KOEI TECMO Europe and Team NINJA have announced that Hell Rising, the first major DLC expansion for Nioh 3, will launch on 19 August 2026 for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.
The expansion takes players to Japan’s Keian era, introducing a brand-new open-field region alongside additional story content, weapons, enemies, and endgame challenges. To mark the announcement, the developers have also released a new trailer showcasing the expansion’s setting and combat additions.
Set in Edo during 1651, Hell Rising begins after the death of the future shogun, Takechiyo, leaving the castle town in turmoil. Players will investigate the latest mystery surrounding the Spirit Stones while fighting alongside returning allies, including the one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and the Spanish envoy Rodrigo. The new region is described as a wasteland devastated by the Crucible, where yokai, human rebels, and foreign alchemists roam freely.
The DLC also expands Nioh 3’s combat system with a new weapon type that combines a hoko and shield, available to both Samurai and Ninja fighting styles. The weapon offers a balance between offence and defence, while introducing new techniques, including the ability to throw the shield during combat.
Beyond the new story and equipment, Hell Rising adds a range of endgame features. A new equipment category, the Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scroll, allows players to obtain rare Picture Scrolls dropped by enemies. Each scroll unlocks a procedurally generated battle that must be completed before it can be equipped. Replaying these encounters enables players to reroll one of the scroll’s special effects while further strengthening the item.
Players looking for an even greater challenge will also gain access to Enlightened One’s Journey, a new difficulty mode designed for a third playthrough. In this mode, enemies can randomly receive a powerful Curse enhancement, making encounters significantly tougher while offering divine-rarity equipment as rewards for those who prevail.
The expansion further deepens character progression by introducing divine-rarity Grace set bonuses and additional special effects, giving players more options to customise their builds.
To celebrate the announcement, KOEI TECMO has also launched a series of limited-time discounts. On the PlayStation Store, the Digital Deluxe Edition of Nioh 3 is available at 23% off, with the standard edition discounted from 27 July until 12 August. Steam users can purchase both the Standard Edition at 36% off and the Digital Deluxe Edition at 23% off until 10 August.
Originally released in February 2026, Nioh 3 is available now on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Players can also download the free demo, which includes both solo play and online multiplayer for up to three players, with save data carrying over to the full game.
