Many players are reporting that Nioh 3 is not launching on PC, where the game fails to open, crashes at startup, or closes immediately after launch. In most cases, the problem is caused by corrupted game files, outdated drivers, missing permissions, or conflicting background software.
Fortunately, the issue can usually be fixed by following the solutions below.
Why Nioh 3 Is Not Launching on PC
Before applying fixes, it helps to understand the causes.
Common reasons include:
- Corrupted or missing game files
- Outdated graphics drivers
- Incompatible overlays or background apps
- Missing administrator permissions
- Windows security or antivirus blocks
- Outdated Windows version
- Unsupported hardware or system settings
Because of these factors, the game may fail to start properly.
Fix 1: Check Minimum System Requirements
First, make sure your PC can run Nioh 3.
If your CPU, GPU, or RAM is below the minimum requirement, the game may not launch at all. Therefore, compare your system specs with the official requirements before proceeding.
Fix 2: Restart PC and Game Launcher
Sometimes, temporary system glitches prevent launching.
Steps:
- Close Steam or your game launcher
- Restart your PC
- Open Steam again
- Launch Nioh 3
This clears cached processes that may interfere with startup.
Fix 3: Run Nioh 3 as Administrator
Permission issues often block game launch.
Steps:
- Go to the Nioh 3 installation folder
- Right-click Nioh3.exe
- Select Run as administrator
Additionally, you can set it permanently under Properties → Compatibility.
Fix 4: Verify Game Files (Highly Recommended)
Corrupted files are a leading cause of launch failures.
Steps (Steam):
- Open Steam → Library
- Right-click Nioh 3
- Select Properties → Installed Files
- Click Verify integrity of game files
Steam will automatically repair missing or broken files.
Fix 5: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause black screens or launch crashes.
Update your GPU:
- NVIDIA → nvidia.com
- AMD → amd.com
- Intel → intel.com
After updating, restart your PC and try launching again.
Fix 6: Disable Overlays & Background Applications
Overlays may conflict with the game engine.
Disable:
- Steam Overlay
- Discord Overlay
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- MSI Afterburner / RivaTuner
Then relaunch Nioh 3.
Fix 7: Disable Antivirus or Add Game Exception
Security software sometimes blocks game executables.
Steps:
- Temporarily disable antivirus
- Launch Nioh 3
- If it works, add the game folder to antivirus exclusions
Never keep antivirus disabled permanently.
Fix 8: Update Windows
Missing system updates can prevent game initialization.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I
- Go to Windows Update
- Install all pending updates
- Restart your PC
This ensures required system libraries are installed.
Fix 9: Change Graphics Settings (For Low-End PCs)
If the game crashes instantly:
- Disable fullscreen optimizations
- Set launch options to windowed mode
- Lower display resolution
These changes reduce startup load.
Fix 10: Reinstall Nioh 3 (Last Resort)
If nothing works, a clean install helps.
Steps:
- Uninstall Nioh 3
- Restart your PC
- Reinstall the game
- Launch again
This removes deeply corrupted files.
Additional Tips
- Close unnecessary background apps
- Avoid running mods during first launch
- Ensure DirectX and Visual C++ are installed
- Use SSD instead of HDD if possible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Nioh 3 not launch on PC?
It is usually caused by corrupted files, outdated drivers, permission issues, or antivirus conflicts.
Does verifying files fix the issue?
Yes, in most cases, file verification resolves startup problems.
Can antivirus stop Nioh 3 from launching?
Yes, adding an exception often fixes the issue.
Is Windows 11 compatible with Nioh 3?
Yes, as long as Windows and drivers are fully updated.
Conclusion
The Nioh 3 not launching on PC issue is frustrating but usually easy to fix. Start by verifying game files, updating graphics drivers, and disabling overlays. If the issue persists, running the game as administrator or reinstalling often solves the problem completely.
⚔️ Jump back into battle and enjoy smooth Nioh 3 gameplay!
