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Should you play nioh 1 before nioh 2?

A lively debate grows among gamers over the necessity of playing Nioh 1 before diving into Nioh 2 and 3. Many players now lean toward skipping the first installment, citing its dated mechanics and story.

By

Carlos Mendez

Feb 9, 2026, 04:48 PM

Edited By

Clara Evers

Updated

Feb 10, 2026, 03:26 AM

Snappy read

A split image showing Nioh 1 and Nioh 2 artwork side by side, highlighting the evolution of characters and graphics between the two games.
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Context of the Discussion

The conversation started when a player expressed disappointment with Nioh 1, noting it feels old compared to newer titles. This sentiment echoed across various forums, with players weighing in on whether the first game's story impacts the sequels.

Expanded Insights from Players

  1. Story Connection: While some argue Nioh 1's narrative isnโ€™t essential, others note that it's part of the same universe but with a different storyline. "There is a synopsis within the game for them," one player commented, suggesting itโ€™s not critical but still provides context.

  2. Gameplay Experience: Many players prefer Nioh 2 due to its engaging mechanics. As one enthusiastic player put it, "Game is amazing and sets you up well for the next two." This reflects a shift in favor of the sequels enhancing the overall play experience.

  3. Engagement Level: Some gamers believe that once players engage with Nioh 1, it can become enjoyable. A player mentioned, "What you not feeling? Once it clicks, it really clicks," emphasizing that the initial feeling may not represent the full experience.

Quote: "For fun, yes, for lore, not really."

Sentiment Patterns

The majority express a strong preference for skipping Nioh 1, with mixed feelings regarding its enjoyment value. However, some players have found a surprising appreciation for the first game after playing for a while.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ’ญ A significant number of players suggest skipping Nioh 1 entirely.

  • โš”๏ธ Nioh 2 is preferred for its more refined gameplay mechanics.

  • โฐ Some gamers enjoy the evolution from Nioh 1 to 2, finding it enhances their understanding of the series.

As the franchise continues to evolve, new players are more likely to start with Nioh 2 or 3, leaving Nioh 1 behind. With players increasingly favoring more developed titles, it's uncertain whether Nioh 1 will attract future interest or become a relic of the past.