What to know
- Yakumo, a young ninja from the Raven Clan, is the main protagonist and playable throughout most of the game.
- Ryu Hayabusa returns as a playable character from Chapter 14 to Chapter 18 in Story Mode.
- Yakumo uses the Bloodraven Form, manipulating blood to create weapons, while Ryu retains his classic moveset.
- After completing the game, Ryu becomes available in Challenge Modes, Training Mode, and New Game Plus.
Ninja Gaiden 4, released on October 21, 2025, marks a bold evolution for the franchise by introducing a new lead while honoring its legacy. Developed by Team Ninja in collaboration with PlatinumGames, the game shifts focus to Yakumo, a young and determined ninja from the Raven Clan, while still giving fans the chance to wield the legendary Ryu Hayabusa. Set in a rain-soaked, cyberpunk-inspired Tokyo, the game blends high-octane combat with a deeper narrative, exploring themes of adversity and legacy.
Known playable characters in Ninja Gaiden 4
| Character | Role in game | Status of playability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakumo | Main protagonist, new ninja from Raven clan | Confirmed playable lead | New moveset, central narrative focus |
| Ryu Hayabusa | Series veteran, returning ninja | Confirmed playable | Secondary/alternate role |
| Others (Momiji, Kasumi etc.) | Fan-favourites from past entries | Not officially confirmed | Subject to speculation |
How to expect character switching or unlocks
While concrete details remain light, based on past games in the franchise and the early preview commentary, you should prepare for the following possibilities:
- Play through the main story as Yakumo, since he is the lead character.
- Unlock Ryu Hayabusa’s playable segments — these might become available after certain story milestones or as separate modes.
- Look for chapter-select or replay modes that might allow choosing Ryu (or other characters if later announced).
- Watch for post-launch updates or DLC as many action games now add characters later, so additional playable ninjas could be introduced after launch.
- Keep an eye on official announcements from the developers or publisher for full roster confirmation.
Playable Character Comparison: Yakumo vs. Ryu Hayabusa
| Feature | Yakumo | Ryu Hayabusa |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Main protagonist — new central character introduced for the Blood Reign storyline. | Returning playable character, featured in key flashback and crossover missions. |
| Clan | Raven Clan, a hidden sect specializing in blood magic and stealth warfare. | Hayabusa Clan, the legendary lineage of dragon-blooded ninjas. |
| Combat Style | Bloodraven Form — utilizes blood-infused weapons, sigils, and ranged detonations that scale with combo streaks. | Classic Ninja Techniques — focuses on precise melee attacks using the Dragon Sword, shuriken, and ninjutsu arts. |
| Playable Duration | Chapters 1 – 13 and Chapter 19 (post-ascension arc). | Chapters 14 – 18 (flashback sequence and legacy missions). |
| Post-Game Availability | Default — playable immediately after credits with full progression retained. | Unlockable — available after completing the main campaign or meeting legacy criteria. |
| Signature Moves | Blood Blades, Crimson Burst, and Raven’s Abyss (area-of-effect explosions). | Flying Swallow, Izuna Drop, Wall Cling, and enhanced Ninpo arts. |
Antagonists and supporting characters
While Yakumo and Ryu are the only confirmed playable characters, the game features several key figures. The Mechanical Samurai, a futuristic warrior, serves as a major antagonist tasked with protecting the Dark Dragon Seal. The Divine Dragon Order acts as a central antagonistic faction, blending robotic and demonic enemies in a cyberpunk aesthetic.
Seori, the Dragon Priestess, plays a crucial role in guiding Yakumo’s journey. Her alliance with him drives the narrative forward and creates tension with Ryu, who seeks to prevent the Dark Dragon’s revival. Though not playable, her presence is felt throughout the story, adding emotional depth to the conflict.
What this means for you as a player
You’ll get a mix of familiar and new: the feel of the classic series play (via Ryu) and fresh perspective and mechanics (via Yakumo). The smaller confirmed roster so far makes the focus tighter rather than sprawling, which may benefit the design coherence. On the flip side, if you hoped to switch between half-a-dozen beloved characters from the franchise right away, you may have to wait or adjust expectations.
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