Ninja Gaiden 4 Ultimate Combat Guide

Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn't mess around. From the moment you pick up the controller, you're thrown into a whirlwind of blood, steel, and lightning-fast combat that demands respect. Whether you're a series veteran or completely new to the franchise, Yakumo's unique fighting style requires a fresh approach that blends classic ninja techniques with innovative new mechanics.

Why Ninja Gaiden 4's Combat Feels Different

This isn't your typical hack-and-slash experience. PlatinumGames has injected their signature style into Team NINJA's formula, creating something that feels both familiar and revolutionary. You'll need to master Bloodraven Form, perfect your timing, and learn when aggression pays off versus when patience saves your life.

The key difference? Yakumo fights nothing like Ryu Hayabusa. He's faster, more technical, and rewards precision over brute force. Think of it as the difference between a sledgehammer and a scalpel – both deadly, but requiring completely different approaches.

Control Settings That Change Everything

Switch Bloodraven to Toggle Mode

Your first move should be diving into Settings > Controls and changing Bloodraven Form from "Hold" to "Toggle." This single adjustment transforms your combat experience entirely.

Here's why this matters:

• Faster reactions during intense moments
• Smoother combo transitions between stances
• Better meter management without awkward button holding
• Enhanced mobility during aerial sequences

With toggle enabled, you can weave in and out of Bloodraven Form seamlessly, maximizing your meter efficiency while maintaining constant pressure on opponents.

Obliteration System

Obliterations are your bread and butter for crowd control. When you damage enemies enough to sever limbs, pressing Triangle/Y near them triggers these devastating finishing moves.

Watch out for limbless enemies crawling toward you – they can still grab and explode, dealing significant damage even when seemingly defeated.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Ultimate Combat Guide

Defensive Mastery: Blocking and Perfect Timing

Hold R2/RT to block up to four consecutive melee attacks. You can also block most projectiles freely, giving you breathing room during chaotic encounters.

Important limitation: When enemies glow red with an exclamation mark, you must either:

• Use Bloodraven Form blocking
• Execute a perfect dodge
• Face a broken guard and vulnerability

Perfect Block Technique

Time your block just before enemy attacks connect to perform Perfect Blocks. This technique:

• Breaks enemy stance temporarily
• Creates counterattack opportunities
• Builds your confidence with timing

Dodging and Movement

Perfect Dodges require precise timing but offer incredible rewards. Hold R2/RT while adding directional input to evade attacks with invincibility frames.

Environmental Movement Strategy

Use wall hooks and grappling points strategically:

• Reposition when overwhelmed by multiple enemies
• Chain into Flying Swallow attacks for crowd control
• Execute Guillotine Throws from elevated positions
• Gain invincibility frames during wall-based maneuvers

Ninja Gaiden 4 Ultimate Combat Guide

Shuriken Combat Applications

Press O/B to throw shurikens – but these aren't just basic projectiles. Advanced players use shurikens to:

• Cancel attack animations for extended combos
• Interrupt enemy attacks from range
• Maintain air juggling during complex sequences
• Create combo extensions that seem impossible

Start experimenting with shuriken canceling after mastering basic combat. This technique separates good players from great ones.

Bloodraven Form Strategies

Your Bloodraven gauge (bottom left screen) fills through:

• Performing Obliterations
• Landing regular attacks
• Natural regeneration over time

Bloodraven Combat Applications

Each Bloodraven attack consumes meter, so balance aggression with conservation. Almost every regular move has a Bloodraven variation with enhanced properties.

Ultimate Techniques and Power Moves

Hold Triangle/Y to charge Ultimate Techniques. Watch for blue or red auras before releasing for maximum devastation.

Pro tip: Use Blood Essence orbs to accelerate charging, but remember they won't heal you when used this way.

Benefits of Ultimate Techniques:

• Complete invincibility during execution
• Massive damage output
• Automatic target chaining
• Crowd clearing potential

Ninja Gaiden 4 Ultimate Combat Guide

Assassination and Stealth Opportunities

The stealth system offers tactical advantages when available. Look for:

• Yellow indicators above unaware enemies
• Back approach angles for instant kills
• Aerial assassination opportunities

Press Triangle/Y when positioned correctly for one-hit eliminations. These moments provide breathing room in otherwise relentless encounters.

Weapon Switching and Combo Variety

Use directional buttons to swap weapons instantly without menu navigation. This system enables:

• Mid-combo weapon changes for extended sequences
• Situational tool selection based on enemy types
• Creative combo expressions limited only by imagination

Each weapon type offers unique properties:

• Twin Blades/Tachi for balanced offense
• Rapier/Lance for reach and precision
• Staff/Hammer for crowd control
• Mechanical Arms for special situations

Parrying

Attack enemies just before their strikes land to execute parries. This technique:

• Leaves enemies more vulnerable than Perfect Blocks
• Enables powerful counterattacks through unlocked techniques
• Requires precise timing that varies per enemy type

Berserk Mode and Bloodbath Techniques

When your Berserk gauge fills, press both analog sticks to enter an enhanced state featuring:

• Increased damage output across all attacks
• Bloodbath Kills through charged Bloodraven attacks
• Bloodbath Slaughter for screen-clearing devastation

Bloodbath Slaughter consumes your entire gauge but instantly eliminates all non-boss enemies in range – save it for desperate moments.

Ninja Gaiden 4: Delivering the 3D Slash ...

Item Management and Tactical Support

Hold L1/LB to access your item wheel. Essential consumables include:

• Healing items for health restoration
• Buff items for temporary advantages
• Incense of Rebirth for one-time revival (single carry limit)

Purchase items at DarkNest Terminals or find them during exploration. Smart item usage often determines survival in challenging encounters.

Training Mode: Your Secret Weapon

Don't skip the training mode. Use it to:

• Practice parry timing against different enemy types
• Experiment with combo sequences safely
• Test weapon switching techniques
• Master stance transitions without pressure

Ninja Gaiden 4 rewards players who embrace its complexity rather than fighting against it. Master these fundamentals, practice consistently, and you'll transform from struggling newcomer to confident ninja warrior. The learning curve is steep, but the satisfaction of perfect combat execution makes every challenging moment worthwhile.