has set the bar early for 2026. If you’re a soulslike fan who hasn’t picked it up yet, the consensus is clear: this one’s worth your time.
How Nioh 3 Compares to Previous Entries
The critical consensus places Nioh 3 as the most refined entry in the series. Team Ninja took feedback from Nioh 2 seriously, smoothing out the difficulty curve in the early hours while maintaining the brutal challenge that defines the franchise. The new stance system gives players more combat options than ever, and the yokai mechanics feel fully integrated rather than bolted on.
Combat remains the star of the show. Reviewers consistently praised the depth of the Ki pulse system, the variety of weapon types, and boss encounters that reward pattern recognition and aggressive play. The loot system has been streamlined compared to Nioh 2, with fewer but more meaningful drops that reduce inventory management fatigue.
Should You Play Nioh 1 and 2 First?
Nioh 3 tells a standalone story with new characters, so prior games are not required. However, the combat mechanics build on systems established in Nioh 2. Playing at least Nioh 2 first will make the combat feel more intuitive. If you enjoyed any Souls-like game and want something faster and more technical, Nioh 3 is worth your attention regardless of series experience.
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