'Nioh: Dragon of the North' DLC news: Release date for Masamune-focused expansion revealed

Promotional image for the action role-playing game "Nioh." Facebook/niohofficial

New details about the upcoming "Dragon of the North" downloadable content (DLC) "Nioh" have been revealed.

The new add-on for "Nioh" arrives on May 2, bringing in new skins, gear, and skills for players to try out. VG247 notes that the update is set after the events of the main game where Anjin embarks on a journey to the Oshu region. In "Dragon of the North," Lord Masamune is the focus of the story. Team Ninja reportedly put him front and center because the disparities in his character made him interesting.

Anjin is heading to the north after hearing a rumor about Masamune gathering Spirit Stones. Fans who have played the game are well-aware that those are usually used for evil means. As announced, the expansion introduces one new armor, the Odachi weapon, two new Guardian spirits, ninja and magic skills, and the requested female skins. The upcoming DLC comes with a free update that will enable player versus player in the game.

Players can purchase a Season Pass for "Nioh" from the PlayStation Store for $24.99. The pass gives owners free access to the "Dragon of the North" DLC, as well as the upcoming expansions "Defiant Honour" and "Bloodshed's End." This is a much practical choice for most players since it is way cheaper than if they purchased the DLCs on their own.

On an official blog, creative director Tom Lee explains the studio's decision to put Masamune at the forefront of the new DLC. He is both intelligent and merciless, which made him a great leader. However, his hunger for power blinded him to everything else.

"He was known for being an impulsive leader who was wildly arrogant of his abilities — believing he was superior to most men, yet at the same time greatly devoted to the his land and subjects," Lee writes. "We found this disparity in his personality to be something that we could utilize to create a memorable character and a formidable adversary for William."

Developed by Team Ninja, "Nioh" was released in February and is exclusively available for PlayStation 4.

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