Do I Need to Play Ninja Gaiden 3 Before 4?

Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the long-awaited return of Team Ninja’s fast-paced action franchise, but with its release, many players are wondering whether they need to play Ninja Gaiden 3 first. While both titles share a connected timeline, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces enough new elements to stand on its own.

How Ninja Gaiden 3 connects to Ninja Gaiden 4

According to Team Ninja and Xbox’s official reveal, Ninja Gaiden 4 takes place after the events of Ninja Gaiden 3, continuing the overarching story of Ryu Hayabusa’s legacy. The sequel acknowledges past conflicts and references key moments from its predecessor. Players familiar with Ninja Gaiden 3 will recognize certain characters, weapons, and lore threads that carry over.

However, Ninja Gaiden 4 also introduces a new protagonist named Yakumo, shifting the narrative perspective. This approach lets returning fans appreciate the continuity while offering newcomers a clean entry point into the series.

Why you don’t need to play Ninja Gaiden 3 first

Despite the chronological link, Ninja Gaiden 4 is designed for newcomers. The developers have confirmed that the story is self-contained and that Yakumo’s journey introduces fresh motivations and conflicts.

In addition, many long-time fans point out that the Ninja Gaiden series has always been loosely connected, focusing more on gameplay mastery than strict story continuity. Each game tends to present its own standalone arc, meaning you can follow the action without deep knowledge of prior titles.

Reddit discussions echo this sentiment: “There isn’t much important continuity in these games. They are standalone stories pretty much.”

What you’ll miss by skipping Ninja Gaiden 3

Jumping straight into Ninja Gaiden 4 won’t leave you lost, but you might miss subtle nods to earlier events. For example, you may not fully appreciate Ryu Hayabusa’s backstory or the emotional context of certain dialogues. These moments add flavor but aren’t essential for understanding the new plot.

If you’re the type of player who values lore and character progression, playing Ninja Gaiden 3 can enhance your appreciation for the sequel’s tone and world-building.

How to decide which game to start with

Step 1:

Consider whether you care more about story continuity or gameplay quality. If narrative depth matters, start with Ninja Gaiden 3.

Step 2:

If you prefer a modern experience with refined combat and visuals, begin with Ninja Gaiden 4. It’s built for accessibility and doesn’t require prior knowledge.

Step 3:

Check your platform and version options. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge is the definitive edition and still available on most digital stores, offering the best prequel experience.

Ultimately, playing Ninja Gaiden 3 isn’t mandatory, but it helps. Ninja Gaiden 4 continues the franchise’s timeline while giving newcomers an easy entry point. You’ll gain extra context from the previous game, but the fourth entry’s fresh story, new protagonist, and refined gameplay make it perfectly enjoyable on its own.