Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces players to a diverse array of five unique weapons at the conclusion of its campaign. Each weapon features distinctive properties and attack styles, enhanced further by their Bloodraven forms. While all options are viable across various difficulty levels, certain weapons can significantly ease gameplay. Below, we will explore the top weapon choices that can elevate your ninja combat experience.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Weapons Tier Overview
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
| S Tier | Top-tier weapons with outstanding damage, speed, versatility, and strategic advantages. |
| A Tier | Reliable options for most combat scenarios, albeit with some limitations. |
| B Tier | Decent performance in specific situations but generally falls short. |
S Tier Weapons
Dark Dragon Blade
Without a doubt, the Dark Dragon Blade is Yakumo’s finest weapon choice. It boasts formidable damage output—just shy of Ryu’s Dragon Blade—while combining performance with remarkable user-friendliness.
Key Advantages:
- Damage & Speed: Offers impressive base damage and one of the fastest light attacks in its Bloodraven/Shadow-gleam form.
- Utility & Crowd Control: Its skills, activated by circular motion inputs, provide excellent utility. An unblockable launcher helps execute Izuna Drops, and its powerful area-of-effect (AOE) attack (B/Circle) in Shadow-gleam form is invaluable.
- Defense: The rapid light attack in Shadow-gleam form effectively counters most Power Attacks, making it ideal for boss encounters.
Drawback: The primary challenge is the time commitment needed to unlock this weapon, as players must complete the game and all Boss Trials. This investment, however, is undoubtedly rewarding.
Kage-Hiruko
As the game’s sole ranged weapon, the Kage-Hiruko empowers Yakumo with formidable long-range combat capabilities, especially for skilled players.
Key Advantages:
- Ranged & Launchers: Ideal for distance battles, featuring numerous launcher attacks, including a swift light-heavy attack combo (X/Square – Y/Triangle).
- Unique Flying Swallow: This weapon introduces a specialized version of the Flying Swallow technique, functioning as a launcher.
- Effective Bloodraven Form Attacks: Its Nocturnal Rain AOE strike (A/Cross – X/Square) can launch multiple enemies, making it extremely effective. The Bloodraven form light attack rapidly interrupts Power Attacks, excelling at any range.
Drawbacks: While powerful, the Kage-Hiruko’s damage output lags behind the Dark Dragon Blade, coupled with a more complex moveset.
A Tier Weapons
Takeminakata
These twin blades serve as Yakumo’s initial weapon and shouldn’t be underestimated. Although their damage capacity is moderate, their true strength lies in their remarkable versatility and functionality.
Key Advantages:
- Versatility: Quick access to multiple launchers and a useful area-of-effect (AOE) attack (circular motion – Y/Triangle).
- Crowd Control: Exceptional crowd control capabilities in Bloodraven Form, featuring easy-to-charge aerial heavy attacks and the Rising Stance: Spin technique (A/Cross – X/Square) that can eliminate groups of enemies.
Drawbacks: While its utility is high, the Takeminakata’s lower damage output may render it less effective in high difficulty settings where swift victories are crucial.
Magatsuhi
Resembling the iconic Lunar Staff from Ninja Gaiden 2, the Magatsuhi is a reliable weapon offering solid damage through its multi-hit ground combos.
Key Advantages:
- Crowd Control: The reach and effective hitboxes of its combos allow it to hit targets both in front and to the sides of Yakumo, making it essential for dealing with swarms of enemies.
- Bloodraven Form Attacks: In this form, the staff transforms into a massive hammer with fast, powerful attacks. Players can leap high by pressing A/Cross, enabling potent downward AOE strikes.
Drawbacks: The Magatsuhi staff lacks straightforward launcher attacks, typically confining players to a grounded fighting style. Additionally, its most damaging combos require longer execution times, making them vulnerable on higher difficulties.
B Tier Weapons
Yatousen
The Yatousen rapier is notable for its impressive speed and mobility, yet its overall effectiveness is hampered by fundamental design limitations.
Key Advantages:
- Mobility: Many of its combos offer great mobility, allowing Yakumo to evade danger while maintaining offensive pressure.
Drawbacks: The Yatousen’s lack of an efficient launcher for Izuna Drops, its low base attack power, and the limitations of its Bloodraven form—requiring stationary positioning for maximum damage—make it best suited for specific boss encounters in this form.
Mastering the finest weapons in Ninja Gaiden 4 is merely a stepping stone on the path to becoming a true master ninja.
