Nioh 3 Loot System Critique: Pacing and Progression Issues

Team Ninja’s Nioh 3 offers a complex loot system with diverse equipment effects, build customization via the blacksmith, and high rarity gear availability. However, rapid access to Exotic items within hours overwhelms players and disrupts progression pacing. Early game combat relies more on base stats and practice than equipment optimization, making detailed crafting irrelevant until New Game+. Frequent drops and expensive upgrades further disincentivize engagement with these systems during the main story. The review suggests slowing loot progression, reducing upgrade frequency, and lowering blacksmithing costs to make early-game itemization more meaningful. This approach would allow players to gradually familiarize themselves with mechanics through common items before tackling advanced builds. Nioh 3 is currently available for PS5 and PC via Steam.