Nioh 2 — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Nioh 2 is a hardcore action RPG from Team Ninja, released in March 2020 on PS4, later on PS5 and PC. Set in Sengoku-era Japan, 50 years before the first game. The protagonist is a half-human, half-yokai hunter fighting demons and historical figures.
What is the game about
You are a shiftling — half human, half yokai — hiding your true nature. The story weaves real Japanese history (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi) with mythology. The game is divided into missions, each an arena with bosses and hidden treasures.
Gameplay
- Stances: high, mid, and low stances change attacks and stamina management.
- Weapon variety: katanas, spears, odachi, tonfa — dozens of options with unique combos.
- Yokai form: temporary transformation with unique abilities.
- Co-op: summon other players for almost all missions.
Should you play it in 2026
If you beat Sekiro and Elden Ring and want more — Nioh 2 delivers. It's mechanically deeper than most souls-likes but rewards patience. On PC it runs beautifully.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deepest combat system | Very high difficulty |
| Tons of content and NG+ | Missions feel samey |
| Co-op | Requires learning systems |
FAQ
Do I need to play the first Nioh? No, Nioh 2 is a prequel.
How many hours? 50–70 hours, 100+ with DLC.
Is it on PC? Yes.