The long awaited sequel to Team Ninja’s hit hack-and-slash game, Nioh has officially had its release date revealed, and its set to release on March 13th, 2020 on the PlayStation 4. The open beta is available right now (November 1st) and will run until November 10th on the PS4.

Though it will be quite similar in a a lot of ways to the first game; Team Ninja strives to make a bigger and better experience with Nioh 2 by introducing new weapons, gameplay mechanics, and enhanced visuals. Better yet, players have the privilege to create their own characters with the help of customization tools. This should add a level of immersion similar to the Souls franchise, as you are your own character and you choose how to build them.

Knowing this, Nioh 2‘s producer Fumihiko Yasuda revealed more details on the Beta, as well as new customization features in a recent PlayStation Blog post. Players will get to try out new tools such as the Switchglaive weapon, and more when the beta comes around.

You will start the beta playthrough in a new location called the interim which acts as a tutorial level for players to get accustomed to the weapons they choose. It will also allow you to be familiar with the new mechanics in Nioh 2, and will allow you to move on from there when you are done. “The experience will be an interpretation of historical actualities combined with a healthy injection of Yokai adventure!“, states Yasuada.

A reward known as the The Mark of the Demon Slayer will be rewarded to those valiant enough to complete the Beta’s Challenges. This reward further unlocks the Kamaitachi Helmet from the in-game shrine to use in the full version of Nioh 2 when it releases next March.

As an added bonus, players eager to jump into battle before the arrival of Nioh 2 will be happy to learn that its’ predecessor, Nioh, is available for free on PlayStation Plus from November 5th alongside Outlast 2.

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