Nioh 3 Preview Proves the Controversial Alpha Did Not Tell the Whole Story

AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer · Fri Nov 21 2025

Following a divisive alpha test, new hands-on previews of Nioh 3 show that Team Ninja's upcoming action RPG is a massive improvement, featuring fluid dual-build combat and smarter open-field design.

Early playtests can often send the wrong message, and that was certainly the case with the Nioh 3 alpha earlier this year. As Dom Peppiatt reported for Eurogamer, hands-on time with a broader build reveals that the threequel is a massive step forward rather than a misstep. Team Ninja has taken lessons learned from experimental side projects like Wo Long and Rise of the Ronin and funneled them back into its flagship series, resulting in a much denser and more complex action RPG.

The biggest mechanical shift comes from a dual-build system that lets players swap between a samurai and a ninja on the fly, creating fast-paced combat combos reminiscent of classic character action games. Instead of a traditional open world, the game opts for modular open fields packed with side objectives. This macro-level design gives players the freedom to step away from brutal boss fights, grind out some levels in optional areas, and return later with better gear, offering a smooth rhythm that balances out the deep inventory and stats management the series is known for.

For long-time fans who were worried the threequel might lose its identity, these deeper previews show that Team Ninja is refining its formula rather than abandoning it. The finished product leans into what made Nioh 2 a modern classic while expanding its scope for cross-platform hardware. You can read the full, detailed preview over at Eurogamer.

Tags: Nioh 3, Team Ninja, Action RPG, PlayStation, PC

Original article: Eurogamer