Nioh: Complete Edition stands out as a demanding action RPG that blends intense combat with elements of exploration and progression in a historical Japanese setting.
Gameplay
In Nioh: Complete Edition, the core experience revolves around fast-paced hack-and-slash combat where players control William, a samurai navigating levels infested with human warriors and supernatural yokai. A key mechanic is Ki management, which acts like stamina and requires careful timing for attacks, dodges, and blocks to avoid exhaustion. Players can switch between different sword stances-high, mid, and low-each offering advantages against specific enemy types, adding strategic depth to every encounter.
Beyond fighting, the game features Diablo-like looting where defeated enemies drop gear and weapons that can be equipped or used in a crafting system to forge better equipment. Skill points earned from combat are spent at shrines to upgrade abilities, supporting a grinding progression style that rewards repeated playthroughs. Exploration involves tight environments with markers to track visited areas, encouraging thorough searches for hidden items and shortcuts.
Game Modes
The primary mode is the single-player campaign, structured as a series of missions that advance the story of William's journey through samurai-era Japan. Players tackle levels solo, facing escalating challenges from basic foes to massive bosses.
For those seeking assistance, cooperative multiplayer allows summoning other players to join battles, either as visitors in a Souls-style system or in sessions where both participants progress together. Twilight missions offer ultra-challenging, replayable versions of completed levels, designed for high-difficulty runs that test refined skills.
Story and Setting
Set in the age of samurai, the narrative follows a lone traveler fighting through vicious warriors and yokai to achieve his goals. The Complete Edition includes the base game plus three expansions: Dragon of the North, which explores the Tohoku region and spirit stone gathering; Defiant Honor, centered on the Siege of Osaka's winter campaign with general Sanada Yukimura; and Bloodshed's End, concluding the tale during the summer campaign.
Is It Worth Playing?
Nioh: Complete Edition remains a strong choice for fans of challenging action RPGs, thanks to its deep combat and rewarding progression. It has earned high praise, with a Metacritic score of 84 and an IGN rating of 9.6, highlighting the satisfying mechanics and intense boss fights. The game suits players who enjoy skill-based gameplay and co-op elements, though its steep difficulty curve might deter those preferring easier experiences. With no ongoing updates needed, it delivers a complete package that holds up well in 2026.
