Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have released Nioh 3 Hell Rising, the first DLC for the dark samurai action RPG, on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.
The DLC sends players back into the Crucible with a new era, new weapons, new systems, and a greater difficulty for players ready to test their builds.
The Keian Era Opens Up
Hell Rising takes players to the Keian era, when Edo falls into crisis after the death of the future shogun, Takechiyo.
Players are joined by the one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and Spanish envoy Rodrigo as they investigate a mystery tied to Spirit Stones.
The new open-field map shows a version of the Keian era ravaged by Crucible gales, with yokai, human rebels, and foreign alchemists roaming the wasteland.
Hoko and Shield Join the Arsenal
The DLC adds Hoko and Shield weapons for both Samurai and Ninja Styles.
This setup mixes short spear offense with shield-based defense, giving players new tactical options. Players can also throw the shield at enemies, adding another tool to Nioh 3’s fast combat.
Picture Scrolls Add Custom Battles
Hell Rising also introduces the Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scroll, a new equipment category tied to rare enemy drops.
Each scroll creates an automatically generated battle. Players need to win that fight before equipping the scroll, then repeat battles to alter special effects and strengthen the item.
New Difficulty and Second DLC Teased
Players looking for a third-playthrough challenge can try Enlightened One’s Journey, a new difficulty where some enemies can gain a Curse buff. Defeating them can reward divine-rarity items.
The DLC also adds new Guardian Spirits, Martial Arts, Skills, Ninjutsu, Onmyo Magic, and divine-rarity Grace set bonuses.
Koei Tecmo also confirmed that Nioh 3’s second DLC, Bloody Insurrection, is currently in development, with more details coming later.
