You’re Sleeping on One of the Most Underrated Soulslikes Ever

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It’s odd how limited the conversation about Soulslike games has become. Considering this genre is all about trying new things and deep dedication, discussions about the best games feel surprisingly fixed. The same titles and design ideas are always brought up, and anything too different is often overlooked.

For years, the Nioh series has flown somewhat under the radar, despite being incredibly well-made and challenging. It’s one of the most polished and demanding games in the ‘Souls-like’ genre, yet it’s rarely mentioned among the best. With the upcoming release of Nioh 3, it’s becoming clear that this lack of recognition is a mistake. Nioh wasn’t designed to be easy to pick up; it aimed for incredible depth, and that’s why it’s been overlooked for so long. Fans of the ‘Souls’ games really should give it another look.

Why Nioh Never Found Mass Appeal Among Souls Fans

Nioh likely didn’t become hugely popular for a very clear reason: it demands a lot more from players than most games in the Souls-like genre. While games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring gradually introduce their complex systems through exploration and immersive worlds, Nioh immediately throws a huge number of mechanics at you – including combat stances, stamina management, weapon skills, diverse enemies, and a complex loot system that feels more like Diablo than anything in Elden Ring. This can be exciting for some, but for many others, it’s simply too overwhelming, feeling unfriendly rather than intriguing.

Unlike many games similar to Dark Souls, Nioh doesn’t rely on mysterious storytelling or interconnected worlds. Instead, it features clear, historically-based missions and a more straightforward narrative. Battles with bosses are fast-paced and demand skillful play, testing your abilities rather than requiring you to slowly learn their patterns. The combat itself is quicker and more precise, emphasizing technical skill and accuracy, though careful timing is still important. For players accustomed to the slower, more atmospheric exploration found in other ‘Souls-like’ games, Nioh offers a distinctly different experience.

Nioh’s complex loot system has been a sticking point for some fans of Souls-like games. Unlike games with carefully chosen weapon drops, Nioh throws a constant stream of swords, armor, and modifications at you. Some players found this overwhelming and felt it added unnecessary grinding to an already challenging experience. Nioh didn’t try to be easier or more accessible, and it stayed true to its complex design. While it’s considered one of the best Soulslike games available, this uncompromising approach likely prevented it from reaching a wider audience.

Why Nioh’s Depth Is Exactly What Souls Fans Are Missing

Pay close attention: what initially seems difficult about Nioh actually becomes its greatest strength once you learn to use it. Its stance system is incredibly versatile, offering more ways to approach combat than any other game in the ‘Souls-like’ genre – even surpassing titles like Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring. Instead of just being a limitation, managing your stamina (using ‘Ki pulsing’) becomes an engaging mechanic that rewards skillful timing and focus. Nioh isn’t about simply getting through fights; it’s about truly mastering them, and that makes all the difference.

Once you get the hang of how loot works in Nioh, it opens up tons of ways to experiment with different character builds – more than most other games in the genre. These builds aren’t just ideas; you’ll feel the difference immediately. The combination of weapons, armor, spirits, Yokai skills, and how they all work together will dramatically change how the game plays. Nioh lets you focus on specific playstyles with a clear purpose and consistent rewards, which is rare in Soulslike games.

What truly sets Nioh apart is how it respects a player’s progress. It doesn’t make things easier just to make you feel strong; it maintains a high level of challenge. It’s demanding, and won’t coddle you, but that’s because it wants you to truly improve. Nioh pushes you to master its systems, and by the time you do, you’re not just responding to enemies – you’re dictating the fight. You’ll learn to lure attacks, deplete enemy stamina, capitalize on their errors, and overcome obstacles that initially seemed insurmountable. This feeling of genuine accomplishment is uncommon, even in challenging games. Nioh isn’t just about testing you; it’s about teaching you how to win, both within its rules and with your own skill. If this still doesn’t quite click, you really need to experience Nioh for yourself to understand.

Nioh wasn’t ignored because it was a bad game – quite the opposite. It was overlooked because it stayed true to its challenging, complex design. With the upcoming release of Nioh 3 and the growing popularity of Soulslike games, it’s a good time to reconsider what truly makes a game deep and rewarding. For players who love mastering difficult systems, enjoying freedom in combat, and obsessing over intricate mechanics, Nioh shouldn’t be seen as an exception – it should be the standard. If you haven’t played it yet, now is the perfect time to jump in and experience its unique world and battles.

Nioh 3 will officially launch February 5, 2026, on Windows PC (Steam) and PS5.

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2026-02-02 22:44