Nioh 3’s Hell Rising DLC Is Bringing More Pain This August

Nioh 3 is about to open another very unpleasant chapter in its history. Koei Tecmo and Team NINJA have unveiled Hell Rising, the first DLC expansion for the samurai action RPG, with a new trailer showcasing the enemies, environments and gameplay additions waiting for players. The expansion will arrive on August 19 for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.

A new era

Hell Rising takes protagonist Takechiyo somewhere the series has never quite gone before: Edo in 1651, during the Keian era. Unfortunately, this isn't exactly a peaceful historical sightseeing trip. Following the death of Takechiyo's future self, the Crucible has reclaimed Edo, turning the city into a battlefield packed with yokai, human rebels and foreign alchemists. Because apparently one historical catastrophe wasn't enough.

The new adventure will see Takechiyo team up with two particularly interesting allies: the one-eyed swordsman Yagyu Jubei and Rodrigo, a Spanish envoy. Together, they will investigate a new conspiracy surrounding the mysterious Spirit Stones. Jubei won't simply be there to lend a hand, either, as players will eventually have the opportunity to cross swords with the formidable warrior himself.

Combat is also getting some fresh toys. Hell Rising introduces the hoko and shield, a new weapon combination that can be used by both the Samurai and Ninja styles. The hoko allows players to attack with a short spear while the shield provides defensive options, with special techniques even allowing the shield itself to be thrown at enemies.

And then there is the small matter of making the Soulslike experience of Nioh 3 even more punishing. The expansion adds Enlightened One's Journey, a new difficulty tier positioned above the existing Journey of the Shogun. Designed for players who have already conquered the previous challenge, it comes with stronger equipment, new Soul Cores, higher level caps and additional opportunities to improve gear through item fusion. In other words, Team NINJA has once again looked at players who enjoy suffering and decided they weren't suffering enough.

Hell Rising will also introduce the Illustrated Scrolls of the Hundred Demons, which offer customizable combat challenges built around different enemies, environments and special rules. These encounters can be tackled alone or in multiplayer, while completing them can reward players with equipment and additional effects for their scrolls. The expansion will also feature new Guardian Spirits, skills, Martial Arts, Ninjutsu, Onmyo Magic, Graces and other equipment additions, giving veterans plenty of reasons to return to the battlefield.

Hell Rising is included with the Nioh 3 Season Pass, although it will also be available separately. The Season Pass will eventually add a second expansion, Bloody Insurrection, which is planned for a later release.

With its new era, fresh arsenal and higher difficulty, Hell Rising looks like Team NINJA is kicking open the door and asking Nioh 3 players how much pain they can realistically handle. We'll find out on August 19. As usual, visit our comparator to get Nioh 3 at the cheapest price today; the DLC will be available ahead of release.