The ninja’s blade returns sharper, faster, and more unforgiving than ever. Ninja Gaiden 4 marks a triumphant collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, redefining high-speed action combat for a new generation.
While most modern action titles lean toward slower, Soulslike pacing, Ninja Gaiden 4 proudly breaks the mold with pure, adrenaline-fueled precision combat. Enemies strike from every direction, punish hesitation, and demand technical mastery from the very start.
Whether you’re a newcomer struggling through early missions or a veteran chasing Master Ninja rank, this guide breaks down five essential combat tips that will help you dominate even the deadliest foes — and look incredible doing it.
🥷 1️⃣ Master the Obliteration Technique
If you learn only one system in Ninja Gaiden 4, make it this one. The Obliteration Technique is your lifeline in chaos — a brutal finisher that rewards precision and aggression.
⚔️ How It Works
When enemies lose limbs during combat, approach and press Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox) to execute an instant kill. It’s not just stylish — it’s survival.
💡 Why It’s Essential
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Grants invincibility frames, letting you safely reset your position mid-battle.
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Refills your Berserk Meter, fueling even more devastating attacks.
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Keeps combat momentum flowing, chaining offense into pure dominance.
Pro Tip: Use Obliteration mid-combo to regain control during crowd fights — it’s your best tool to break overwhelming enemy pressure.
🦅 2️⃣ Use the Bloodraven Form Strategically
Yakumo’s Bloodraven Form is Ninja Gaiden 4’s most transformative new mechanic — a high-risk, high-reward mode built for advanced players.
🔥 Core Functions
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Guard Breaking: Shatter enemy defenses that would normally block or counter your attacks.
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Interrupts: Stop incoming super moves with perfectly timed Bloodraven strikes.
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Power Boost: Deal enhanced damage during your transformation.
💡 Resource Management
The Bloodraven Meter drains quickly, so time your activation carefully. Build it through combat or Obliteration Techniques, and save it for boss fights or elite enemies.
Pro Tip: Combine Bloodraven Form with Flying Swallow attacks to shred enemy armor in seconds.
🛡️ 3️⃣ Perfect Your Defense and Parry Timing
Aggression is vital — but defense separates a good ninja from a great one. Ninja Gaiden 4’s layered defensive systems reward timing, positioning, and adaptability.
| Technique | Execution | When to Use | Advanced Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Block | Hold R2/RT | Standard melee or projectiles | Upgrade for better stamina |
| Perfect Block | Block just before impact | Maintains position under pressure | Breaks enemy stance |
| Dodge | Hold R2/RT + direction | Evade unblockables | Perfect Dodge improves counter angles |
| Parry | Attack as hit connects | Predictable duels | Unlock Fatal Flash upgrades later |
⚔️ Advanced Parry Mastery
Unlock Fatal Flash and Perfect Fatal Flash via Raven Mentor Tyrant to convert parries into cinematic counter-kills. Combine this with Bloodraven Mode for area-clearing executions that turn entire fights around.
🌀 4️⃣ Embrace Movement and Aggressive Positioning
Standing still equals death. Ninja Gaiden 4’s combat runs 50% faster than prior entries — speed and agility are your true weapons.
Key Movement Mechanics:
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Caddis Wire Grapple: Instantly reposition or chain attacks from midair.
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Wall-Running: Escape danger and set up aerial combos.
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Flying Swallow: Close gaps instantly and eliminate airborne threats.
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Rail-Grinding Sections: Combine traversal with deadly mid-air combat.
Pro Tip: Keep moving, use the environment creatively, and always control vertical space — being above enemies gives you massive tactical advantage.
💎 5️⃣ Manage Skills, Currency & Berserk Meter
Progression is more strategic this time — your skill choices directly shape your combat power.
🪙 Skill Economy
Early-game is brutal until you unlock essentials like:
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Flying Swallow
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Izuna Drop
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Essence Absorption
Prioritize mobility and defense upgrades first, then expand into flashy combo extensions later.
💀 Berserk Meter Management
Build your Berserk Meter by dealing and receiving damage. When full, unleash:
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Bloodbath Kill: Instant single-target kill
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Bloodbath Slaughter: Devastating area finisher
Pro Tip: Save your Berserk for boss arenas or large enemy waves — efficiency wins fights.
🎯 Conclusion: Walk the Path of the True Ninja
Ninja Gaiden 4’s combat is punishing, fast, and endlessly rewarding. Every mechanic — from Obliteration to Bloodraven Form — feeds into a combat rhythm that rewards fearless mastery.
Start small: perfect your parries, practice Obliteration timing, and gradually weave advanced techniques into your playstyle. With patience and precision, you’ll soon transcend survival — and earn the title of Master Ninja.
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