Nioh 3 DLC ‘Hell Rising’ launches August 19 - Gematsu

What the report says

Gematsu reports that Koei Tecmo and Team NINJA have set an August 19 launch date for “Hell Rising,” the first downloadable content for Nioh 3. The expansion is part of the game’s Season Pass, which is also due to include a second DLC pack titled “Bloody Insurrection.” Nioh 3 is currently available on PlayStation 5 and PC through Steam.

According to the publisher’s overview cited by Gematsu, “Hell Rising” sends protagonist Takechiyo, the appointed shogun, to a future version of Edo after an encounter with a mysterious yokai in his dreams. The story takes place after the death of a future Takechiyo, with Edo fallen from peace and again overtaken by the Crucible. The plot involves Spirit Stones, opposition to the shogunate, and new allies including Yagyu Jubei, described as a one-eyed swordsman, and Rodrigo, a Spanish envoy.

The DLC adds a new stage set in Edo in 1651, during the Keian era, reimagining the castle town as a chaotic battlefield filled with yokai, rebels and foreign alchemists. It also introduces the hoko and shield weapon set, including a ninja variant, combining spear attacks with defensive and tactical shield use. New enemies, equipment and Soul Cores are also part of the package.

Gematsu’s report also details an added difficulty tier, Enlightened One’s Journey, unlocked after completing Shogun’s Journey. The mode raises progression options with stronger gear and higher caps. Another feature, Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls, lets players repeat customizable combat challenges solo or in multiplayer to unlock scroll equipment and special effects.