GameTimeline

Release & story order

Nioh games in order

Use this page for nioh games in order—Team Ninja’s Yokai-samurai action from Nioh (2017) through Nioh 2 (2020) and the PS5 Nioh Collection remasters. Release lists US ship dates for the two mainlines and points Dragon of the North–era DLC to FAQ detail. Story soft-tracks William’s Sengoku path, then treats Nioh 2’s Hide / parallel eras as overlapping chronology rather than a strict sequel novel—see the parallel-eras FAQ. Essentials covers Nioh 1 first, Nioh 2 first, or the full duo. Neighbors: Sekiro, Dark Souls, Lies of P.

Updated September 2026

Pick your path:

Nioh 1 first Nioh 2 first Full duo Full release list Story order

Where to start

Pick Nioh 1 first for William’s classic path into Nioh 2, Nioh 2 first if you want the sequel’s character creator and smoother onboarding, or Full duo when you plan both Complete editions (Collection remasters count).

  • Lore traditionalists → nioh-1-first
  • Combat newcomers 2026 → nioh-2-first often feels kinder
  • Completionists → full-duo including DLC seasons via Complete editions
  • PS5 → prefer The Nioh Collection over hunting old discs

Release order

When each Nioh milestone shipped in the US—Nioh (February 7, 2017), Dragon of the North as the first major post-launch DLC wave (May 2, 2017) with later expansions FAQ-listed, then Nioh 2 (March 13, 2020). The Nioh Collection (February 5, 2021) remasters both for PS5—edition FAQ, not a third story.

  • Classic path → Nioh 1 (+ DLC) then Nioh 2
  • Systems-first 2026 → Nioh 2 is friendlier for many newcomers
  • PS5 owners → The Nioh Collection remasters both Complete editions
  • Skip cost → skipping 1 costs William’s arc, not 2’s tutorial quality
Story order tips

Soft fiction path: follow William’s Yokai war in Nioh, then shift to Nioh 2’s Hide-centered campaign that overlaps Sengoku eras rather than sitting as a simple numbered epilogue. Parallel timelines mean you can play 2 first for systems and still return to William later—FAQ covers how the eras braid without heavy spoilers.

  • William path: Nioh 1 campaign and its DLC regions
  • Hide path: Nioh 2 overlaps eras—play anytime after you know you like Ki Pulse combat
  • Do not expect a single linear novel across both games
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

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When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Nioh

    Nioh

    PS4PCAction RPGMainlineWilliam

    Nioh (February 7, 2017) sends William Adams through Sengoku Japan against Yokai—stance dancing, Ki Pulse, and loot-heavy missions from Team Ninja. Foundation for the brand and the William Story path.

    Overview
    Diablo-like loot density welded to stamina-critical samurai stances. Ki Pulse and Yokai realms defined Team Ninja’s modern action-RPG voice before Nioh 2 refined it.
    In-game setting
    William’s campaign across warlord regions. Dragon of the North and later DLC add Tohoku and more—FAQ lists the season rather than cloning every pack as a novel chapter.
    Should you play it?
    Required on nioh-1-first and full-duo. Optional if you chose nioh-2-first and only care about Hide’s arc. Neighbors: Sekiro.
    Release date
    US February 7, 2017 on PlayStation 4; PC Complete Edition followed later. Prefer Complete / Collection builds in 2026.
  2. Nioh: Dragon of the North

    Nioh: Dragon of the North

    PS4PCExpansionExpansionWilliam

    Dragon of the North (May 2, 2017) opens Nioh’s post-launch DLC season—new Tohoku missions, Date Masamune pressure, and Yokai toys. Later Defiant Honor and Bloodshed Ballad packs continue the same Complete Edition shelf; FAQ covers siblings.

    Overview
    First major region expansion that proved Nioh would grow like a live mission season. New weapons and enemies keep loot loops spinning after the base ending.
    In-game setting
    After the base William campaign. Treat Complete Edition as the usual 2026 way to own this plus later DLC without à la carte hunting.
    Should you play it?
    Include on full-duo completionist runs. Optional on a first William clear if you only want the base war arc before Nioh 2.
    Release date
    US PlayStation 4 May 2, 2017; later folded into Complete Edition / Collection remasters.
  3. Nioh 2

    Nioh 2

    PS4PCAction RPGMainlineHide

    Nioh 2 (March 13, 2020) shifts to a custom half-Yokai protagonist (Hide) with Yokai Shift, burst counters, and co-op-friendly mission structure. Many 2026 players start here for systems, then return to William.

    Overview
    Character creator, Yokai Shift forms, and burst counters that soften some of Nioh 1’s sharpest edges while raising build fantasy. DLC seasons (Tengu’s Disciple, Darkness in the Capital, The First Samurai) expand Complete Edition.
    In-game setting
    Parallel Sengoku eras overlapping William’s timeline rather than a strict sequel epilogue—Story tab and FAQ explain the soft braid.
    Should you play it?
    Required on nioh-2-first and full-duo. Valid first Nioh if you want modern onboarding; play William afterward for the other half of the brand.
    Release date
    US March 13, 2020 on PlayStation 4; PC Complete Edition and PS5 remasters followed. Prefer Complete / Collection in 2026.

FAQ

William vs Hide, DLC seasons, The Nioh Collection, and whether to start with 1 or 2.

Play order

Classic: Nioh (Complete) → Nioh 2 (Complete).

Systems-first: start with Nioh 2, then return to William.

PS5: prefer The Nioh Collection.

Neighbors: Sekiro and Dark Souls.

Yes. Nioh 2 overlaps Sengoku eras rather than locking you behind William’s ending. You will miss some brand context and cameo delight, not a hard plot gate. Use the nioh-2-first Essentials path if that is your plan.

Story & eras

DLC & editions

The Nioh Collection (February 5, 2021) bundles PS5 remasters of Nioh and Nioh 2 Complete editions—faster loads, higher frame targets, all major expansions. It is an edition path, not a third story on this timeline.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.