Ninjas and samurai have consistently been popular themes in video games, and 2025 proved to be a strong year for PlayStation titles featuring these skilled warriors. From fast-paced action to stealth-oriented gameplay, PlayStation 5 players had a variety of experiences to explore, whether they preferred the speed of a ninja or the strategic combat of a samurai.
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows continued the franchise’s focus on historical settings, presenting a detailed portrayal of feudal Japan. Players control two protagonists, including the ninja Naoe, allowing for a mix of stealthy assassinations and samurai-style combat throughout a lengthy story. The title emphasizes tactical planning and silent takedowns while maintaining the franchise’s signature open-world exploration.
Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Yōtei combined cinematic presentation with stealth gameplay, following the mercenary Atsu as she navigates a world of revenge and conflict. Atsu employs tools such as a kusarigama, kunai, and smoke bombs to engage enemies strategically. While she is neither a traditional ninja nor a samurai, the game incorporates many elements associated with both, requiring players to adapt to each encounter using a mix of stealth and combat.
Fast-Paced Ninja Action
Ninja Gaiden 4, developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, focused on high-speed combat and agility. Players perform rapid combos, run along walls, and dodge attacks with precision, creating an intense and continuous flow of action. The game emphasizes the classic ninja experience through fast reflexes and mobility, appealing to players who favor aggressive and skill-based gameplay.
Side-scrolling titles such as Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance revisited the roots of their respective franchises. Ragebound combined old-school design with modern mechanics, requiring players to carefully manage enemy encounters and strategically use power-ups. In Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, players control Joe Musashi, employing katanas, kunai, and magical abilities to weaken enemies before executing rapid, multi-target attacks, blending strategy with the thrill of ninja combat.
Ninja Five-O also returned to PlayStation in 2025, previously a rare title limited to portable systems. In this side-scroller, players take on the role of a ninja cop, balancing martial abilities with tactical decision-making as they rescue hostages and defeat criminals. The game offers a unique combination of traditional ninja skills and problem-solving challenges.
Samurai-Centered Adventures
On the samurai side, Capcom’s remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny delivered a mix of swordplay and strategic combat. Players face demonic enemies and must balance attacking, blocking, and executing Issen counters. The game also incorporates elements of survival-horror, drawing from Capcom’s earlier titles to offer a distinctive samurai experience.
Looking Forward to 2026
The momentum for ninja and samurai games on PlayStation is set to continue into 2026. Sucker Punch plans to release Ghost of Yōtei Legends, a cooperative multiplayer expansion available as free DLC for existing owners. Nioh 3 is scheduled for release in February, bringing additional ninja abilities alongside deep samurai gameplay. Ninja Gaiden 4 will receive a major expansion featuring new story content and weapons, and Capcom is launching Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the first new mainline entry in two decades.
These upcoming titles indicate that players will continue to have a variety of options for experiencing ninja and samurai action on PlayStation, blending stealth, combat, and strategic planning in different ways.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which ninja and samurai games were most notable on PlayStation in 2025?
Key titles included Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ghost of Yōtei, Ninja Gaiden 4, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Ninja Five-O, and the remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny.
Are these games available on both PS5 and PS4?
Some titles, such as Ragebound, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, and Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, are available on both PS5 and PS4, while others like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ghost of Yōtei, and Ninja Gaiden 4 are exclusive to PS5.
What types of gameplay do these games feature?
The games range from fast-paced, combo-heavy action to strategic side-scrolling battles, stealth-focused assassinations, and samurai swordplay. Players can experience both traditional ninja agility and methodical samurai combat.
Will there be new ninja and samurai games in 2026?
Yes. Upcoming releases include Ghost of Yōtei Legends, Nioh 3, a Ninja Gaiden 4 expansion, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. These titles will continue to expand stealth, combat, and cooperative gameplay options.
Do any of these games include multiplayer or cooperative modes?
Ghost of Yōtei Legends will feature cooperative multiplayer, while other titles focus primarily on single-player experiences. PlayStation Plus may be required for online features.
