Do I Need to Play Nioh 1 Before 2?
Developed by Team Ninja and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Nioh is an action-adventure game series set in feudal Japan, filled with intense combat, dark fantasy elements, and challenging gameplay. The series currently comprises two games: Nioh and Nioh 2. As with any sequel, players might wonder whether they need to play the first game to understand the story and mechanics of the second one.
Direct Answer:
You do not necessarily need to play Nioh 1 before 2. Nioh 2 can be played as a standalone game, with a new protagonist, new storyline, and improved mechanics. However, having played Nioh 1 might provide additional context and enhance your experience.
Common Concerns:
Let’s address some common concerns that players might have before deciding to play Nioh 1 and/or Nioh 2.
Story Continuity
The storyline of Nioh 2 is distinct from Nioh 1. Although there are some connections and callbacks to the first game, Nioh 2 has its own self-contained narrative. You can play through Nioh 2 without knowing anything about the first game and still enjoy the story. If you’re curious about the connections, optional story tidbits and allusions are included to hint at the events of the first game, but they’re not crucial to understanding the overall narrative.
New Protagonist
Nioh 2 features a new protagonist, Hิโiro Abe, a half-Yokai (supernatural creature) hunter. Abe’s background, skills, and abilities are distinct from Nioh 1’s protagonist, William Adams. This means that playing the first game won’t give you any mechanical advantage in the second game.
New Mechanics and Improvements
Nioh 2 includes various improvements and new mechanics that don’t rely on knowledge of the first game. Enhanced combat system, new abilities, and reworked gameplay mechanics aim to provide a more refined and responsive combat experience.
Changes from the First Game
In comparison to Nioh 1:
• Difficulty curve: Nioh 2’s early stages are more accessible, allowing players to gradually adjust to the gameplay and learn from their mistakes.
• Difficulty spikes: Nioh 2 has more pronounced difficulty spikes throughout the game, which can make encounters more challenging and rewarding.
• Item variety: New items, Amulet, and other equipment types provide additional options for players to experiment with and customize their builds.
• Build customization: Nioh 2’s build customization has been expanded, offering more choices and freedom for players to create their ideal characters.
Should I Still Play Nioh 1?**
While playing Nioh 1 before 2 is not necessary, **familiarizing yourself with the Nioh series** and understanding the lore and mechanics might be beneficial. Here are a few reasons to consider playing Nioh 1:
• **Story insights:** Playing Nioh 1 will give you a deeper understanding of the world and characters in Nioh 2, especially when it comes to the connections and references made in the second game.
• **Context:** Nioh 1 sets the stage for the events in Nioh 2, and having that context might enhance your experience in the sequel.
• **Practice and skill transfer:** **Mastery of Nioh’s mechanics and combat system** from playing the first game will indeed translate to Nioh 2, as the core gameplay has not changed significantly.
**Table: Summary of Nioh 1 and 2**
| | Nioh 1 | Nioh 2 |
| — | — | — |
| **Protagonist** | William Adams | Hiro Abe |
| **Storyline** | Unique, but connected to 2 | Self-contained, with connections and references to 1 |
| **Difficulty Curve** | Steeper, with little ease | More accessible, with pronounced difficulty spikes |
| **Mechanics** | Basic, with more limitations | Improved, with expanded options and customization |
| **Should you play?** | If you’re curious about the series, want more practice with the mechanics, or appreciate a deeper understanding of the lore. | As a standalone game, with the added benefits of improved mechanics and enhanced difficulty |
**Frequently Asked Questions and Answers**
1. **Is it possible to play Nioh 1 and 2 in reverse order?**
Yes, you can play Nioh 2 first and then move to Nioh 1. Keep in mind that playing the second game will spoil some of the events and references made in the first game, so proceed with caution.
2. **How are the difficulty levels in Nioh 2 compared to Nioh 1?**
Nioh 2 is designed to be more accessible at lower difficulties, but the game can be incredibly challenging on higher difficulties, such as “Rage” mode. While the overall difficulty curve is similar to Nioh 1, **the difficulty spikes are more pronounced in Nioh 2**.
3. **What about the DLC in Nioh 1? Do I need to play the DLC to understand Nioh 2?**
The DLC content in Nioh 1 does not significantly impact the story or gameplay in Nioh 2. **Playing the DLC is not required**, and you can still enjoy Nioh 2 without prior knowledge of the additional content.
4. **Will I have to start from scratch if I play Nioh 1 after Nioh 2?**
Yes, **playing Nioh 1 after Nioh 2** means you’ll need to create a new character and start from the beginning. **The progression and skills learned in Nioh 2 do not carry over to Nioh 1**.
5. **How are the cutscenes and cinematics different in Nioh 2?**
Cutscenes and cinematics in Nioh 2 are more cinematic and storytelling-focused compared to Nioh 1. **Nioh 2 features more extensive cutscenes**, often incorporating anime-style elements to further emphasize the game’s dark fantasy world.
6. **Can I switch between Nioh 1 and Nioh 2 between playthroughs?**
While the games share a similar world and lore, **playing one game does not directly affect the other**. You can switch between the games at any time without worrying about interrupted progression or altered storylines.
7. **What are the key differences between the games?**
Here are some key differences between Nioh 1 and Nioh 2:
• New protagonist, new storyline, and improved mechanics
• More accessible early stages and increased difficulty spikes
• Expanded build customization options
• New items and equipment
• Improved combat system with new abilities
8. **What is the recommended order to play the Nioh series?**
**Recommend playing Nioh 2** first, as it is a self-contained game with its own unique storyline. Once you’ve completed Nioh 2, you can play Nioh 1 if you’re interested in learning more about the world and characters.