Breaking a six-year silence since its predecessor, Nioh 3 is finally set to launch on 6 February. While the game retains the hardcore action identity the series is famous for, it takes a bold leap forward by introducing an open-world system—a first for the franchise. Players are thrust into the Sengoku period of Japan, embarking on a journey to correct the course of history while battling hordes of yokai.

With significantly expanded environments, a deeper progression system, and fresh ninja-inspired mechanics, it seems packed with exactly what long-time fans have been waiting for. We’ve taken a moment to preview the key features of Nioh 3 as it returns with a grand, time-bending narrative.

Set in 1622 during the Edo period, the narrative centers on the tragic conflict between Takechiyo, grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and his younger brother, Kunimatsu. As the struggle for the next shogunate unfolds, the brilliant Kunimatsu falls to the corruption of darkness, transforming into a threat leading an army of yokai against his own brother. Our protagonist, Takechiyo, must rely on the mysterious powers of the guardian spirit Kusanagi, gaining the ability to traverse through time.

The game introduces an open-field format for the first time in the series. Unlike the linear stage design of previous entries, you are now free to explore vast regions, uncovering hidden secrets like combat manuals, equipment, and skill points. Furthermore, high-difficulty zones known as 'Hells' await, housing powerful bosses ready to test your resolve.

The most significant change to the combat system is the ability to swap between 'Samurai' and 'Ninja' styles in real-time. While previous games were strictly focused on samurai action, the inclusion of swift, unconventional ninja maneuvers broadens your tactical options. You can now opt for heavy, decisive strikes or confuse your foes with rapid, agile movements.

The Samurai style is perfect for those who prefer a head-on approach. It relies on parrying enemy attacks and chaining various stances and techniques—high or low—to deal massive damage. The iconic 'Ki Pulse' remains a staple for recovering stamina and cleansing yokai realms, but now, a 'Deflect' mechanic allows for deeper defensive interplay. Available weapons include swords, dual swords, spears, and odachis, each with their own unique stances and skills.

On the other hand, the Ninja style is defined by speed. Using the unique 'Mist' evasion technique, you can leave behind afterimages to dodge attacks and dash behind enemies for a lethal strike. By consuming Ninjutsu gauge, you can also unleash ranged attacks like shuriken or fireballs. This style favors agile weapons like kusarigama, hatchets, and tonfa, enabling flashy maneuvers like aerial combos.

Character customization is more granular than ever. You can tweak everything from gender and body type to facial features and voice tone. Interestingly, you can even set distinct appearances for your Samurai and Ninja styles, allowing you to swap from a heavily armored warrior to a nimble ninja on the fly.

Equipment and skill sets are managed independently for each style. You can kit out your samurai and ninja with their own gear and skill trees, letting you experiment with hybrid builds or push a single style to its absolute limits.

A host of supporting systems are also present. Guardian spirits do more than just provide stat buffs; they help you destroy obstacles or reach high places during exploration. The 'Onmyo Box' system, which uses the souls of yokai known as Soul Cores, allows you to unleash powerful yokai skills or buffs during combat. In desperate moments, you can even trigger a 'Yokai Shift'—a final gambit to turn the tide of battle.

The online multiplayer offers both cooperation and competition. If you hit a wall, use the 'Summon Visitor' function to call for help. Alternatively, you can use 'Expeditions' to traverse the open world and complete the story with a friend from start to finish. This co-op approach is a massive boon when tackling difficult bosses or Hell zones.

The asynchronous 'Graves' system returns as well. Red 'Bloody Graves' mark where other players have fallen; interact with them to summon an AI 'Revenant' with the gear and attack patterns of that player. Defeat them to claim rare loot. Conversely, blue 'Benevolent Graves' allow you to summon other players' characters as NPC companions for support.

The newly added 'Bloody Shura' is the highlight of the online experience. These giant yokai, born from the collective grudge of Revenants who have slain countless players, appear randomly in the field. They are significantly more formidable than standard bosses, but defeating them yields massive rewards, providing a constant endgame challenge for players.

Nioh 3 launches on 6 February for PS5 and Steam, with full official support for the Korean language.