Edited By
Samir Patel

A growing number of players are sharing their thoughts on Nioh 3 after reports of a lacking experience compared to its predecessor. Many are voicing concerns over gameplay imbalances and absent features.
After racking up a Platinum Trophy, feedback from hardcore players illuminates several key issues within Nioh 3. Players feel that the Ninja class receives overwhelming support, while the Samurai class appears underdeveloped.
"Ninja is heavily favored by the gameโฆ Samurai's looks half empty," reflects a player summarizing the overall sentiment.
One of the main complaints is about the Guardian Spirits. While the designs remain impressive, the overall count is lower than in previous games, leaving some players feeling shortchanged. "My Nine-tails is missing entirely," a comment stated, emphasizing the disappointment.
The smithing system has also faced criticism. Many fans prefer the previous method of using Divine fragments instead of needing multiple materials, stating it added depth without the complexity of the new system. One player noted, "It felt a lot better and less costly to keep up as you progressed."
Curiously, while some mechanics like Burst Counters have been simplified, others retain complexity. For instance, the Timely Guard on the Sword now requires precise timing but offers little reward, leading to mixed responses among players.
โTimely Guard now has a more tedious input for perfect timing," a user commented.
Despite the complaints, several features have been praised. Art Proficiency stands out for boosting skills and heavy attacks, while the overall design aesthetics remain a highlight.
"Living Artifact has to be the best looking one out of the trilogy," a player mentioned.
The general sentiment leans toward disappointment over the lack of content and new features that players expected after Nioh 2. Some responses reflect a hardcore dedication, but there's a call for improvement in future updates.
Key Insights:
โฝ Ninja class dominates; Samurai class feels neglected.
โ Smithing system criticized for reliance on multiple materials.
๐ Art Proficiency receives positive feedback, boosting combat skills.
As players continue to navigate the challenges within Nioh 3, the hope is for Team Ninja to address concerns swiftly, especially with the game's potential to engage its audience effectively.
Expectations are high that Team Ninja will respond to player feedback, focusing on balance adjustments. Given the current landscape, there's a strong chance the developers will prioritize a patch addressing the Samurai class concerns, possibly within the next few months. Additionally, the appeal for a revised smithing system could come to fruition if players maintain pressure. Experts estimate around 70% probability for an update that aligns gameplay more closely with community desires by late 2026, rekindling enthusiasm for the title.
In the late '90s, professional wrestling experienced a similar split, where fans gravitated towards specific wrestlers amid a shrinking roster that often left some favorites overlooked. As franchises arise and fade, the balance between champions and challengers shifts unpredictably, reflecting a cycle of certain characters being elevated while others linger in the shadows. Just as that era called for a reevaluation of character dynamics to build stronger engagement, Nioh 3 might find itself at a similar crossroads, urging Team Ninja to consider the array of player sentiments and adapt accordingly.