Nioh 3 Outshines Nioh 2 on Metacritic with Its Open-World Shift, Yet Falls Short Compared to the Original Game

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Nioh 3 has made a strong impression, currently holding a Metacritic score that surpasses its predecessor, Nioh 2, while still trailing behind the original title in the Soulslike trilogy.

As of now, Nioh 3’s PS5 version boasts an impressive score of 86, while the PC version is slightly lower at 85. This puts it ahead of Nioh 2, which scored 85 on its original PS4 release, although the PS5 and PC re-release, Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition, also achieved an 86, tying the scores. Interestingly, despite fans generally favoring the second installment, the original Nioh still holds the highest score in the series at 88, while the Nioh: Complete Edition sits at the lowest with a score of 84.

In a review from an outlet, the third installment received 4.5 out of 5 stars, praised as “a triumphant evolution of the series for existing fans and the best possible jumping-on point (though far from an easy one) for newcomers.” The review emphasizes that “Nioh 3 demands care, planning, and patience – and rewards players with a brutal yet captivating adventure.”

On the positive side, another review mentions “wonky performance” for the PC version but still grants it the “Bestest Bests” label, while another outlet gives it a perfect score, comparing it favorably to Elden Ring. The lowest scores come from five different sources, each awarding the game a solid 7 out of 10. Currently, Nioh 3 stands as one of the highest-rated games of 2026 alongside Cairn, although The Cult of the Lamb’s new Woolhaven DLC is leading the pack.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Nioh 3 may be making its way to Xbox.