A free demo for an upcoming action RPG is already making waves on Steam. Within just six hours of release, the demo has attracted nearly 20,000 concurrent players, and its peak player count continues to climb.
The demo gives players access to the opening part of Nioh 3, the latest game from Team Ninja. The game is one of the most anticipated action RPGs planned for 2026, and early interest suggests strong demand.
What Players Can Try in the Demo
The demo starts right at the beginning of the story and offers a solid preview of the game’s core systems. Players can explore early areas, fight enemies, and get a feel for the combat and progression.
Set in a dark, demon-filled version of Japan’s Sengoku period, Nioh 3 mixes history with supernatural elements. Players face powerful yokai enemies while clearing corrupted regions known as the Crucible.
The demo also shows off:
- Less linear level design
- Optional side challenges
- A mix of exploration and intense combat
Multiplayer and Progress Carry Over
One of the biggest surprises is that multiplayer is fully enabled in the demo. Players can team up online with up to three players, which is likely helping boost engagement.
Another major bonus is that progress carries over to the full game. Anyone who completes the demo before February 15, 2026, will also receive a special in-game reward when the full version launches.
These features make the demo feel less like a limited trial and more like early access.
Looking Ahead to Full Release
Nioh 3 aims to build on the success of Nioh 2, which launched in 2020. Early reactions suggest the game has strong potential to be a worthy follow-up.
The full game is scheduled to release on February 6, 2026. With thousands of players already trying the demo, feedback from these early sessions could shape expectations ahead of launch.
If the current momentum continues, Nioh 3 could become one of the standout action RPG releases of the year.