Your First Look at This 2026 Blockbuster: PS5 Demo Out Now, Unlock Exclusive Content by June 18
A major surprise at the latest State of Play: Nioh 3 has emerged from the shadows with a playable demo available today on PS5. But beware — this early access opportunity will only last a few days… and might even hold some exclusive rewards.
The June 2025 edition of State of Play was a game-changer for action game fans on PlayStation 5. While the spotlight was expectedly on titles launching later this year, it was a shock reveal for 2026 that truly electrified the crowd: Nioh 3 from Team Ninja. And the cherry on top? A playable demo is already live for PS5 players — but only until June 18.
Image credit: Team Ninja
A hard-hitting reveal
Developed by Japanese studio Team Ninja, Nioh 3 enters the fray with a clear goal: to push the boundaries of samurai-themed action RPGs. As a direct sequel to Nioh and Nioh 2, this new installment promises a richer, smoother, and more tactical experience. Players will step into the shoes of a young warrior destined to become the next shogun in a war-torn feudal Japan haunted by mythical yokai.
Two combat styles, one relentless strategy
A major innovation in this third chapter is the ability to switch instantly between two distinct combat styles. The classic Samurai style, familiar to longtime fans, becomes even more refined with new martial techniques and a game-changing move: the “Deflect”. This allows players to parry attacks at the last second, making for tense, Sekiro-like encounters.
Joining it is the brand-new Ninja style, faster and more agile, enabling aerial dodges and spectacular moves. Thanks to the arts of Ninjutsu, players can, for example:
- Mist: leave behind a clone after an attack to fool enemies
- Evade: slip just out of range of a lethal blow
These two approaches are fully interchangeable in real time, challenging players to adapt their strategy to each enemy they encounter.
A more open, more dangerous world
Another major evolution: the shift from level-based progression to a vast open environment. This new freedom turns exploration into a true adventure — every path could lead to a deadly encounter or the discovery of a mystery-ridden village. Among the standout locations, “The Crucible” promises brutal challenges designed for only the boldest warriors.
A limited-time demo you won’t want to miss
Scheduled for early next year on PS5 and PC, Nioh 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles of 2026. The good news for eager fans? The Nioh 3 demo is available now for free on the PlayStation Store. The bad news? It vanishes on June 18. This brief window offers a rare chance to get a hands-on look at what Team Ninja has in store — while also giving the developers valuable feedback to polish the final game. Players who complete the demo will unlock an exclusive helmet, which will automatically be redeemable in the full version of Nioh 3 when it launches. A one-of-a-kind reward, a symbol of your early valor — available only to those bold enough to step through the gates first.
With its revamped combat system, open-world environments, and a dark, captivating atmosphere, this could well become the new benchmark for Japanese action-RPGs. So, ready to draw your katana?
