After years of anticipation, Team Ninja’s Nioh 3 has finally arrived, and from the earliest critic reviews, it’s clear this new entry into the acclaimed action-RPG series delivers one of the most compelling experiences in recent memory.
Released on February 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC, Nioh 3 expands the franchise’s signature soulslike formula with bold new design choices while keeping the core that fans have come to love.
According to Metacritic, Nioh 3 currently holds an 86/100 metascore, based on dozens of critic reviews, a strong showing that places it firmly in the “generally favourable” category.
While the Metacritic aggregate is 86, individual early reviews range from high praise to some more measured commentary:
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GameSpew gave it a perfect 100/100, calling it an early Game of the Year contender.
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Multiple outlets including Combo Infinito, TrueGaming, and IGN Deutschland hovered around 90/100, applauding its engaging combat and rewarding systems.
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Some reviewers were more mixed (80/100) due to elements like visual repetition or similarity to earlier entries.
This range. from stellar highs to modest critiques, helps explain Nioh 3’s solid but not universal acclaim.
Deep, Rewarding Combat
The hallmark Nioh combat returns with even more layers of strategy — mixing stance switching and varied weapon styles that keep fights fresh and rewarding.
Exploration and Freedom
The semi-open world design gives players more agency than previous entries, letting them explore villages, forests, and cursed fields packed with challenge and loot.
Challenge is Still King
While accessibility has improved, Nioh 3 isn’t going soft, its difficulty curve remains steep, demanding patience and precision from players throughout.
With an 86 Metacritic score and a wave of positive reviews from critics, Nioh 3 is shaping up to be one of the standout action games of 2026. It respects its roots while introducing meaningful innovation, enough to satisfy long-time fans and entice newcomers to the genre.
We still have plenty of Nioh 3 in stock at £49.95, so if you want an action packed, game of the year contender, pick yours up here
