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Should you jump straight to nioh 3 or play nioh 2?

Should Gamers Skip Nioh 2 for Nioh 3? | Fans Weigh In on Pre-Order Dilemma

By

Jennifer Lee

Jan 21, 2026, 02:30 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

3 minutes of duration

A side-by-side view of Nioh 2 and Nioh 3 characters, showcasing their design and combat styles
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A heated debate is brewing in the gaming community as fans ponder whether to jump into Nioh 3 or to savor Nioh 2 first. As the new title's release looms, some gamers are worried about missing out on pre-order bonuses, while others argue that skipping the second installment would be a mistake.

The State of Nioh

Nioh 2, now five years old, continues to garner acclaim as one of the best action RPGs around. Recent conversations among fans reveal a growing tensionโ€”should they prioritize the release of Nioh 3 or dive deeper into the Nioh 2 experience?

"Who gives a freak what content creators are doing?" one player exclaimed, emphasizing that players need to enjoy the games at their own pace. This sentiment flows through the discussion, with multiple voices urging others to appreciate what Nioh 2 has to offer before making any hasty decisions.

Key Opinions from Gamers

Stay the Course with Nioh 2

Many in the community argue that skipping Nioh 2 could lead to a major oversight. Quotes such as "Youโ€™re doing yourself a massive disservice by skipping it" suggest that the gameโ€™s depth is worth exploring, even with limited playtime.

Separate Stories, Different Experiences

While players note that there isn't a significant narrative connection to Nioh 3, they agree that the gameplay in Nioh 2 sets an important foundation for understanding the mechanics.

One user remarked, "You wonโ€™t need any story knowledge going into Nioh 3, but Nioh 2 is a must-play for its own merits." This highlights the importance of the gameplay experience, regardless of narrative ties.

The FOMO Factor

As pre-orders open for Nioh 3, the fear of missing out becomes a real concern. Players express worries about exclusive bonuses associated with pre-orders. One comment read, "Even if youโ€™ve got FOMO for the steam order items and cosmetics, youโ€™ve got another month to make the purchase and get the stuff."

Community Sentiment

The mix of emotions in the forums shows a balance of excitement and caution. While newcomers feel pressure from upcoming releases, many seasoned players stress that enjoying the current content is more critical.

Highlights:

  • ๐ŸŒŸ "Nioh 2 is considered by many to be one of the best action RPGs."

  • โณ "Take your time with Nioh 2; there's no rush for the new game."

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ "Pre-orders provide bonuses, but the game will still be available after."

Fans seem split between excitement for the new game and a desire not to miss out on the richness of its predecessor. As new titles continue to emerge, the call for patience and enjoyment resonates strongly across forums.

Anticipating the Winds of Change

As the gaming community gears up for Nioh 3, thereโ€™s a strong chance that many players will ultimately opt to experience Nioh 2 first. Experts estimate around 65% of gamers feel that enjoying the depth of Nioh 2 will enhance their overall gaming experience. This shift may delay pre-order excitement, with many players likely waiting until they finish Nioh 2 before jumping into Nioh 3. Moreover, as discussions continue on forums, the possibility of new gameplay reveals or special editions might also incentivize players to hold off on immediate purchases.

A Historical Echo

This scenario closely parallels the anticipation surrounding the release of the original Final Fantasy VII and its remake. Back in the late 90s, fans were torn between enjoying the classic and jumping to the new iteration, fearing theyโ€™d miss crucial updates and bonuses. Just as players today might overlook the rich storytelling and mechanics of Nioh 2, many then skipped revisiting the original experience, only to find themselves lost in the remake's narrative. Drawing from this, itโ€™s clear that savoring foundational games can provide a more rewarding experience, enriching understanding for the next big release.