NIOH 3: Latest Details and Updates

Koei Tecmo will host a dedicated program for their upcoming game, NIOH 3, at Tokyo Game Show 2025. Continue reading for details on the event schedule, start time, and anticipated announcements.

Everything Announced in the NIOH 3 Official Program

A Step Into Nioh 3’s Dark Sengoku Era

Team Ninja's dark action RPG, Nioh 3, brings its distinctive blend of intense combat and mythological elements to Tokyo Game Show 2025. Joining the event are Fumihiko Yasuda, General Producer of Nioh 3, and Kohei Shibata, the game's Producer, with Hatsune Matsushima serving as MC.

Nioh 3 follows the young shogun Tokugawa Takechiyo as Japan's fragile peace shatters into turmoil. Takechiyo confronts personal tragedy when his younger brother, Kunimatsu, is consumed by hatred and drawn into darkness. Arriving in the Warring States period, Takechiyo encounters Himeko. Together, they uncover a sinister conspiracy intended to cast the world into hell.

The journey spans multiple eras, each afflicted by a crucible that gradually erodes it. These corrupted domains are overrun by powerful foes. Venturing into these areas presents opportunities to earn valuable rewards, such as crucible weapons and new guardian spirit abilities unlocked by purifying the taint.

Freely Switch Between Two Playstyles: Samurai and Ninja

This new installment deepens the series' combat with fresh layers of complexity. Players can form parties of up to three members to tackle missions and bosses cooperatively.

A significant new feature is the ability to switch instantly between two playstyles in real-time. Players can now explore Heian-era Japan using the traditional Samurai combat style or the all-new Ninja approach. Yasuda mentioned that the Samurai style has long been the series' primary focus. By adding a ninja style—a globally recognized symbol of Japanese culture—they aim to introduce a fresh flavor and unique experience.

The Ninja style is defined by its Mist Technique, allowing players to phase through attacks after striking to avoid enemy counters. It is complemented by new Ninjutsu attributes—Fire, Water, and Lightning—that can be selected to enhance assaults. Attacking an enemy with Ninjutsu rapidly fills the Ninjutsu Gauge, enabling repeated use.

Meanwhile, the classic Samurai Style is enhanced with new mechanics. Ki Pulses remain essential for cleansing Yokai Realm fields, while expanded Arts Proficiency strengthens martial techniques. Deflect maneuvers add a defensive layer, enabling skilled players to block incoming attacks.

Nioh 3 Live Gameplay Showcase

After outlining what players can expect from Nioh 3, Producer Kohei Shibata took the controller for a live gameplay demonstration, offering a look at the game's Heian-era setting. The showcased area was a vast, hostile landscape plagued by snow, ice, and Yokai—supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore that serve as the game's common enemies.

Shibata first confronted an elite foe, a Karasu Tengu, a crow-like creature known as a mischievous trickster. In Nioh 3, this yokai attacks with its claws and a large staff. It occasionally takes flight to launch wind attacks from afar or thrust forward with its staff.

The second boss featured in the live showcase was the Itsumaden, a monstrous bird-like yokai. It employs sweeping area attacks and uses its powerful tail to launch itself toward the player.

Other yokai enemies appeared in the demo, including the one-eyed Hitotsume Kozu (which fell victim to a stealth attack from Shibata) and a large, dark Kodama wielding a staff, or shakujo, to unleash powerful lightning strikes.

In addition to displaying a wide variety of enemy types, the presentation offered a close look at both the Samurai and Ninja playstyles. As discussed earlier, players can seamlessly switch between styles with a single button press. During the showcase, Shibata rapidly alternated between the two, with the player character's armor and weapons changing automatically.

Interview with Tsuchiya Tao and Hongo Kanata

The program also featured special interviews with the game's voice actors, including Tao Tsuchiya, who voices Himeko, and Kanata Hongo, the voice of Kunimatsu, who shared insights into their respective roles.

Tao Tsuchiya is widely recognized for her roles in the hit Netflix series Alice in Borderland and the film The 8-Year Engagement. Nioh 3 marks her debut as a video game voice actor. During the interview, she described handling three types of script content: in-game action lines, main story dialogue, and full-motion video sequences. She portrayed Himeko as outwardly composed and cool, yet inwardly conflicted, embodying a blend of purity and strength that makes her compelling within the game's historical drama setting.

Despite an extensive film career that includes roles in famous live-action adaptations of popular anime such as Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Gantz, Kanata Hongo is also new to video game voice acting. He shared his excitement about the novel experience and discussed the expansive story and setting of Nioh 3. Similar to Tsuchiya, he touched on his character, Kunimatsu Tokugawa, revealing that Tokugawa was once a close friend of the protagonist. However, the narrative traces his gradual fall into darkness, underscoring the emphasis placed on Tokugawa's character arc.

Each actor's segment concluded with a brief preview of their character in action, showcasing some of the game's intense and dramatic scenes, fully animated and voiced.

Everything We Know About the NIOH 3 Official Program

NIOH 3 Official Program at Tokyo Game Show 2025 on September 25, 2025

Koei Tecmo will hold a dedicated program for their upcoming soulslike title, NIOH 3, at TGS 2025 on September 25, 2025. The event will take place at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba City, Japan, beginning at 4:00 a.m. PT / 7:00 a.m. ET.

Refer to the schedule below to find the event start time in your region.

NIOH 3 Official Program Starting Time

NIOH 3 Official Program at Tokyo Game Show 2025 Stream Starts on September 25, 2025

For those unable to attend the special stage event in person, Koei Tecmo will host an official livestream on their official YouTube channel on September 25, 2025, starting at 4:00 a.m. PT / 7:00 a.m. ET.

Other Tokyo Game Show Announcements

Prepare for NIOH 3 Gameplay Overview with the Game's Producers

According to KOEI TECMO's official description of the NIOH 3 Official Program, the event will feature an in-depth discussion and live demonstration of the upcoming game's key features. The presentation will include appearances from the game's producers, Fumihiko Yasuda and Kohei Shibata, and will be hosted by Hatsune Matsushima.

What is NIOH 3 Official Program?

The Nioh 3 Official Program is a presentation by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo dedicated to showcasing the next chapter in their acclaimed action RPG series. The program will include live gameplay demos, highlight the expanded combat system featuring Samurai and Ninja styles, and explore how the series evolves with larger open-world environments.