Nioh 3 is Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo’s third entry in the Nioh series, a samurai-themed action RPG and soulslike for PS5 and PC. It’s sold as a Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition, and the real question for most buyers is whether the Deluxe upgrade or the separate Season Pass is worth the extra money. This guide covers what each edition contains, how pricing compares, and who should buy which version.
Nioh 3 Review: Quick Verdict
Nioh 3 Digital Deluxe Edition may suit buyers who already know they want the Hell Rising and Bloody Insurrection expansions. Buyers who want to try the base game first may be better served by the Standard Edition, since the Season Pass can be bought separately later.
- Strongest argument for Deluxe: the extra cost over Standard is roughly the Season Pass price, so the bonus items add little to the total (see the math below).
- Main limitation: it’s a larger upfront spend on a hard, demanding game, and Bloody Insurrection isn’t out yet.
- Best fit: returning Nioh/Nioh 2 players and soulslike fans who finish games and want more content.
Product Overview
Nioh 3 is the latest game in a dark samurai action RPG series. It’s a single-player game with optional online play, and PS5 online play supports up to 3 players and requires PS Plus. The game is aimed at players who enjoy high-difficulty combat, deep gear and build systems, and replaying missions. The series is known for weapon stances and loot, and this entry adds Samurai and Ninja combat styles and the Crucible setting.
Is it a good fit for newcomers? It can be, but it’s a demanding game. A demo is listed on the PlayStation Store (the store lists a Nioh 3 Demo), so trying it before choosing an edition is sensible. Check whether your platform’s demo save carries over to the full game.
Sources for contents: the Deluxe Edition includes the Infernal Weapons Set (14 types) and the Kodama Netsuke Charm, plus the Chijiko Netsuke Charm from the Season Pass. The Deluxe Edition includes Season Pass content, so buyers should avoid duplicate purchases.
Other versions:
- Physical editions: a PS5 SteelBook Launch Edition and an NIS America Treasure Box collector’s edition were offered, and neither includes the Season Pass or the Deluxe digital content.
- PC specs and size:
- UK/EU pricing:
Main Features
Season Pass (Hell Rising + Bloody Insurrection)
What it is: A set of two major DLC with new stories, enemies, yokai, bosses and equipment.
Why it matters: Hell Rising, released August 19, 2026, adds a new story chapter set in 1651, new weapons, New Game++ and Picture Scrolls. Its new weapon sets are Hoko & Shield and Ninja Hoko & Shield.
Who benefits: Players who plan to finish the base game and keep playing.
Bloody Insurrection (DLC 2)
What it is: The second expansion. It’s planned for February 2027, so it isn’t playable yet and details may change.
Who benefits: Buyers willing to pay now for content arriving later.
Infernal Weapons Set and Netsuke Charms
What it is: Cosmetic and gameplay items bundled with Deluxe. The Infernal Weapons Set covers 14 weapon types.
Why it matters: They’re a small extra. Check in-game availability and usability.
Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls
What it is: A customizable endgame mode for solo or co-op play that rewards unique Picture Scroll gear.
Who benefits: Players who like repeatable endgame content.
Performance and Practical Use
This section is based on documented platform information, not personal testing.
- PS5: The game supports DualSense vibration and trigger effects and is PS5 Pro Enhanced. playstation
- Online: PS Plus is required for online play on PS5. playstation
- PS5 vs PC: Both platforms received the same editions. PC performance depends on your hardware, so check the Steam requirements before buying.
What Using This Product May Be Like
Expect a high-difficulty action RPG with a learning curve, and plan for a long playthrough. The game is rated Mature by the ESRB. Because Deluxe is digital only, you can’t resell it or lend a disc. Players who finish the main story and want more are the ones who benefit most from the Season Pass.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Deluxe bundles the Season Pass at about the same price as buying Standard plus the pass separately
- The Season Pass covers two substantial expansions, per the publisher
- The base game is available on both PS5 and PC
- PS5 Pro Enhanced, with DualSense support
Cons
- Deluxe costs $40 more upfront than Standard
- Bloody Insurrection isn’t available yet
- Deluxe is digital only
- It’s a difficult game, so not every buyer will finish it
Who Is Nioh 3 For?
- Series veterans who want the full content roadmap
- Soulslike fans who replay games and enjoy build-crafting
- Co-op players (up to 3 online)
- Collectors may prefer the Treasure Box (PS5)
Who Should Consider an Alternative?
- Budget-conscious buyers: the Standard Edition at $69.99 is the lower-risk entry.
- Players who prefer physical: choose Standard or the SteelBook edition, as Deluxe is digital only.
- Players who dislike steep difficulty: a lower-difficulty action game may suit better.
Is Nioh 3 Worth It? Standard vs Deluxe Value
The arithmetic is simple: $69.99 (Standard) plus $39.99 (Season Pass) is $109.98, while Deluxe is $109.99. The Deluxe bonus items add about one cent over buying both separately, and that’s an editorial calculation based on US list prices. If you’re confident you’ll want both DLCs, Deluxe is a slightly better bundle. If you’re not sure, Standard lets you add the Season Pass later.
Sale prices vary. For example, a retailer tracker showed the Deluxe Edition discounted to $89.09 in a past sale, so check current pricing
What to Know Before Buying
- Check whether you want the Season Pass; Deluxe includes it.
- Confirm your platform and region pricing.
- Try the demo first, if available.
- Check PS Plus requirements for PS5 online play.
- Confirm DLC availability and pricing for Hell Rising if bought separately
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the Season Pass on top of Deluxe (duplicate purchase)
- Expecting physical editions to include the DLC
- Assuming Bloody Insurrection is already playable
- Choosing by price alone without trying the demo
FAQ
Is the Deluxe Edition worth it? At list price, it’s roughly the base game plus the Season Pass, so it makes sense if you want both DLCs.
Is the Season Pass worth it? It may be for players who finish the base game. Weigh it against how much you expect to replay.
Does the Deluxe Edition include Hell Rising and Bloody Insurrection? Yes, both are part of the Season Pass included in Deluxe. Bloody Insurrection is planned for February 2027.
Is there a physical edition? Yes, Standard physical and PS5 collector editions exist, but they don’t include the Deluxe content.
PS5 vs PC? Both receive the same content; check your hardware and subscriptions.
Nioh 3 Review: Final Verdict
Nioh 3 may be a strong option for buyers who enjoy demanding action RPGs. The Digital Deluxe Edition mainly makes sense for players committed to both expansions, since it costs about the same as Standard plus the Season Pass. Shoppers who want a physical copy, or who aren’t sure they’ll finish the game, may prefer the Standard Edition and decide on DLC later.
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