While Team Ninja (alongside PlatinumGames) has its hands full with Ninja Gaiden 4, out next week, the former is also working on Nioh 3, launching next year. The masocore action RPG make some changes to the series formula, from transitioning to more open field (not open-world) levels to seamlessly switching between Samurai and Ninja Styles.
But the more things change, the more they remain the same, and that applies to another difficulty level that unlocks upon finishing the game. Speaking to WCCF Tech, producer Kohei Shibata confirmed, “We have incorporated that into a second playthrough where you can increase the difficulty level, and I think that has become a staple for the Nioh series.”
For those who don’t know, Nioh offers New Game Plus like other Souls-like titles, where you can replay the game and carry over all levels, weapons, and unlocks. The difference is that these are higher difficulty levels with their own unique features. For example, Way of the Strong or NG+ includes Divine Equipment in Nioh 1 and 2.
Whether additional difficulty levels will be available at launch or added in post remains to be seen, so stay tuned. Nioh 3 launches on February 6th, 2026, for PS5 and PC. Check out the latest gameplay here.