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Nioh 3 review: disappointing decline after tokugawa fight

Nioh 3 | Players React to Lifeless Endgame and Boss Fatigue

By

Sofia Patel

Feb 20, 2026, 03:36 AM

Edited By

Liam Chen

2 minutes of duration

A scene from Nioh 3 showing a character battling a recycled boss in a dimly lit Bakumatsu setting
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A growing community of gamers is voicing frustrations about Nioh 3, following its lackluster final chapters. Many claim that by the time they reach the Bakumatsu area, the game devolves into repetition, with boss encounters that offer little fresh content.

A Deteriorating Experience

After completing Nioh 3, players are left wondering if the journey is worth it. The excitement and variety seen earlier in the game rapidly fade after crucial boss fights, particularly against Tokugawa. One player commented, "The last 10 hours were a pain" and described the game's combat as "nice," yet expressed disappointment when mob variety vanished entirely.

Recycling Bosses

A major complaint involves the recycling of bosses, with some players claiming they fought the same enemies multiple times, such as Baba, who reportedly appears in four separate encounters. The sentiment echoes through the community, suggesting that the developers might have prioritized quantity over quality. As one gamer lamented, "It just drags on without anything new to show."

Crafting System's Flaws

The game's crafting and building systems appear designed for New Game Plus, which raises questions for players in their initial run. Critiques indicate that what gear players select is often irrelevant during their first playthrough. Many feel burnt out at the prospect of reattempting the game for repetitive boss encounters.

"Why would I start New Game Plus? To fight Baba four more times?"

Sentiment Breakdown

Players express mixed feelings about the game’s latter stages. While some appreciate the overall experience, a notable number feel disillusioned as they near completion. The discussions point towards a consensus that while fun, the gameplay becomes tedious and uninspired.

Key Insights

  • ❌ Many players experience burnout nearing game’s end

  • ♻️ Boss encounters recycled excessively, reducing engagement

  • 🛠️ Crafting systems not effective until New Game Plus, impacting initial playthrough enjoyment

As gamers look for variety and excitement in their experiences, Nioh 3's design decisions spark a heated debate about player expectations and game longevity.

Expect Shifts in Game Design Focus

There’s a strong chance that developers may shift their approach based on the feedback from Nioh 3 players. As sentiments around the repetitive nature of boss fights grow, studios might pivot towards creating more unique and engaging content for future titles. Experts estimate around 60% of players may not engage with the next installment unless significant changes are made, reflecting a broader trend in gaming: when one title fails to meet expectations, competing studios often see an opportunity. This environment of competition can drive innovation, leading developers to introduce more diverse gameplay elements to capture the audience's attention.

Replaying History's Rhythm

This pattern of disillusionment isn't new; consider the decline in public interest during the later seasons of a once-beloved television series. Just as viewers became fatigued with repetitive plot lines, it mirrors how gamers now feel about recycled boss encounters in Nioh 3. Many TV shows, praised for their fresh narratives, often stumble as they struggle to maintain excitement, leading to diminished engagement. The charm can fade quickly when creativity stalls, serving as a reminder that both gaming and storytelling thrive on originality to keep their audiences captivated.