Nioh has long been considered one of the strongest alternatives to FromSoftware’s core Souls games. That reputation alone makes Nioh 3 one of the most anticipated and punishing releases lined up for 2026. Now, with the review embargo date officially locked in, the wait feels a lot like staring down an angry endgame boss.
Developer Team Ninja raised eyebrows when it first released Nioh back in 2017. Instead of medieval castles, skeleton armies, and fire-breathing dragons, the game leaned heavily into Japanese history and folklore. Players faced terrifying Yokai, legendary warriors, and enemies with supernatural abilities that felt fresh and brutally unforgiving.
That unique identity helped Nioh stand out in a crowded Soulslike space. Now, all eyes are on Nioh 3, the latest entry in the series, as reviews are about to start rolling in.
Nioh 3 Review Embargo Date, Explained
According to information shared with Insider Gaming by Koei Tecmo Europe, the Nioh 3 review embargo officially lifts on Wednesday, February 4.
That’s when the floodgates open.
Even better for fans tracking early impressions, Insider Gaming has confirmed it already has a review copy of the game. That means a full verdict will be published the moment the embargo goes live.
There’s clearly a lot packed into Nioh 3, judging by early chatter and hands-on time. If you’re planning to dive deep before making a purchase, it’ll be worth keeping an eye on detailed breakdowns once reviews go live. Insider Gaming will be sharing its full review on February 4 through its website and mobile app.
Nioh 3 Review Embargo Release Times
While the embargo date is set, the exact time you’ll see reviews depends on where you live. Review drops can get confusing thanks to time zones, and nobody wants to start doing mental math before their first cup of coffee.
So here’s a simple breakdown of when Nioh 3 reviews go live around the world.
| Region | Nioh 3 Review Release Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PT) | 6:00 AM – February 4 |
| Central Time (CT) | 8:00 AM – February 4 |
| Eastern Time (ET) | 9:00 AM – February 4 |
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 2:00 PM – February 4 |
| Australian Eastern Time (AET) | 1:00 AM – February 5 |
| New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) | 3:00 AM – February 5 |
If you’re outside these regions, reviews will still appear at the same global moment, just adjusted for your local time.
Why Nioh 3 Has So Much Hype
The Nioh series earned its reputation by blending fast, technical combat with deep RPG systems and brutal difficulty. Unlike traditional Souls games, Nioh leans heavily into stance-based combat, weapon mastery, and loot-driven progression.
Nioh 3 is expected to build on that formula rather than reinvent it. Fans are hoping for smarter enemy design, more refined level layouts, and meaningful quality-of-life improvements without losing the series’ signature challenge.
Another big question is how Team Ninja handles Yokai encounters this time around. Previous entries delivered some truly unforgettable boss fights, and expectations are sky-high for Nioh 3 to raise the bar again.
Community Expectations Are High
With the embargo date now confirmed, the spotlight shifts to review scores and early impressions. Will Nioh 3 live up to its legacy? Can it stand shoulder to shoulder with the best Soulslike experiences available today?
The community is already buzzing with predictions. Some expect high praise for combat depth and enemy variety, while others are curious to see whether accessibility options or balance tweaks make the experience more welcoming for newcomers.
Final Thoughts
February 4 is shaping up to be a big day for action RPG fans. Once the embargo lifts, we’ll finally get a clear picture of how Nioh 3 stacks up against its predecessors and the wider Soulslike genre.
If you’ve been waiting to see whether Nioh 3 is worth the plunge, reviews should give you all the answers you need.
Stay tuned, check out early reviews on embargo day, and join the conversation. What score do you think Nioh 3 will land? Are you ready for another brutal journey? Let us know and don’t forget to follow for more updates and in-depth gaming coverage.
