Nioh 2 launches March 13, 2020; Nioh protagonist William playable in open beta [Update]

Nioh 2 will launch for PlayStation 4 on March 13, 2020, publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Team Ninja announced.

Pre-orders are available now for the $59.99 standard and $79.99 Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Season Pass (three post-launch additional mission add-ons), the “Demon Horde Weapons Set,” a “Kodama Netsuke Charm,” a PlayStation 4 theme, and a PlayStation Network avatar set. Pre-orders for both editions include the “Demon Horde Armor Set,” “Sudama Netsuke Charm,” and a PlayStation 4 theme.

As previously announced, an open beta test will run from November 1 to 10, which will be available as a free download via the PlayStation Store. Team Ninja also announced that players who have save data from the original Nioh on the same system will be able to use Nioh protagonist William in the open beta.

Here are more details about the beta, via producer Fumihiko Yasuda on the PlayStation Blog:

All players will be able to experience new elements such as our extensive character customization feature, our newest weapon—the Switchglaive, and so much more.

As you begin the beta, you will enter into a place called the Interim. Unlike the dojo tutorial from the previous game, the Interim is a safe zone where you will be able to choose your weapons, test out the basic moves and transition to a real stage when you are ready.

This place was designed and based on the Tibetan Buddhist concept of intermediate, transitional state between life and death. I’m actually very fond of the environment we created which is modeled after the Sanzu river surrounded in tranquility (similar to the river Styx from Greek mythology).

As you move on from the Interim, you will start your journey in a stage called Sunomata. This stage is based on the Sunomata castle which by some accounts was constructed in just one night by Hideyoshi. The experience will be an interpretation of historical actualities combined with a healthy injection of Yokai adventure!

In addition, this new stage will treat you to an impressive environment covered in autumn maple leaves. In a similar fashion to the cherry blossoms stage (The Village of Cursed Blossoms), we had the great fortune of highlighting another stunning time of year within Japan’s four distinct seasons.

If you are skilled and fortunate enough to conquer the beta, you will earn The Mark of the Demon Slayer—a reward entitling you to unlock the Kamaitachi Helmet from the in-game Shrine to use in the full game when it arrives next year.

Watch a new trailer below.

Update 10/31/19 at 12:20 a.m.: In Japan, Nioh 2 will launch for PlayStation 4 a day earlier on March 12, 2020 for 7,800 yen. The Digital Deluxe Edition will cost 10,800 yen.