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Nioh 3’s Hell Rising DLC will sword thrust the soulslike’s yokai-battling action into decimated Keian era Edo when it arrives next month
Nioh 3 is set to receive its first major DLC, called Hell Rising, on 19 August, developer Koei Tecmo has announced. The expansion begins a two-part story arc that takes players to a devastated version of Edo (now Tokyo) during the Keian era of 1648-1652, continuing the soulslike's blend of samurai combat and yokai-battling action.
In the DLC, protagonist and shogun Takechiyo travels through time to a future Edo overrun by the Crucible following an era of peace, teaming up with swordsman Yagyu Jubei and Spanish envoy Rodrigo against a foe with a grudge against the shogunate. Hell Rising adds a new hoko-and-shield weapon combo usable in both samurai and ninja styles, alongside new Spanish alchemist-inspired outfits, a high-risk "Enlightened One's Journey" difficulty that curses enemies for tougher fights and better loot, and customisable "Hundred Demon Realms" battle scrolls for solo or multiplayer use. Hell Rising is the first of two DLCs included in Nioh 3's season pass, with a sequel, Bloody Insurrection, to follow.
In short
- Nioh 3's Hell Rising DLC launches 19 August 2026.
- Sets story in a ruined Keian-era Edo (1648-1652).
- Adds new weapon combo, difficulty mode and custom battle scrolls.
Explained simply
Nioh 3 is a video game known for challenging players with difficult sword combat set in historical Japanese settings. Unlike traditional games, players battle both human samurai and yokai, supernatural creatures drawn from Japanese folklore. The franchise has attracted dedicated players who enjoy this demanding style of gameplay.
The Hell Rising DLC expansion transports players to Edo, the historic city now called Tokyo, during the 1648-1652 period when it has been overrun by a supernatural force. The protagonist journeys through time from a peaceful era to find the city transformed, and must ally with other characters including a legendary swordsman and a Spanish envoy to face a powerful enemy.
The expansion adds new weapons, outfits, and a higher difficulty setting for experienced players seeking greater challenges and better rewards. This DLC forms the first part of a two-part story expansion planned for the game.