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.