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Nioh 3: News, Rumors, and Potential Settings for Team Ninja's Sequel

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Speculative fan art of a samurai facing Yokai in a Bakumatsu-era setting for Nioh 3.

The fires of the Sengoku period may have been quenched, but for fans of Team Ninja's brutal samurai saga, the desire for a new challenge burns brighter than ever. Following the masterclass in action RPG design that was *Nioh* and its epic prequel *Nioh 2*, the community has been rife with speculation and hope for a third installment.

But with the studio having since launched major titles like *Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty* and the ambitious open-world adventure *Rise of the Ronin*, where does the flagship Yokai-slaying franchise stand?

The State of the Nioh Saga

The story arcs of William Adams in *Nioh* and the half-yokai protagonist "Hide" in *Nioh 2* provided a comprehensive and satisfying conclusion to the series' narrative within Japan's Warring States period. Team Ninja has publicly stated that they view this chapter as complete.

In past interviews, *Nioh* series director Fumihiko Yasuda has indicated that the team sees a "resting point" for the franchise. He has expressed a desire to return to the series eventually but stressed that it would likely be a long time in the future. The studio's focus has clearly been on creating new IP and exploring different gameplay mechanics and settings, giving the developers a chance to learn and grow before potentially returning to their most celebrated work.

Lessons from Team Ninja's New Era

The games Team Ninja has developed since *Nioh 2* offer compelling clues as to how a future sequel could evolve. These titles act as a public R&D phase, showcasing new ideas that could one day be folded back into the *Nioh* formula.

  • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty: Set in the Three Kingdoms period of China, *Wo Long* moved away from *Nioh*'s stamina-based (Ki) combat and focused almost entirely on a high-stakes deflection system. Its faster, more aggressive rhythm and emphasis on breaking an enemy's spirit gauge could influence a more dynamic combat loop in a potential *Nioh 3*.
  • Rise of the Ronin: This PlayStation 5 exclusive is perhaps the most significant indicator of the studio's current interests. It features a vast open world, a deeper narrative focus with player choice, and, most tellingly, is set in Japan's "Bakumatsu" period of the mid-19th century. The experience gained in building this large-scale world and researching this specific historical era could be invaluable for a new *Nioh* title.

A New Setting: The End of the Samurai

The most exciting prospect for *Nioh 3* is a change in setting, and the Bakumatsu period explored in *Rise of the Ronin* is the most logical and speculated-upon destination. This era, which marked the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the end of samurai rule, is a crucible of conflict perfect for the series' blend of history and myth.

A *Nioh* game set in this period could be revolutionary. Imagine the possibilities for combat and gear:

  • Evolved Combat: The clash between traditional samurai weaponry and the introduction of Western technology could radically alter gameplay. Players could face enemies wielding revolvers and rifles, forcing new defensive strategies. A new protagonist could blend katana stances with firearms for a hybrid fighting style.
  • New Yokai Threats: The societal upheaval and foreign influence of the Bakumatsu period could be the catalyst for a new wave of Yokai, born from the anxieties of a changing nation.
  • Political Intrigue: A narrative centered on the conflict between the Shogun's forces and the Imperial loyalists would provide a rich, complex backdrop far different from the clan warfare of the Sengoku era.

While *Rise of the Ronin* tackled this setting with a more grounded, open-world approach, a *Nioh 3* could bring its signature mission-based structure, deep RPG mechanics, and Diablo-style loot system to the period, creating a fundamentally different yet incredibly compelling experience.

Conclusion: The Yokai Lie in Wait

As of today, there are no credible leaks or official announcements pointing to the imminent release of *Nioh 3*. Team Ninja is a busy studio focused on supporting its recent titles and likely planning its next new project. A return to the world of *Nioh* seems to be a question of "when," not "if," but that "when" is likely still several years away.

The evidence suggests that if and when the studio does return to the franchise, it will be with fresh eyes, a wealth of new experience from developing different kinds of games, and potentially a brand-new historical setting. The core pillars of challenging combat, intricate systems, and a masterful blend of Japanese history and folklore will undoubtedly remain. For now, the Yokai are stirring, but they remain in the shadows, waiting for Team Ninja to decide when it's time to draw their blades once more.