Master the way of the ninja
Welcome to Ninja Gaiden 4! Whether you're new to the series or a returning veteran, this guide will help you understand the fundamentals of Ninja Gaiden 4's combat system.
Defense is more important than offense in Ninja Gaiden. Learn enemy attack patterns and when to block vs dodge. Perfect blocks (parrying) can open enemies for devastating counters.
The Training Room lets you practice combos, parrying, and techniques without risk. Spend time here to learn the combat system thoroughly.
The game features manual save points. Use them frequently. Manage your healing items carefully, especially on higher difficulties.
Use your grappling hook and wall-running to explore vertical spaces. Hidden areas often contain valuable items, NinjaCoin, and weapon upgrades.
Collect NinjaCoin to upgrade weapons at save points. Upgraded weapons deal more damage and unlock new combo strings.
Ninja Gaiden 4 features a fast-paced, skill-based combat system that rewards timing, positioning, and technique mastery. Master the Ninja Gaiden 4 combat mechanics to dominate your enemies.
Combine light (X/Square) and heavy (Y/Triangle) attacks to create devastating combo strings. Different combinations produce different results.
Hold RB/R1 to block attacks. Press RB/R1 just before an enemy strikes for a Perfect Block (parry), which staggers the enemy.
Press B/Circle to dodge. Time your dodge correctly to trigger i-frames (invincibility frames). Dodge toward enemies to stay in combat range.
Hold Y/Triangle to charge energy. Release when fully charged for a devastating Ultimate Technique that can clear groups of enemies.
When enemies are near death (flashing red), press RB+Y / R1+Triangle for an instant kill Obliteration move.
Use RT/R2 with directional input to unleash Bloodbind Ninjutsu. These special attacks consume Ki energy but deal massive damage.
Cancel certain attack animations by dodging or jumping to extend your combos and maintain pressure.
Use lock-on (LT/L2) for 1v1 situations, but turn it off for crowd control to maintain mobility.
Launch enemies into the air with specific combos, then follow up with aerial attacks for extended damage.
Switch weapons mid-combo (D-pad) to create unique combo strings and exploit enemy weaknesses.
Ninja Gaiden 4 offers multiple difficulty modes to accommodate all skill levels, from newcomers to series veterans. Here's what each Ninja Gaiden 4 difficulty mode entails:
Accessibility Focused
Players completely new to action games or those who want to focus purely on story and exploration.
Recommended
Players familiar with action games or Ninja Gaiden veterans wanting a fair challenge without excessive frustration.
Extreme Challenge
Hardcore players seeking the ultimate challenge. Requires mastery of all combat mechanics and perfect execution.
🔒 Unlocked after completing the game on Standard difficulty
Take your skills to the next level with these advanced combat techniques.
Execution: Press RB/R1 within 0.2 seconds of an enemy attack connecting.
Effect: Staggers the enemy, opening them for a critical counter-attack.
Advanced Use: Chain multiple parries to handle group encounters. Some boss attacks can only be countered via perfect parry.
Execution: Launch enemy with combo, jump after them, grab mid-air, slam down.
Effect: Devastating aerial throw dealing massive damage.
Pro Tip: Works on most human-sized enemies and deals bonus damage to bosses.
Execution: Dodge or jump during certain attack animations to cancel recovery frames.
Effect: Allows you to extend combos beyond normal limits or escape dangerous situations.
Key Moves: Cancel the third hit of XXX combo into a dodge for repositioning.
Execution: Press attack button just as you land from a jump.
Effect: Executes special landing attacks with unique properties.
Uses: Great for creating distance or stunning groups of enemies.
Execution: Stand near defeated enemies' essence orbs and hold Y/Triangle to charge Ultimate Technique.
Effect: Absorbs essences to instantly charge Ultimate Technique.
Strategy: Creates a risk/reward dynamic - charge powerful attack while surrounded.
Execution: Use specific combo strings that leave small gaps, baiting enemy counter-attempts.
Effect: If enemy tries to attack during the gap, your next attack interrupts them.
Example: XX (pause) Y catches enemies trying to punish the gap.