Koei Tecmo and developer Team Ninja have announced that Nioh 3’s first paid expansion, Hell Rising, will launch on August 19, 2026. The expansion will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. A new trailer also gives the first detailed look at the DLC’s setting, story, and new combat features.
Nioh 3 launched worldwide in February 2026, and Hell Rising continues the story by sending protagonist Takechiyo into the future. According to Koei Tecmo’s official description, players will travel to Edo in 1651, during the Keian era, where the once peaceful castle town has fallen into chaos following the death of the future shogun.
Players will join forces with the one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and the Spanish envoy Rodrigo as they investigate a new conspiracy involving the mysterious Spirit Stones.
The expansion’s new open world reflects the destruction that has overtaken Edo. The region has been transformed into a wasteland battered by the gales of the Crucible, with players facing yokai, human rebels, and foreign alchemists as they explore the ruined city.
New Weapons and Combat Options
One of the biggest gameplay additions in Hell Rising is a brand new weapon type called the Hoko and Shield, which also comes with a Ninja variant. The weapon combines the offensive power of a short spear with the defensive abilities of a shield, giving players more options during combat.
Players can use the shield to block incoming attacks while striking enemies with the spear. The shield can also be thrown at enemies as a ranged attack, adding another layer of flexibility to the weapon’s moveset. Additionally, the expansion also introduces new Martial Arts, Ninjutsu skills, Guardian Spirits, and Soul Cores.
