Nioh 3: Reviews, Difficulty & Lies of P Inspiration | PS5 & PC Gameplay

The highly anticipated February 9, 2026 release of Nioh 3 is finally here, with a demo now available on Steam for PC players and full access on PlayStation 5. The game, developed by Team Ninja, is already generating significant discussion, not just for its challenging gameplay – a hallmark of the Nioh series – but also for the developers’ deliberate decision to eschew difficulty settings. This commitment to a demanding experience, and the inspiration drawn from recent titles like Lies of P, signals a specific design philosophy aimed at rewarding player mastery.

A Deliberate Design Choice: No Difficulty Settings

In a departure from the trend of increasingly accessible game design, Team Ninja has firmly stated they never considered including adjustable difficulty levels in Nioh 3. According to the developers, the core appeal of the Nioh experience lies in the process of overcoming challenges through skill and understanding. The belief is that the satisfaction derived from mastering the game’s complex combat system is diminished when players can simply lower the difficulty. This stance reflects a dedication to the “Soulslike” genre’s roots, where overcoming adversity is central to the gameplay loop.

Inspired by Lies of P: Refining Boss Battles

While steadfast in their commitment to difficulty, the development team wasn’t operating in a vacuum. Nioh 3’s director specifically cited Lies of P as a source of inspiration, particularly regarding boss fight design. The director expressed having “a lot of fun” with the boss encounters in Lies of P, and this positive experience directly influenced improvements made to the boss battles in Nioh 3. This suggests a focus on creating challenging but fair encounters that demand strategic thinking and precise execution, rather than relying on artificial difficulty scaling.

Performance and Accessibility on PC

The release of a Steam demo has also revealed surprisingly strong performance on a range of PC hardware. Given Team Ninja’s past experiences with PC ports, some players were anticipating optimization issues. However, early reports indicate that Nioh 3 runs remarkably well, even on older systems. This is a positive sign for the game’s accessibility and potential player base on PC, a platform where performance optimization can often be a significant hurdle for console-ported titles.

A Return to Form: Demanding Gameplay and Player Progression

Reviews emerging alongside the release emphasize the game’s demanding nature. One French publication, JeuxVideo.com, highlights the importance of understanding and learning from one’s mistakes as a key component of progression. The game isn’t simply about reflexes; it requires players to analyze enemy patterns, master the intricate combat mechanics, and adapt their strategies accordingly. This emphasis on player agency and skill-based progression is a defining characteristic of the Nioh series.

Positioning Against the Competition: Nioh 3 and Elden Ring

The release of Nioh 3 inevitably draws comparisons to other prominent Soulslike titles, most notably Elden Ring. One report suggests that Nioh 3 presents a credible challenge to FromSoftware’s flagship title. While Elden Ring offers a vast open world and a more flexible approach to character building, Nioh 3 focuses on a tighter, more focused combat experience with a greater emphasis on precise timing and strategic weapon choices. The two games cater to slightly different preferences within the Soulslike genre, offering players distinct but equally rewarding experiences.

The Core of the Nioh Experience

Nioh 3 appears to be doubling down on the elements that have defined the series: challenging combat, deep character customization, and a rich, historically inspired setting. The developers’ refusal to compromise on difficulty, coupled with the lessons learned from titles like Lies of P, suggests a game designed for players who relish a demanding but ultimately satisfying experience. The positive initial reports regarding PC performance further broaden the game’s potential reach, making it a significant release for fans of the Soulslike genre.

The game’s success will likely hinge on its ability to attract players willing to embrace its uncompromising difficulty. However, for those who are up to the challenge, Nioh 3 promises a deeply rewarding and engaging experience that prioritizes skill, strategy, and the satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.