It’s been a long wait for Ninja Gaiden fans since Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z came out in 2014. To make up for the delay, Koei Tecmo has released three games. They started with a remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black from 2008, and then followed it up with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a brand new 2D game.
I’m so hyped for Ninja Gaiden 4! It’s a completely new 3D game, and it’s awesome that PlatinumGames helped make it. The story is really interesting – you play as a new character, Yakumo, who’s actually fighting against Ryu Hayabusa. He’s trying to bring back the Dark Dragon to restore his clan’s reputation. It sounds amazing, but honestly, Ninja Gaiden games are notoriously difficult. So, if you’re new to the series like me, you’ll probably need some help getting through it. Here are a few tips to get you started!
The Most Inviting Ninja Gaiden Yet
Choosing A Difficulty
The game offers three difficulty settings: Hero, Normal, and Hard. Previous Ninja Gaiden games are known for being incredibly challenging, but this time, the Hero difficulty includes helpful features to make the experience more approachable for a wider range of players.
As a new player to the Ninja Gaiden series, I’ve been hearing that Hero mode is the way to go! It lets you turn on features like Auto Dodge and Auto Block, which really help with defense. Plus, Auto Assist pulls off cool combos for you, so you don’t have to memorize a bunch of button presses. It sounds like a great way to jump into the action if you’re just starting out.
Other Options To Consider
Speed Up Cleaner Battles

Besides choosing a difficulty level, there are a few other things to think about. Ninja Gaiden 4 is a very violent action game – there’s a lot of blood, which some players might find distracting during fights. All the blood can sometimes get in the way of seeing what’s happening, so you might want to try the Reduced Gore option.
To make the game flow faster, we can shorten or reduce the length of animations after attacks. Since these happen frequently, even small changes can make a big difference. Additionally, players can choose to hide the on-screen button prompts in the settings – this is separate from the tutorial messages, which can also be toggled in the options.
Be Sure To Explore
There’s Always A Chest Nearby
Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t radically change the series formula – it’s still not an open-world game. However, the levels are more expansive than before, offering greater freedom to explore. The game also introduces side quests through the DarkNest Terminal, and completing them is highly recommended. These quests generally involve defeating a certain number of enemies or demons, and you’ll likely complete them as you play through the main story.
If you’re unsure which path to take, gently push the right analog stick. This will point you in the correct direction. If you follow that direction, the other path usually holds extra rewards, like hidden chests or a monster to defeat. So, try going the opposite way the game seems to be guiding you – you’ll likely be rewarded for it.
Combos Matter More Than Letter Grades
Raising Karma
Many action games, like Devil May Cry, use scoring systems mostly for players to show off. However, Ninja Gaiden 4 takes combos to a new level – skillful combat directly translates into more in-game currency, rewarding players for playing well.
Using diverse moves and finishing attacks will earn you more Karma. Karma is a type of in-game currency that lets you unlock new combos for Yakumo’s different weapons. Don’t just button-mash your way through fights – mixing up your attacks is key!
Upgrades To Buy
Prioritizing Defense And Mobility
Ninja Gaiden 4 features two main currencies: Karma and NinjaCoins. You earn Karma by defeating enemies in battle, and NinjaCoins primarily by finishing optional side quests. Karma lets you instantly purchase new weapon moves from the menu, while NinjaCoins are used to buy more specialized moves from the character Tyran.
When upgrading your skills with Tyran, prioritize Art of Defense Level 1. This allows you to block more attacks consecutively without losing your guard. Guillotine Throw is also useful, as it lets you quickly launch enemies. In Ninja Gaiden 4, don’t worry too much about flashy attacks; instead, focus on skills that improve your defense and how easily you can move. Wind Path is another helpful skill, letting you jump on enemies for a speed boost.
Who To Target First
Gunners Are Trouble
Most action game players will quickly realize that taking out ranged enemies first is crucial in Ninja Gaiden 4. They can disrupt your flow by forcing you to block projectiles while also dodging close-range attacks. Flying enemies can also be tricky, but many of them attack with ranged weapons anyway, making them a similar threat.
You can use drones or wall-running to get to enemies floating in the air, but Yakumo’s kunai are the simplest way to bring them down. While they don’t do much damage, kunai are still useful. Plus, you can often defeat enemies by knocking them off cliffs or buildings – they even let out a scream as they fall! If you’re stuck on a tough enemy, try pushing them off an edge with a move like Guillotine Throw.
Not Every Battle Is Necessary
Learn To Run Away
Ultimately, the most important thing to learn from Ninja Gaiden 4, or any challenging action game, is to avoid fights when you can. Many enemies aren’t required to beat a level, and running away can save your health and resources.
You can get more items at the DarkNest Terminal or by opening chests. However, it’s better to avoid needing to use them whenever possible. Playing on Hero mode makes managing items and health much easier, but players on other difficulty levels will need to pay closer attention to these resources.
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2025-10-23 12:05