State of Play Reveals Nioh 3 Demo in June 2025

Nioh 3 was stealth released during the June 2025 PlayStation State of Play! Read on for details about the game's launch and its limited-time demo.

Nioh 3 Arrives in Early 2026

Limited-Time Demo Out Now!

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have officially announced Nioh 3, the newest entry in their celebrated dark fantasy action RPG franchise. The reveal trailer not only offered a sneak peek at what lies ahead but also confirmed an early 2026 launch window. To top it off, a limited-time Nioh 3 demo was stealth dropped exclusively for PlayStation 5 right after the event.

This demo is accessible starting today, June 4, through June 18. According to Team Ninja's statement on the PlayStation Blog, "This is your opportunity to preview what we’ve crafted over the past few years. We also welcome your input as we refine the game and aim to deliver the ultimate Nioh experience!" Players are encouraged to share their thoughts via an online survey after completing the demo.

Fans have eagerly awaited the series' comeback for years. The first Nioh won players over in 2017, and its highly praised sequel followed in 2020. Now, Team Ninja is ready to raise the bar for action RPGs once again. General producer and Team Ninja head Fumihiko Yasuda shared the team's excitement about the announcement, inviting both veterans and newcomers to discover the "thrill of triumphing against relentless challenges."

Nioh 3 Overview

As detailed in Team Ninja's press release, Nioh 3 unfolds during Japan's Sengoku era. Players step into the role of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a towering figure in the nation's history. Interestingly, the announcement trailer identifies him by his childhood name, Takechiyo.

As the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which governed Japan for more than 200 years, Takechiyo is celebrated as a brilliant tactician. While the storyline remains largely under wraps, it is anticipated to trace Takechiyo's ascent amid the chaos of warring states and the looming menace of yokai. "Why is he committed to confronting yokai? We'll share that another time," Yasuda noted.

This installment introduces an "open field" design, moving beyond the segmented zones of earlier games. Players can look forward to "surprise clashes with mighty yokai, investigations of eerie villages haunted by dark secrets, and the formidable trials of The Crucible." The nature of "The Crucible" remains a mystery for now.

Even though you play a famous historical leader, the demo includes "the popular character creation tool from the last game," letting you design "a wide range of heroes."

Additionally, players can instantly swap between two combat modes—Samurai and Ninja. The Samurai style delivers the close-quarters combat that series fans know well. New features such as "Arts Proficiency" boost your character's skills, while "Deflect" allows you to counter enemy blows.

The Ninja style, on the other hand, emphasizes "evasion and aerial maneuvers." Players can employ diverse "Ninjutsu" skills while navigating the skies. Moves like "Mist," which creates a duplicate after an assault, and "Evade," for slipping past attacks, enable you to outsmart opponents and strike from behind.

More information will surface as the release date nears, but enthusiasts can sample the action with the available demo. For the newest Nioh 3 developments, take a look at our article below!