Team Ninja’s highly anticipated samurai epic, Nioh 3, is poised to deliver a substantial challenge, clocking in at an estimated 40 hours for the main campaign alone. This marks a significant return for the series, which is also making a strategic leap with a simultaneous PC release – a first for the franchise. We've already spent considerable time with an early build, sharpening our blades and navigating its sprawling, non-linear "open field" areas, and we can confidently say fans are in for a serious investment of their time. This isn't just a sequel; it's a statement about the evolution of the Soulslike genre and Team Ninja's commitment to its growing fanbase.
The Nioh Evolution: PC, Scale, and Smart Design
The decision to launch Nioh 3 concurrently on PC alongside consoles is a monumental, long-overdue move. For years, PC players have patiently waited for Nioh titles, often with staggered releases that felt like an afterthought. This time, Team Ninja clearly listened, offering a unified launch that widens the player base instantly and acknowledges the platform’s crucial role in the gaming ecosystem. It’s a smart play that we expect will pay dividends, attracting new players who might have previously been hesitant to jump in.
Regarding its structure, Nioh 3 embraces an "open field" design rather than a sprawling, unfocused open world. This distinction is crucial. While there are expansive, non-linear zones teeming with secrets, side quests, and brutal encounters, the game avoids the bloat often associated with true open-world titles. This keeps the experience tight and focused, a hallmark of the Nioh series’ notoriously deep combat and methodical progression. It feels like a natural progression from Nioh 2's larger levels, giving players more room to breathe and explore without sacrificing the precision of its level design.
How Much Grind? Expected Playtime for Nioh 3
Based on our extensive hands-on experience and comparing it to the previous entries, Nioh 3 offers a robust playtime that respects both casual players and dedicated completionists. This isn't a game you'll blitz through over a weekend.
Here's our breakdown of the expected time investment:
- Main Campaign: Approximately 40 hours. This is in line with the series' established precedents, ensuring a substantial narrative journey.
- Main Campaign + Side Quests: Expect to commit anywhere from 60-70 hours. The sheer volume of optional content, from challenging sub-missions to hidden bosses, will add considerable playtime.
- Completionist Run (including all DLC, NG+ cycles, and every hidden secret): Nearing the 100-hour mark. If Nioh 2 is any indicator, with its approximately 100-hour completionist grind, Nioh 3 is set to deliver similar long-term value.
To put this into perspective, let's look at how the series has evolved in terms of length:
| Game Title | Main Campaign (Approx.) | Main + Side Quests (Approx.) | Completionist (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nioh | 35 hours | 50 hours | 70-80 hours |
| Nioh 2 | 45 hours | 75 hours | 100+ hours |
| Nioh 3 (Estimate) | 40 hours | 60-70 hours | 90-100 hours |
The estimated 40-hour main campaign for Nioh 3, while slightly less than Nioh 2, is a strategic choice. It suggests a more refined, less padded core experience, potentially leading to a tighter narrative focus while still providing immense replayability through its ample side content and the inevitable NG+ cycles. We've seen firsthand how engaging these optional paths are; they're not just filler, but often introduce unique boss encounters and challenging scenarios that truly test your build.
Our Early Take & What's Next for In Game News
Our initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. Nioh 3 feels like Team Ninja has learned from every iteration, refining its brutal, deep combat system and expanding its world in meaningful ways without succumbing to the "bigger is always better" trap. The simultaneous PC launch is a clutch move, cementing its position as a major contender in the Soulslike genre.
We are still deep in the weeds, fighting through every Yokai and human threat Nioh 3 throws our way. Keep an eye out for our full, comprehensive review dropping closer to launch. We'll dive deep into combat mechanics, boss design, narrative impact, and overall performance to give you the definitive verdict on whether Nioh 3 truly joins the pantheon of best Soulslike games. This isn't just another release; it's shaping up to be a significant moment for the genre.