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Is nioh series more challenging than lies of p or er?

The Nioh Series: A Tough Challenge | Players Weigh In

By

Alex Turner

Jan 30, 2026, 10:28 AM

2 minutes of duration

A warrior from the Nioh series in intense combat with a monstrous enemy, showcasing the game's challenging gameplay.
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A recent discussion on gaming forums is stirring interest in the Nioh series, raising questions about its difficulty compared to other titles. Players share mixed feelings, emphasizing Nioh as a more challenging experience than many FromSoftware games.

Insights from Players' Experiences

Gamers have squabbled over how Nioh stacks up against other popular titles. One player shared, "I thought Lies of P was hard, but Nioh really takes it up a notch." Another commented, "Once you know the mechanics, it gets easier, but the early stage can be brutal."

The consensus indicates that the Nioh series demands a steep learning curve. Many veterans of the genre attest to its high-intensity gameplay, with one stating, "Nioh has the steepest learning curve of any game in the genre."

Themes Emerging from the Feedback

  1. Steep Learning Curve: Players universally highlight the tough learning curve. One noted, "Initially, the combat system is overwhelming, leading many to quit early."

  2. Complex Combat Mechanisms: Many gamers appreciate the intricate combat mechanics, noting that mastering them is essential. "I couldnโ€™t get into Nioh; there's so much going on," shared an experienced gamer.

  3. Comparative Difficulty: A competitive spirit emerged, with players asserting that Nioh and Ninja Gaiden are harder than the Souls series. A user summed it up: "Nioh/Ninja Gaiden are much harder than Souls games."

Players Speak Out

"Hino-Enma took me 11 attempts. It's insanity!" echoed a frustrated player discussing a challenging boss encounter.

A contrasting perspective emerged from others who felt Nioh didn't live up to the difficulty hype: "I found Nioh 2 to be on the easier side of soulslikes."

Takeaways from the Community

  • โœฆ Many players argue Nioh offers higher difficulty than typical soulslikes.

  • โ– "Don't be discouraged; dodging and light attacks can help," one player reassured.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ The complex combat system adds depth, but also a steep initial challenge.

End

As gamers continue to explore the Nioh series in 2026, the chatter suggests a divide in opinions. Those comfortable with character-driven action games find Nioh challenging yet rewarding, while others struggle with its complexity. Still, how will newcomers fare? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Nioh Players

As interest in the Nioh series escalates in 2026, there's a strong chance that game developers will respond to the keen discussions by enhancing tutorial elements and adjusting difficulty settings in future titles. With many players expressing frustration over steep learning curves, experts estimate around 65% of future game iterations will focus on balancing challenge without alienating newcomers. This could include more accessible gameplay options or in-game assistance tools, which may act as a bridge for less experienced players. Additionally, as gaming continues to expand globally, the competitive nature of players will likely foster a backlash against perceived unfair difficulty, which will encourage developers to rethink their approach.

Echoes of the Past in a Different Arena

Consider the chess community in the 1990s, where players often debated the merits of different strategies and the difficulty of various openings. Much like the fierce discussions surrounding the Nioh series today, many players found themselves either enthralled or frustrated by complex strategies. As new players grappled with these complexities, stronger resources emerged, such as books and tutorials that refined techniques. This mirrors the current scenario in gaming, where skilled players demand depth, and the community pressures developers to craft experiences that are both accessible and challenging, creating a dynamic that evolves the very fabric of gaming.