Ninja Gaiden 4 Collectibles Guide: Find All Gourdys, Purgatory Trials & Health Upgrades

The rain-slicked streets of Tokyo hide more than just demons and danger in Ninja Gaiden 4—they conceal a treasure trove of collectibles that separate casual players from true completionists. For those seeking to master every aspect of Team Ninja's triumphant return, hunting down Gourdys, Purgatory Trials, and health upgrades isn't just optional—it's essential for unlocking the game's deepest secrets and most powerful upgrades.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every collectible location and strategy to achieve full mastery. Whether you're hunting for your last elusive Gourdy or grinding through the brutal Purgatory Trials, here’s everything you need to claim every trophy and unlock the true ending.


Collectible Overview: What You’re Hunting For

Before diving into exact locations, it’s key to understand the four main collectible types that make up your 100% completion path:

  • Gourdys (15 Total): Cute yet tricky to catch, these creatures come in regular and Blue variants. Regular ones trigger QTEs, while Blue Gourdys require stealth captures. Finding all unlocks the “Critter Collector” trophy.

  • Purgatory Trials (18 Total): Accessed through glowing torii gates, these skill challenges reward NinjaCoin and Weapon EXP. Complete all for the “Annihilator” and “Challenger of Challenges” trophies.

  • Health Upgrades (10 Total): Earned by pairing Black Scales and Phantasmal Herbs, granting the “Ninja Fortitude” trophy once complete.

  • Missions (20+ Total): Accepted from DarkNest Terminals, these range from assassinations to item retrievals, unlocking “Ninja Business” and “Work Horse.”


Ninja Gaiden 4 Collectibles Guide
Essential Tips for Efficient Collectible Hunting

  1. Use Chapter Select: Nothing is permanently missable. Replay chapters freely to clean up collectibles.

  2. Lower the Difficulty: Easier settings make Trial and boss encounters faster without affecting rewards.

  3. Stay Mission-Ready: Complete available missions immediately—some unlock sequentially.

  4. Perfect Your Gourdy Technique: Use Caddis Wire positioning and stealth drops for Blue Gourdys.


Chapter-by-Chapter Collectible Highlights

Chapter 1: Bloodsoaked Tokyo

  • Purgatory Trial #1: Near the first Caddis Wire segment, climb left past the billboard to find the blue gate.

  • Gourdy #1: Left of the first Caddis Wire gap, beside storage crates.

  • Mission #1–2: Officers and Data Chip located in mechanical doll and helipad zones.

  • Accessory – Cobalt Ring: After drone encounter, head right for a defense boost item.

Chapter 2: Haunted District

  • Trial #2: Hidden above the blue container route near the monorail.

  • Gourdy #2: Perched atop stacked containers.

  • Health Upgrade (Black Scale): Chest beside new monorail track.

  • Mission #3: Bodyguards on secondary rail section.

Chapter 3: Phantom Pleasure Quarter

  • Trial #3: Found via detour alley after the first shaft climb.

  • Gourdy #3: In trash room below wall-run section.

  • Health Upgrade (Phantasmal Herb): Atop narrow stairs near Burabura lantern daemon.

  • Missions #4–6: Sequential side objectives around daemon fight zones.

Chapter 4: Pilgrim’s Windswept Path

  • Trial #4: Hidden along right-side canyon route.

  • Gourdy #4 (Blue): Near Dragonfly Glider area—approach from above for stealth capture.

  • Health Upgrade (Black Scale): Chest near tengu statue.

  • Missions #7–8: Shrine and freight train zones hold secret supplies.


Advanced Collection Strategies

  • Optimize Purgatory Wagers: Start with 25% health bets to learn patterns; ramp up later for bigger rewards.

  • Keep a Mission Log: Some overlap across chapters—track completion manually.

  • Prioritize Health Upgrades: They provide immediate survivability boosts.


Trophy & Achievement Roadmap

  • Critter Collector: All 15 Gourdys

  • Annihilator: All Trials completed

  • Ninja Fortitude: Max vitality

  • Ninja Business & Work Horse: All missions cleared

  • Way of the Master Ninja: 100% story + collectibles


Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Blue Gourdys Missing: Reload the chapter if they vanish after detection.

  • Locked Trials: Some need mobility tools unlocked later.

  • Bugged Missions: Ensure completion is registered at a DarkNest Terminal.


Conclusion: From Collector to Master Ninja

Reaching 100% completion in Ninja Gaiden 4 isn’t just about finding hidden items—it’s about proving mastery. Every Gourdy captured, Trial conquered, and mission cleared refines your skill and deepens your bond with Ryu Hayabusa’s brutal yet beautiful world.

Now that you know every trick in the book, step back into Tokyo’s neon-lit chaos, trust your instincts, and rise as the ultimate Master Ninja.            


Community & Resources Links:

Comments