Nioh 3 vs Path of Exile 2
Stance-based samurai precision versus evolving ARPG depth — both demand patience, but one resets your progress.
Updated 25d ago
Punches above its sequel weight — Nioh 3's Samurai/Ninja stance system is Team Ninja's sharpest combat to date, despite empty-zone pacing.
Punches above its Early Access tag if you want Diablo combat with PoE1's depth — wait for 1.0 if you hate league build wipes.
By the numbers
Prices checked Sep 9; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Sep 9.
| Measure | Nioh 3 | Path of Exile 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Value Path of Exile 2 wins on value | ||
| Price now | $33.95 −51% · GameBillet | $29.99 Steam |
| All-time low | $33.95 | $29.99 |
| Cost / hour | $1.25/hr $33.95 · 27 h main story | $0.79/hr $29.99 · 38 h main story |
| Off its low | At its low low was Sep 2026 | At its low vs $29.99 low |
| Main story | 27 h | 38 h |
| Health Too close to call | ||
| Steam reviews | 78% 19k reviews | 75% 226k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 57% 317 votes · vs 78% lifetime · souring | 81% 1k votes · vs 75% lifetime · improving |
| Peak players | 10,863 Aug 2026 · ↑ 377% MoM | 36,995 Aug 2026 · ↓ 71% MoM |
| Launch peak | 12% of Feb 2026 launch peak · as of Aug 2026 | 6% of Dec 2024 launch peak · as of Aug 2026 |
| All-time peak | 87,778 Feb 2026 | 578,562 Dec 2024 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 6 days ago | 3 weeks ago |
| Patch cadence | 4 in last 90 days | 1+ in last 90 days, at minimum |
| Steam Deck | Gold | Platinum |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Nioh 3
Build flexibility between ninja and samurai stances without rerolling is the combat loop 100-hour veterans praise, alongside polished Team Ninja action.
The open world structure, described as a big mission map with collectibles, is the friction that long-time Nioh fans flag as a step back.
from our May 2026 verdict
Path of Exile 2
Combat responsiveness and build variety are the core appeals for long-time players.
The mandatory campaign replay each league is the primary frustration for high-playtime players.
from our May 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Nioh 3 if
- You loved Nioh 2's stance combat and want it in an open world
- You can handle one-shot mechanics and prefer skill over gear
- You want a complete game without build wipes
Pick Path of Exile 2 if
- You enjoyed Path of Exile 1 and want smoother controls
- You're okay with meta resets and seasonal content
- You want a longer campaign with sub-$1 per hour value
Bottom line
Choose Nioh 3 for its polished combat and 27-hour story with no resets; pick Path of Exile 2 for its massive, evolving content where 22% of its launch peak shows the community stays engaged.