Nioh 3’s Simultaneous PC Launch Smashes Series Player Records on Steam
▼ Summary
– Nioh 3 has achieved the highest concurrent player count on Steam for the franchise, with over 54,400 players shortly after launch.
– Unlike its predecessors, Nioh 3 was released on Steam simultaneously with its PlayStation version, rather than months later.
– The game’s review praises its combat, open-world structure, and status as the best in the trilogy, awarding it a 9/10 score.
– Nioh 3 features deep customization, a lengthy campaign with New Game+, and is considered a top-tier soulslike game.
– The game launched on February 6 for PC and PS5, with a demo available and hints of potential future releases on other platforms.
The launch of Nioh 3 has set a remarkable new benchmark for the series, achieving unprecedented success on Steam by releasing simultaneously with its PlayStation counterpart. This strategic decision to launch on PC on day one has propelled the game to become the most popular entry in the franchise’s history in a matter of hours. At the time of writing, the title boasts over 54,400 concurrent players, a figure that continues to climb. This dwarfs the previous records held by its predecessors, which arrived on PC months after their console debuts. The first Nioh peaked at approximately 10,649 concurrent players, while Nioh 2 reached 41,325, according to data from SteamDB.
Critics and players alike are praising the game for its exceptional combat system, which masterfully refines the series’ established mechanics. The combat offers a fantastic split between distinct Samurai and Ninja styles, providing depth and variety. A significant evolution in Nioh 3 is its shift to an open-world structure. While not without minor imperfections, this new framework is celebrated for its rewarding exploration, stunning environments, and a wealth of thrilling optional boss encounters that enrich the experience.
Beyond the core combat and world design, the game delivers a deeply engaging package. It features hugely customizable character builds and a lengthy campaign complemented by a robust New Game+ mode. This post-game content is where the refined loot system truly comes into its own, offering sustained engagement. A particularly welcome addition is an intelligent auto-equip feature, which streamlines gear management during the initial playthrough. These elements combine to create what many are calling the pinnacle of the trilogy and a standout title in the crowded soulslike genre.
The game is available now on PC via Steam and PlayStation 5. A recent trailer has also sparked speculation, hinting that versions for Xbox and potentially the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 may not be far off. For those interested in trying before they buy, a fully featured demo is accessible, with the added benefit that all progress carries over directly into the full game upon purchase.
(Source: IGN)
