KOEI TECMO and Team NINJA have announced Hell Rising, the first downloadable expansion for Nioh 3, which launches on August 19, 2026, for PS5 and PC via Steam. The DLC introduces a new story set during Japan’s Keian era, alongside additional weapons, abilities, endgame activities, and a new difficulty mode for experienced players.
Set in Edo in 1651, the expansion takes players to a new open-field region where the death of the future shogun Takechiyo has plunged the castle town into chaos. As the latest chapter in Nioh 3’s supernatural retelling of Japanese history, players will once again investigate the mysteries surrounding the Spirit Stones, this time with the help of legendary one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and Spanish envoy Rodrigo.
The Keian-era map presents a devastated landscape consumed by the gales of the Crucible, with hostile yokai, human rebels, and foreign alchemists standing between players and their objectives. Like the base game, the new region blends historical settings with dark fantasy elements while expanding the world available for exploration.
To tackle the new threats, Hell Rising introduces two new weapon types: the hoko and shield, which can be used in both Samurai and Ninja combat styles. The weapon set combines defensive and offensive techniques, allowing players to block incoming attacks while striking with the short spear or throwing the shield as a ranged attack, adding new tactical options during combat.
The game’s endgame progression is getting bigger with the introduction of the Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scroll. This is a new equipment category obtained as rare loot from defeated enemies. Before a scroll can be equipped, players must complete a procedurally generated battle tied to that item. These encounters can be replayed to reroll one of the scroll’s special effects, allowing players to further customize and strengthen their equipment.
For veterans seeking an even greater challenge, Team NINJA is adding Enlightened One’s Journey, a new difficulty mode designed for a third playthrough. In this mode, certain enemies may randomly receive a powerful Curse enhancement, significantly increasing their strength while rewarding successful players with divine-rarity equipment. The DLC also expands build customization through new divine-rarity Grace set bonuses and additional special effects, providing more options for character progression.
Originally released earlier this year, Nioh 3 builds on Team NINJA’s action RPG series by combining fast-paced combat, challenging encounters, and loot-driven progression with Japanese folklore and history. The first expansion continues that formula by introducing a new historical period, additional combat tools, and more demanding endgame content for returning players.
Nioh 3: Hell Rising launches on August 19, 2026, for PS5 and PC via Steam. To celebrate the announcement, KOEI TECMO has discounted the Digital Deluxe Edition by 23% on PlayStation Store and Steam, while the Standard Edition is available at 36% off on Steam for a limited time. If you are currently playing Nioh 3, make sure to check out our expanded guides hub for boss battles, weapon guides, and general guides to make your game easier.
Would you be interested in playing Nioh 3: Hell Rising DLC when it comes out next month? Let us know in the comments section below.
