Nioh 3 DLC Vol. 1, Hell Rising, Out Now! Adding a Conspiracy-Driven New Story, New Weapon Variations, Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield, and More

DLC Vol. 1, Hell Rising, for the dark Sengoku action RPG, Nioh 3, launched on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Set in Keian-era Edo, it introduces a brand-new storyline and new weapon variations, Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield.
Note: This article is based on information published in Japan. In-game terms included in this article may contain unofficial translations.

Nioh 3 DLC Vol. 1, Hell Rising, Out Now! A Conspiracy-Laden Story and New Weapon Variations, Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield, Arrive!

DLC Vol. 1, Hell Rising, for the dark Sengoku action RPG, Nioh 3, is now available!
The adventure is set in Keian-era Edo, where our newly appointed shogun protagonist, Takechiyo, journeys.
Alongside the expanded storyline, the DLC introduces a wealth of new content, including the following:

• New weapon variations, Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield
• New endgame content for optimizing and min-maxing equipment
• Guardian Spirits, Martial Arts, Skills, Ninjutsu, and Onmyo Magic
• New Game+ difficulty cycles

This DLC allows players to experience even more thrilling combat and diverse equipment customization.

The Story of Hell Rising! A New Conspiracy Surrounding the Spirit Stones

The curtain rises on a story of conspiracies surrounding the series' iconic key item, the Spirit Stones.

Our protagonist and appointed shogun, Takechiyo, journeys through time and is led to Edo in the future by an unknown yokai he met in his dreams. There, following the death of the future Takechiyo, the era of peace has ended, and Edo has been retaken by the Crucible. With the cooperation of a one-eyed swordsman, Yagyu Jubei, and a Spanish envoy, Rodrigo, Takechiyo faces yet another plot revolving around Spirit Stones and an enemy with a strong resentment towards the shogunate.

Look forward to uncovering the rest of the story in actual gameplay!

Edo / Keian Era Depicted in an Open Field! Modeled After Historical Edo

Hell Rising takes place in the devastated Keian-era Edo of 1651.
The castle town that once showcased the shogunate's glory has transformed into a living hellscape crawling with countless yokai, rebel forces, and foreign alchemists.

With diverse locations modeled after historical Edo, intense battles against new assassins and memorable encounters with various figures await the player!

Crush Enemies with Offense and Defense in One! New Weapon Variations, Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield

Another highlight of this DLC is the arrival of new weapon variations: Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield.
By parrying attacks with precise timing, these weapons allow for fluid tactics where you guard while attacking and attack while guarding.

Whether engaging in fierce head-on clashes with the Hoko & Shield or executing technical skirmishes using the shield offensively with the Ninja Hoko & Shield, players can enjoy groundbreaking action never before seen in Nioh.

Mortal Clashes Against Formidable Foes! Unique New Yokai Join the Fray

Led by the one-eyed master swordsman Jubei Yagyu, a host of unique new yokai and powerful warriors gather in Keian-era Edo—including Ichimokuren, a dragon turned Ara-mitama that levels everything with violent tempests, and Akaname, lurking in the shadows of the city!
Yokai from other eras may also have gained new powers from alchemists, meaning dropping your guard could lead to unexpected struggles...?!

Endgame Mode, Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls! Reach New Heights in Countless Battles

Also arriving is Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls, an endgame system where players battle through an enormous variety of encounters to optimize the special effects of new Scrolls equipment.
Battles generated by each Scroll offer hundreds of millions of pattern combinations depending on enemy spawns, stages, and special rules.
Depending on the combination, players can roll exceptionally high-value stats.

Supporting solo play as well as online multiplayer, you can dive into non-stop battles with friends to hunt for god-tier equipment rolls.

Nioh 3 DLC Vol. 1, Hell Rising, Available Now! Download on PlayStation 5 and Steam

PlayStation.Blog

Hell Rising, offering a full taste of varied and exhilarating combat, launched on Wednesday, August 19, 2026!
You can download the DLC from the PlayStation Store or Steam, with pricing as follows:

• Price: 2,750 yen (tax included)

Furthermore, development is underway on DLC Vol. 2, Bloody Insurrection!

Packed with content, it offers plenty to enjoy whether you're a seasoned Nioh 3 master or just starting your journey.
Check the official Nioh X account (@nioh_game) for the latest updates on Nioh 3!

Nioh 3 turns up the heat with the Hell Rising DLC, available today on PS5: https://t.co/HOcKzoENQL pic.twitter.com/91gnqY3ErM

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) August 19, 2026