Nioh Two Prologue: Awakening
A half-yokai awakens in a land of demons, bound by blood and spirit.
The Prologue of Nioh 2 serves as the dramatic opening chapter that thrusts the player into the chaotic Sengoku period of Japan during the 16th century. It introduces Hide, a custom half-yokai protagonist known as the 'Yokai Slayer,' who awakens in a village in the Mino region—later known as the 'Village of the Cursed Blossom.' This sequence establishes the core narrative conflict: the struggle against supernatural corruption known as yokai and the political turmoil surrounding the rise of Oda Nobunaga.
Quick Facts
- Protagonist
- Hide (The Yokai Slayer)
- Key ally
- Emma (Physician and Ally)
- Setting
- Sengoku Period Japan, specifically the Mino region (Village of the Cursed Blossom)
- Primary antagonists
- Yokai and Corrupted Spirits
- Narrative role
- Introduction to the Ki system and the quest for redemption
- Status
- Canon Story Event
Lore & Background
The prologue unfolds in a Japan fractured by war and spiritual decay. Hide, having awakened as a half-yokai, finds themselves entangled in the supernatural forces of the land. Unlike William's journey in Nioh 1—which focused on retrieving his guardian spirit Kirin and stopping Edward Kelley, not revenge for his family—this awakening marks the beginning of a broader struggle to cleanse the land of yokai corruption before it consumes the human realm entirely.
Central to this era is the bond between Hide and Emma, a human physician and ally who guides him through the treacherous landscape. Their relationship is complex, forged in fire and necessity as they navigate the treacherous politics of the late Sengoku period, focusing on the rise of Oda Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The prologue highlights the pervasive presence of yokai, creatures born from human suffering and hatred, which threaten to overrun the fragile peace that exists between warring clans.
Reader's Guide
The story begins with William waking from a deep slumber, disoriented and surrounded by the aftermath of a brutal battle against yokai forces. He quickly reunites with Emma, who informs him that the balance of spirits is tipping dangerously due to the actions of powerful warlords seeking forbidden power. Together, they must navigate through hostile territories filled with corrupted soldiers and monstrous beasts. The duo faces immediate threats from low-level yokai while uncovering clues about a larger conspiracy involving the use of spiritual artifacts to control the dead.
This initial conflict sets the stage for William's journey across Japan, forcing him to rely on his unique Ki manipulation abilities. The impact of this awakening is profound; it re-establishes William as a key figure in the struggle against supernatural evil. It also deepens the mystery surrounding Emma and her true motives, while introducing the player to the mechanics of Ki Pulse and Spirit techniques essential for survival.
Did You Know?
- The Prologue serves as a tutorial that reintroduces players to the combat system while advancing the main narrative.
- Hide's connection to Emma is a recurring theme throughout the entire game, evolving from necessity to deep partnership.
- The setting reflects historical events of the Sengoku period but blends them with heavy supernatural elements unique to the Nioh universe.
More in Story & Timeline
Elsewhere in Nioh
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