The Nioh franchise was largely silent since the release of Nioh 2 in 2020, leaving fans wondering what Team Ninja was planning next. But it seems the developers have been quietly working, as Nioh 3 is coming on February 6, 2026, as recently announced during Sony’s State of Play.
Once again, the title aims to take the combat to new levels of punishment and depth. It will be set in a dark fantasy world full of challenges to overcome. Let’s dive into the details of what makes Nioh 3’s combat both familiar and revolutionary.
Understanding Nioh 3’s Combat Mechanics: Deflect, Evade, and Dominate
Nioh 3 will be introducing two distinct combat styles for players to pick and explore the open field: Samurai and Ninja. Both of these styles bring different mechanics to the table.
The Samurai style is about being methodical in combat, meaning you will be taking the battle in close range. To make it smoother, players will be able to learn new mechanics like Arts Proficiency, which boosts martial arts attacks, and Deflect
This style is all about participating in tense, high-stakes duels where your timing and precision will be tested.
But if that’s not style, don’t worry, Team Ninja got you with the Ninja Style. This style focuses on being agile, speed, and battlefield manipulation. It will offer new techniques like Mist, which allows players to leave a decoy after an attack (as a distraction), and Evade, which enables players to perform near-miss dodges.
Both these techniques enable players to outsmart enemies and strike from unpredictable angles. And you won’t be feeling stuck in style, as you can switch between Samurai and Ninja styles whenever you want, allowing players to adapt to challenges on the fly.
This openness to the different styles will help create a combat experience that rewards skill, strategy, and quick thinking, rewarding both veterans and newcomers.
Why Nioh 3 Feels Familiar Yet Fresh
The Nioh series has always been known for its challenging combat, dark fantasy world, stamina management, and risk-reward systems. Each entry aimed to refine the combat mechanics to the next level, while offering unique historical and supernatural encounters.
Nioh 3 is no different in this regard, as it aims to build on this legacy. It is also attempting to introduce new mechanics, including its dual combat styles, more dynamic abilities, and an open-field exploration system. These small changes will enable players to approach each fight with a new look.
By balancing the series’ classic gameplay with new innovative techniques, Team Ninja is making sure that the latest entry honors its roots while also offering long-time fans a fresh new experience.
For fans of punishing action RPGs, this will be a chance to engage with the series’ toughest battles yet and explore the rich Sengoku-inspired world like never before.
Which combat style will you try first: the precise Samurai or the agile Ninja? Let us know in the comments below.
