Nioh 3: Hell Rising, the game’s first add-on DLC, is set to release on August 19, 2026 for PS5 and Steam.
Hell Rising is the first major post-launch story expansion for Nioh 3, and it arrives earlier than the September window many players were expecting. The DLC adds a new Edo chapter, fresh combat tools, a higher difficulty tier, new scroll equipment, and more build pieces for late-game players.
Hell Rising launches on August 19, 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Launch date | August 19, 2026 |
| DLC number | Add-on DLC 1 |
| Platforms | PS5 and Steam |
| Season Pass inclusion | Included with the Nioh 3 Season Pass |
| Base-game requirement | Requires the full version of Nioh 3 |
Hell Rising is Add-on DLC 1 for Nioh 3. It is coming to PS5 and Steam, with access handled through the standalone DLC purchase or the Nioh 3 Season Pass path, including Digital Deluxe bundles where the pass is part of the edition.
Future Edo becomes the new Hell Rising stage
The story sends Takechiyo, now an appointed shogun, through time after an unknown yokai appears in his dreams and leads him to a future version of Edo. That setup places the DLC after major main-story developments without turning the announcement into a full story spoiler dump.
The new stage is Edo in 1651, the Keian Era, a castle town that should be enjoying peace but has instead become a battlefield. After the death of the future Takechiyo, the Crucible has retaken Edo, while yokai, human rebels, and foreign alchemists spread chaos through the shogun’s absence.
Yagyu Jubei, a one-eyed swordsman, and Rodrigo, a Spanish envoy, are part of the new scenario. At the center of the conflict is another conspiracy involving Spirit Stones and an enemy carrying deep resentment toward the shogunate.
Hoko & Shield leads the gameplay additions
| Addition | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Hoko & Shield | Samurai-style short spear and shield combat, mixing attacks, guarding, and shield throws. |
| Ninja Hoko & Shield | Ninja-style version of the new weapon set for Takechiyo’s alternate combat style. |
| Enlightened One’s Journey | A higher difficulty above Shogun’s Journey, with stronger equipment, more Soul Cores, higher level caps, higher value caps, and Soul Matching growth. |
| Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls | Equippable scroll challenges built from enemy, stage, and special-rule combinations, playable solo or in multiplayer. |
| New enemies and bosses | Fresh yokai threats and major fights, including encounters tied to Yagyu Jubei. |
| New build tools | Additional equipment, Soul Cores, Guardian Spirits, skills, Martial Arts, Ninjutsu, Onmyo Magic, and Graces. |
The headline combat addition is Hoko & Shield, joined by Ninja Hoko & Shield for the ninja style. The weapon set combines short-spear offense with shield defense, including basic guard-and-strike play as well as tactical shield throws. Earlier trailer guesses around a fan or rapier should stop there: the announced weapon names are Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield.
Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls look built for repeatable late-game farming. Players pick scroll effects to shape self-imposed challenges, clear each scroll’s battle to unlock it as equipment, then keep clearing for chances at additional special effects. Valuable scrolls can appear, and the mix of enemies, stages, and rules is meant to create a large pool of battle variations.
Story progress affects some Hell Rising access
KEY!You need the full version of Nioh 3 to play Hell Rising, and some Season Pass content may require progress to certain points in the game. Enlightened One’s Journey sits beyond Shogun’s Journey, so players aiming for the new difficulty tier should expect main-game progression to matter.
The Nioh 3 Season Pass also includes the Chijiko Netsuke Charm as a purchase bonus. The pass covers two major DLCs in total, with Bloody Insurrection planned as Add-on DLC 2 in a broad February 2027 window.
September expectations changed to August 19
Before the date announcement, Hell Rising was widely expected around September 2026 because of the Season Pass timing. The announced date is now August 19, 2026, making DLC 1 arrive ahead of that earlier window.
That earlier-than-expected date only applies to Hell Rising. Bloody Insurrection still has a broad February 2027 window, with no exact release date for DLC 2 yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Nioh 3 Hell Rising release?
Nioh 3: Hell Rising releases on August 19, 2026.
Is Hell Rising coming to Steam?
Yes. Hell Rising is coming to Steam alongside the PS5 version.
Is Hell Rising included in the Season Pass?
Yes. Hell Rising is included as Add-on DLC 1 in the Nioh 3 Season Pass.
What new weapons are in Hell Rising?
The new weapon sets are Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield.
Do you need to finish Nioh 3 to play Hell Rising?
Some content may require main-story progress, and the new Enlightened One’s Journey difficulty follows Shogun’s Journey.
More questions⤵
What is the next Nioh 3 DLC after Hell Rising?
The next planned DLC is Bloody Insurrection, listed as Add-on DLC 2 for a broad February 2027 window.
Video help
Leave a Reply