Nioh 3 Demo Launches at PS State of Play

Nioh 3 made a surprise debut during PlayStation's June 2025 State of Play event! Discover everything about the game's early release and its exclusive trial period.

Nioh 3 Arrives Early 2026

Play the Limited-Time Demo Now

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have officially unveiled Nioh 3, the newest chapter in their celebrated dark fantasy action RPG franchise. The reveal trailer not only teased what lies ahead but also confirmed an early 2026 launch window. To top it off, PlayStation 5 users gained immediate access to a time-limited demo right after the presentation.

The free trial runs from June 4 through June 18. As Team Ninja stated on PlayStation Blog, "This is your opportunity to experience years of development firsthand—plus, your valuable feedback will help us polish the game into the ultimate Nioh experience!" Players can share their impressions via an official survey after completing the demo.

The series' passionate fanbase has eagerly awaited this moment since 2017's groundbreaking original and its stellar 2020 sequel. Team Ninja aims to redefine the action RPG genre yet again. Series producer Fumihiko Yasuda welcomed both veterans and newcomers to embrace "the thrill of perseverance against overwhelming odds."

What Awaits in Nioh 3

Set during Japan's turbulent Sengoku era, Nioh 3 casts players as legendary shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu—though he introduces himself by his childhood name Takechiyo in the trailer.

As the architect of Japan's 250-year Tokugawa dynasty, Takechiyo maneuvers through warring factions while confronting supernatural yokai threats. While story specifics remain under wraps, Yasuda teased: "What drives his battle against the yokai? That's a tale for another time."

Breaking from series tradition, Nioh 3 introduces expansive open areas where players will face terrifying yokai, uncover dark village secrets, and test their skills in The Crucible—a mysterious new challenge system.

Despite playing as a historical icon, the demo retains the beloved character creation system from previous games, allowing diverse hero customization.

The combat evolves with two instant-swappable styles: Samurai mode delivers classic close-quarters combat featuring new Arts Proficiency upgrades and defensive Deflect maneuvers.

Ninja style emphasizes aerial agility through Ninjutsu techniques like Mist (leaving decoys after attacks) and Evade (precision dodging)—perfect for flanking enemies.

Stay tuned for more reveals as launch approaches—but don't miss this chance to experience Nioh 3 early. For ongoing coverage, check our latest updates below!