Nioh 3 DLC Scores 9/10, But Is Keian Hellfire Worth It?

TechRadar has awarded Nioh 3’s first major expansion, Keian Hellscape, 4.5 stars out of 5—equivalent to a 9/10. Developed by Team Ninja as part of their 2026 soulslike action RPG, the DLC delivers a vast, curiosity-driven map, new Shield Spear and Ninja Shield Spear weapons, standout boss encounters, rich environmental variety, and several compelling side quests. While it doesn’t overhaul the base game’s core loop, TechRadar calls its level design “the most attractive and finely crafted the series has produced so far.”

The expansion’s world isn’t just large—it’s built to reward exploration. From gloomy temples to aristocratic mansions, each area teases discovery around every corner, whether through hidden lore snippets or deviously placed traps. The new weapon types add meaningful tactical depth, especially for players who thrive on high-risk, high-reward combat rhythms.

Yet TechRadar flags two notable flaws: some bosses are recycled directly from the base game, triggering déjà vu rather than fresh challenge; worse, certain late-game ambushes cross into outright unfair territory—not hard in a satisfying way, but cheaply punishing. One moment you’re decked in endgame gear; the next, a demon lunges from off-screen and deletes you before you can blink. Such design choices remain divisive in the soulslike genre, where difficulty is expected—but not at the cost of transparency.

Still, the verdict holds: “If you loved the base game, Keian Hellscape won’t disappoint.” And that rings true. Rather than reinventing Nioh 3’s formula, Team Ninja doubles down with substantial, polished content that elevates what already worked. For seasoned soulslike fans, it’s less a reinvention and more a refined vintage poured into a familiar bottle.

If you’ve already conquered Nioh 3 and crave more punishment wrapped in aesthetic mastery, this DLC is worth your time. But if you’re still on the fence about the base game? Finish that first—because Keian Hellscape’s blade only cuts gently for those truly ready.