Nioh 3 Reveals New Bakumatsu Setting and Shinsengumi Threat Ahead of February 2026 Launch

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have released a substantial new update on Nioh 3, confirming fresh story details, major new enemies and the game’s full historical backdrop.

The dark samurai action RPG is set to launch on February 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, marking the series’ boldest shift in setting to date.

A New Era for the Series in Bakumatsu Kyoto

For the first time in the franchise, Nioh 3 takes place during the Bakumatsu period, the turbulent final chapter of the samurai age. Set in 1800s Kyoto, the game reimagines the city through the creeping corruption of the Crucible, the supernatural force that distorts familiar landmarks.

Locations such as Kiyomizu Temple and Honnoji appear twisted and overtaken by otherworldly influence, giving Kyoto a haunting aesthetic that blends historical authenticity with mythic tension.

This era allows Team Ninja to push new themes, political conflicts and stylistic elements not seen in previous entries. The fall of the shogunate, internal power struggles and the rise of foreign technologies all shape the atmosphere surrounding the protagonist, Takechiyo Tokugawa.

Shinsengumi and Yokai Join the Battlefield

Nioh 3 introduces a wide range of new threats, including fresh yokai designs and a powerful human faction. Players will face the Shinsengumi, the shogunate’s elite military unit.

For the first time in the series, enemies use modern equipment such as firearms and Gatling guns. This change introduces ranged combat in encounters, creating more varied and unpredictable battle scenarios.

The introduction of these advanced weapons marks a significant evolution in the series’ combat design, forcing players to adapt to foes capable of overwhelming pressure at both distance and close range.

A Cast of Historical Figures

Takechiyo’s journey through Bakumatsu Kyoto will bring him into contact with well-known figures from Japanese history. Team Ninja confirmed that the game features Takasugi Shinsaku, Okita Soji and Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Edo period.

Each character reflects the era’s social and political collapse, offering distinct motivations that intersect with the game’s supernatural narrative.

Pre-orders Live and Multiple Editions Available

Physical and digital pre-orders for Nioh 3 are now available. Players can secure the Digital Deluxe Edition or purchase the Season Pass separately. A SteelBook edition is also available, bundling the base game with two exclusive DLC packs. All versions include a limited-time early purchase bonus that will be redeemable on both PlayStation Store and Steam after launch.

Team Ninja also released full PC system requirements on the official Nioh 3 website, giving players an early look at performance expectations for the Steam version.

The game will feature both Japanese and English voice tracks, with text localisation in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish.

Nioh 3 launches worldwide on February 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC.