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Order of play: what you need to know for success

Order of Play | Gamers Debate the Best Way to Experience Nioh

By

Derek James

Jul 10, 2025, 06:53 PM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

Participants preparing for a competitive event while reviewing the order of play strategies.
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As discussions heat up online, many gamers weigh in on the ideal sequence to play the Nioh series. Amidst conflicting advice, players share insights on whether to jump straight to Nioh 2 or start with the original, raising questions about game mechanics and story connections.

The Split Opinion on Play Order

Comments on various forums shine a light on distinct perspectives. Some fans advocate playing in release order, claiming it enhances the experience from story immersion to gameplay.

  • "2 is still a sequel even if it is set before. Play them in release order!"

  • "Play in release order, itโ€™s harder to go backwards," another added.

Conversely, others tout the benefits of starting with the prequel, Nioh 2, due to its advanced mechanics and gameplay refinements. One user summarized:

"For gameplay, play the first one as the second adds more mechanics and builds on the first one."

Chronology Matters: A Complex Timeline

The timeline itself adds another layer to the debate. While Nioh's main story is set primarily around 1600, with DLC tasks following into the 1610s, Nioh 2 starts much earlier, in the 1550s. Some players argue this deep dive into history enhances understanding:

  • "There is a time point in 2 that will give a brief overview of the events in 1 once you hit that point so you arenโ€™t completely out of the loop."

Community Sentiment and Insights

Feedback appears mixed, balancing between those who prefer the dedicated aspect of the original and others who see the immersion of starting with the sequel. One user commented:

"Going back to 1 from 2 would make 1 more difficult in my opinion."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“… Timeline Complications: Nioh 2's deeper historical dive may enhance context but some argue itโ€™s better to start fresh.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Mechanics Over Story: Many believe starting with the sequel offers a smoother learning curve.

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Immersion: Playing in release order is believed to foster deeper narrative connections.

With so many strong opinions on these boards, players are left to ponder: which order will truly capture the full essence of the Nioh saga?

Future Gaming Trends in Nioh Play Order

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as more players engage with Nioh, they will gravitate toward the more refined mechanics of the sequel. Experts estimate around 60% of new gamers are likely to start with Nioh 2, driven by its accessible gameplay and updated systems. This shift could push developers to focus on mechanics in upcoming titles rather than story, as feedback indicates a preference for smoother entry points in gaming. Additionally, as the conversation around play orders grows, community-driven guides and gameplay recommendations are expected to emerge, helping newcomers navigate their choices more easily.

A Reflection on Gaming's Evolution

This scenario mirrors the early days of gaming where many players debated whether to start with Mario 1 or its sequels. Just like todayโ€™s discussions on Nioh, players back then had differing opinions on the importance of story versus gameplay mechanics. Those who chose to begin with later installments often found themselves appreciating the original games through a newfound lens after mastering the improvements. Similarly, todayโ€™s gamers might find that engaging with Nioh 2 first can enhance their retrospective experience of the series, ultimately creating a richer appreciation for its narrative.