‘We’ve never considered adding difficulty settings to the Nioh series’, says Nioh 3 game director, who gives players different ways to tackle challenges instead

Nioh 3 Director Stands Firm: No Difficulty Settings, Just Pure Challenge and Strategy

In a bold statement that’s sure to spark heated debates across gaming forums and social media, Masaki Fujita, the director of Nioh 3, has made it clear that Team Ninja has no plans to introduce difficulty settings to their acclaimed samurai action RPG series. Speaking with Eurogamer, Fujita emphasized that the studio sees the challenge and sense of accomplishment in overcoming obstacles as a core part of the Nioh experience.

For those unfamiliar, Nioh 3 is a Soulslike action game that pushes players to their limits with its intricate combat system and punishing difficulty. As Lewis Parker noted in his review for PC Gamer, the game offers a “far more fine-tuned and in-depth approach to combat,” leaning more towards the precision of Sekiro than the open-ended exploration of Elden Ring. But let’s dive deeper into what makes Nioh 3 so challenging and why Fujita believes difficulty settings would undermine its essence.

Fujita explained, “We’ve never considered adding difficulty settings to the Nioh series. The value of clearing the game is something that is unifying, and since Nioh 3 has even more variations on strategies to clear the game compared to previous games in the series, our approach is not to change the difficulty setting when you can’t clear it.”

This philosophy is rooted in the idea that overcoming challenges through skill and strategy is what makes the game rewarding. Fujita elaborated, “The enjoyment and sense of accomplishment of being able to figure out on your own how to overcome a situation is what we see as one of the best parts of this series.”

But what about accessibility? In an era where gaming is becoming more inclusive, some argue that difficulty settings are essential to ensure everyone can enjoy a game. Fujita’s stance, however, is that Nioh 3 offers enough variety in strategies and builds to cater to different playstyles without diluting the challenge. As Fraser Brown pointed out in his article for PC Gamer, the game’s open-world design provides ample opportunities for players to strengthen their characters through exploration and gear acquisition. “If you want to get stronger right now, you can just look at the map and find opportunities. Along the way, you’ll almost certainly find some fancy new gear, or perhaps an entire set, with the extra bonuses that come with them.”

This approach aligns with the philosophy of other challenging games like Elden Ring, where players can customize their builds to suit their strengths. However, Nioh 3 takes it a step further by offering a more refined and strategic combat system. As Parker noted, the game’s combat is “more Sekiro than Elden Ring,” requiring players to master timing, positioning, and weapon-specific techniques.

Fujita’s decision to maintain the game’s difficulty without adding settings is a testament to Team Ninja’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the Nioh series. It’s a bold move that challenges players to grow and adapt, rather than relying on a lower difficulty to progress. As Fraser Brown aptly put it, “If you want to get stronger right now, you can just look at the map and find opportunities.”

This philosophy has clearly resonated with players and critics alike. Nioh 3 has received widespread acclaim, with many praising its depth, challenge, and rewarding gameplay. As Parker concluded in his review, “We don’t just give 90s to anybody.”

So, what does this mean for the future of gaming? Fujita’s stance on difficulty settings raises important questions about the balance between accessibility and challenge. While some may argue that difficulty settings are necessary to make games more inclusive, others believe that the challenge itself is what makes games like Nioh 3 so compelling.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Games like Nioh 3 remind us that difficulty, when done right, can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and rewarding experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned Soulslike veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Nioh 3 offers a challenge that’s as satisfying as it is demanding.

In the end, Fujita’s decision to keep Nioh 3 challenging without difficulty settings is a bold statement that challenges players to rise to the occasion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from pushing ourselves to the limit and emerging victorious.

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