Hell Rising is Nioh 3's first major DLC, adding Keian-period Edo, hoko-and-shield weapons, new enemies and equipment, Hundred Demon Realms scrolls, and Enlightened One's Journey.
Nioh 3: Hell Rising released on August 18, 2026. Steam lists DLC 1 at $19.99 in the United States; it is also included in the Nioh 3 Season Pass and Digital Deluxe Edition. The base game is required, and the DLC unlocks only after reaching a specified point in the main game.
What Hell Rising adds
| Addition | Official scope |
|---|---|
| Story and field | Edo in 1651 during the Keian period, transformed by the Crucible |
| Weapons | Samurai hoko and shield; ninja hoko and shield |
| Enemies | New yokai, human rebels, foreign alchemists, bosses, and Yagyu Jubei |
| Equipment | New equipment and Soul Cores |
| Repeatable challenge | Hundred Demon Realms Picture Scrolls with selectable effects |
| New difficulty | Third playthrough called Enlightened One's Journey |
| Build systems | New Guardian Spirits, Martial Arts, skills, Ninjutsu, and Onmyo Magic |
The hoko-and-shield sets pair a short spear with defense and shield actions. The listing specifically mentions defending while attacking and throwing the shield. It does not publish a complete move list or enough numerical data for a build ranking, so those belong in a separate current-build guide.
Enlightened One's Journey
Hell Rising adds a third playthrough. In this mode, some enemies receive a random Curse buff. The official description also identifies divine-rarity Grace effects and stronger special effects, creating the DLC's high-risk, high-reward progression layer.
That description confirms the mode and its systems. It does not prove the fastest farming route, best Grace combination, or exact drop odds. Those need released-build testing.
Buying and access checks
- Confirm that Nioh 3 is installed on the same platform and account used to buy the DLC.
- Check whether the account already owns the Season Pass or Digital Deluxe Edition; both include Hell Rising.
- Update the base game before looking for the DLC entrance.
- Continue the main game until the required progress point if the content does not yet appear.
For the second expansion and package comparison, open the Nioh 3 Season Pass roadmap.
Sources
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions players ask next
When did Nioh 3 Hell Rising release?
Hell Rising released August 18, 2026.
How much is Nioh 3 Hell Rising?
Steam listed the DLC at $19.99 in the United States when checked August 26. Platform and regional pricing can differ.
Is Hell Rising included in the Nioh 3 Season Pass?
Yes. It is included in both the Season Pass and the Digital Deluxe Edition, so owners should avoid buying it twice.
Can you play Hell Rising without finishing Nioh 3?
The base game is required, and the official listing says players must progress to a certain point before the DLC becomes accessible. It does not say that every player must finish the whole main game first.
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