What to know
- Ryu Hayabusa is confirmed as a playable character in Ninja Gaiden 4.
- The lead character is a new ninja named Yakumo of the Raven clan.
- Ryu has fewer weapons and less screen time compared to Yakumo.
- The game releases on October 21, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll take control of the series’ legendary hero Ryu Hayabusa in Ninja Gaiden 4 — the answer is yes. However, this time the spotlight shifts to a new face, Yakumo, while Ryu plays a supporting but still playable role. Here’s everything you need to know about how Ryu fits into the story and gameplay.
Ryu Hayabusa’s role in Ninja Gaiden 4
Ryu Hayabusa has been the face of the Ninja Gaiden series since its beginning. A master ninja of the Hayabusa clan, he’s known for the Dragon Sword and lightning-fast combat.
| Feature | Ryu Hayabusa in Ninja Gaiden 4 |
|---|---|
| Playable? | Yes |
| Main protagonist? | No — Yakumo takes the lead |
| Playtime length | Shorter than Yakumo’s |
| Weapons & customization | Limited — mostly one core weapon |
| Narrative role | Mentor and secondary protagonist |
| Gameplay style | Classic, fast-paced Ninja Gaiden feel |
| Ideal for fans of Ryu? | Yes, but expect a supporting role |
His status this time
In Ninja Gaiden 4, Ryu returns as a playable character, but he’s no longer the main protagonist. The new ninja, Yakumo of the Raven clan, leads most of the game’s narrative and gameplay. Developers confirmed that both Ryu and Yakumo are playable, though Yakumo has more screen time and character progression.
How much you’ll play as Ryu
- You’ll control Ryu in select chapters and specific missions.
- He has less total playtime than the main character.
- Ryu is limited to fewer weapons, reportedly only one core weapon early in the story.
- Some missions allow you to replay as Ryu after completing them as Yakumo.
When you’ll play as Ryu
Expect to switch to Ryu during certain story moments or optional post-game missions. His sections are designed to feel nostalgic — echoing the combat speed and precision of classic Ninja Gaiden titles.
How his style compares
Ryu’s moveset includes his signature combos and techniques but feels slightly refined for the new engine. His style is tighter and faster, with more emphasis on counterattacks and aerial chains. However, customization and weapon variety are limited compared to Yakumo’s broader toolset.
How the narrative treats Ryu
While Yakumo leads the story, Ryu remains vital to the Ninja Gaiden universe. The plot positions him as a mentor and key ally whose past actions shape the new protagonist’s journey. Developers explained that Ryu had reached the peak of his arc, so introducing a new ninja allows fresh themes and rivalries.
In the story, Ryu appears in major cutscenes and joins battles at key turning points, offering brief but memorable gameplay sections.
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