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Nioh 2

Review · Action · PC · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation 4

Nioh 2

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PC · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation 4

Team NINJA · 2020

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

85 /100

Nioh 2 is an action RPG that builds problem solving, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking through its challenging combat, best for older teens.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 77 · R 6
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

77

Risk (RIS)

6

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.88
B2Social-emotional
0.60
B3Motor
0.75

Nioh 2 offers a deep and challenging action RPG experience that fosters problem-solving, strategic thinking, and motor skills through its brutal combat and complex systems. Cooperative multiplayer allows for teamwork and communication, enhancing the social aspect of play.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.13
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game's 'masocore' nature means high violence and some elements of fear, which may not be suitable for all players. While it lacks manipulative monetization or compulsion-loop mechanics, the intense difficulty could lead to frustration for some.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.33
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Nioh 2 safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Nioh 2 a rating of 85/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Nioh 2 appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Nioh 2, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Nioh 2?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Nioh 2: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Nioh 2?

The game's 'masocore' nature means high violence and some elements of fear, which may not be suitable for all players. While it lacks manipulative monetization or compulsion-loop mechanics, the intense difficulty could lead to frustration for some.