Publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Team Ninja have announced that Nioh 3 will receive its first downloadable content expansion, titled Hell Rising, on August 19, 2026. The new content arrives for players on PC via Steam and PlayStation 5, accompanied by a first-look trailer showcasing upcoming areas, weapons, and enemies.

Quick Facts

  • Release Date: August 19, 2026
  • Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5
  • Access: Included in the Nioh 3 Season Pass
  • Next DLC: Bloody Insurrection (Upcoming)

Time Travel and a Future Edo in Hell Rising

The narrative of Hell Rising shifts focus to the protagonist and appointed shogun, Takechiyo. Following guidance from an unknown yokai encountered in dreams, Takechiyo journeys through time to an alternate future Edo in the year 1651 during the Keian era. In this timeline, the future Takechiyo has died, bringing an end to the era of peace and leaving the region retaken by the Crucible.

During this campaign, Takechiyo cooperates with a one-eyed swordsman, Yagyu Jubei, and a Spanish envoy named Rodrigo. Together, they confront a fresh plot tied to Spirit Stones orchestrated by an enemy bearing a strong resentment toward the shogunate.

New Stages, Weapons, and Combat Features

The expansion introduces several mechanical and structural additions to the base game:

  • New Stage (Edo in 1651): The once-peaceful castle town is now a hellish wasteland overrun by yokai, human rebels, and foreign alchemists.
  • New Weapons (Hoko & Shield / Ninja Hoko & Shield): A weapon set combining the offensive reach of a short spear with the defensive capabilities of a shield, allowing players to guard while attacking or fling the shield at opponents.
  • New Difficulty Mode (Enlightened One's Journey): Unlocked after completing the Shogun's Journey, this mode raises level caps, introduces stronger equipment, additional Soul Cores, and higher +value caps via Soul Matching.
  • Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls: A new equipment feature allowing players to select specific effects and rules for customizable battles, available in both solo and multiplayer sessions.

Additional updates arriving with the expansion include new Guardian Spirits, skills, Martial Arts, Ninjutsu, Onmyo Magic, and Graces.