A New Hell Opens in Edo: Nioh 3’s First DLC Arrives This August
Gaming2 views2026-07-31
Team NINJA and KOEI TECMO have announced Hell Rising, the first major downloadable expansion for Nioh 3. The DLC will launch on August 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC through Steam.
Hell Rising transports players to Edo in 1651 during the Keian era. Following the death of the future shogun Takechiyo, the castle town has fallen into chaos. Players will join the one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and the Spanish envoy Rodrigo while investigating new mysteries connected to the powerful Spirit Stones.
The expansion introduces a new open-field region transformed into a hellish wasteland by the Crucible. Yokai, human rebels and alchemists from foreign lands now occupy the devastated area, creating new encounters and threats throughout the map.
A major gameplay addition is the hoko and shield weapon combination, which can be used with both Samurai and Ninja Styles. Players can combine the defensive strength of the shield with short-spear attacks or throw the shield toward enemies for more tactical combat options.
Hell Rising also introduces the Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scroll equipment category. These rare scrolls are obtained from enemies, but players must first complete an automatically generated battle before equipping them. Replaying these challenges can modify the scroll’s special effects and improve its overall power.
Experienced players will gain access to Enlightened One’s Journey, a new extreme difficulty designed for a third playthrough. Certain enemies can receive powerful Curse enhancements, but defeating them may reward players with divine-rarity equipment.
New Martial Arts, Ninjutsu abilities, Guardian Spirits, Soul Cores, Grace set bonuses and powerful equipment effects will provide additional ways to customize character builds when Hell Rising launches.
Hell Rising transports players to Edo in 1651 during the Keian era. Following the death of the future shogun Takechiyo, the castle town has fallen into chaos. Players will join the one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and the Spanish envoy Rodrigo while investigating new mysteries connected to the powerful Spirit Stones.
The expansion introduces a new open-field region transformed into a hellish wasteland by the Crucible. Yokai, human rebels and alchemists from foreign lands now occupy the devastated area, creating new encounters and threats throughout the map.
A major gameplay addition is the hoko and shield weapon combination, which can be used with both Samurai and Ninja Styles. Players can combine the defensive strength of the shield with short-spear attacks or throw the shield toward enemies for more tactical combat options.
Hell Rising also introduces the Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scroll equipment category. These rare scrolls are obtained from enemies, but players must first complete an automatically generated battle before equipping them. Replaying these challenges can modify the scroll’s special effects and improve its overall power.
Experienced players will gain access to Enlightened One’s Journey, a new extreme difficulty designed for a third playthrough. Certain enemies can receive powerful Curse enhancements, but defeating them may reward players with divine-rarity equipment.
New Martial Arts, Ninjutsu abilities, Guardian Spirits, Soul Cores, Grace set bonuses and powerful equipment effects will provide additional ways to customize character builds when Hell Rising launches.