Nioh 3 Demo Surprise Released at PS State of Play June 2025

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Nioh 3 Just Got Announced – Demo Available Now After PlayStation State of Play June 2025

The wait is over—Nioh 3 has officially been announced during the PlayStation State of Play broadcast in June 2025, and better yet, a limited-time demo is now available for players to experience. Read on to find out everything we know so far about Nioh 3, including its release date, gameplay changes, and how you can play the demo today.

Nioh 3 – Early 2026 Release Confirmed

Mark your calendars: Nioh 3 is set to launch in early 2026. This latest entry in Team Ninja’s critically acclaimed action RPG series promises to deliver an evolved gameplay experience that builds upon the legacy of its predecessors.

Limited-Time Demo Out Now!

In a surprise move, Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja unveiled Nioh 3 with a shadow drop of a playable demo exclusively on PlayStation 5 immediately following the State of Play presentation. The demo will be available from June 4 through June 18, giving players just two weeks to dive in and explore what’s new.

As stated in Team Ninja’s official PlayStation Blog post, this demo serves as both a sneak peek and a feedback opportunity. They’re encouraging players to complete a post-demo survey on their website to help shape the final product into "the definitive title in the Nioh series."

Fans have long awaited the return of this beloved franchise. The first Nioh launched in 2017, followed by a successful sequel in 2020. With Nioh 3, Team Ninja aims to push the boundaries even further. Fumihiko Yasuda, General Producer and Head of Team Ninja, expressed excitement about sharing this new chapter, inviting both returning players and newcomers to embrace the challenge and "experience the satisfaction of succeeding in the face of constant death."

What Is Nioh 3 About?

Set during Japan's tumultuous Sengoku period, Nioh 3 places players in the role of none other than Tokugawa Ieyasu—historically known as Takechiyo at the start of his rise to power. He is one of the most significant figures in Japanese history and the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years.

While details about the full narrative are still under wraps, the game will follow Takechiyo as he battles against yokai and warring factions vying for control. As Fumihiko Yasuda teased, “Why is he dedicated to battling against yokai? We’ll save those details for another day.”

One major change in Nioh 3 is the introduction of an open-field design, breaking away from the more segmented level structures of previous games. Players can look forward to:

• Unexpected encounters with powerful yokai
• Exploration of eerie villages filled with dark secrets
• Challenging new content within "The Crucible" (exact nature TBD)

Despite playing as a historical figure, the demo includes the character creation system introduced in prior titles, allowing players to craft unique heroes tailored to their preferred playstyle.

New Gameplay Mechanics – Samurai vs. Ninja Combat Styles

Nioh 3 introduces a dynamic dual-combat system, letting players switch between Samurai and Ninja styles on the fly.

• Samurai Style retains the close-quarters combat familiar to series veterans, featuring martial arts-based movesets.

  • New mechanics include Arts Proficiency, which boosts character effectiveness, and Deflect, a parry mechanic to counter enemy attacks.

• Ninja Style emphasizes agility, offering aerial combat and advanced dodging techniques.

  • Abilities like Mist, which leaves behind a clone after attacking, and Evade, which lets you narrowly dodge strikes, allow for fluid hit-and-run tactics and flanking maneuvers.

This blend of fast-paced melee and strategic evasion opens up fresh tactical options, making each encounter feel dynamic and rewarding.

More information about Nioh 3 will surely surface as we approach the early 2026 release window. For now, take advantage of the exclusive demo on PlayStation 5 and share your thoughts directly with Team Ninja via their official feedback form.

Stay tuned for more updates, gameplay reveals, and developer insights in the coming months.

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check back here regularly for the latest news on Nioh 3 and other upcoming PlayStation titles.