What to know

  • Ninja Gaiden 4 (2025) continues Ryu Hayabusa’s saga with a return to the traditional mission-based format.
  • The story is divided into 20 chapters, counting from Chapter 00 to Chapter 19.
  • Some players mention only 19 chapters, skipping the prologue (Chapter 00).
  • Each chapter offers unique enemies, environments, and boss encounters.

Ninja Gaiden 4 brings back the signature pacing of the series—tight combat encounters punctuated by cinematic storytelling.

Each chapter unfolds a new area or storyline arc, ranging from modern Tokyo streets to supernatural temples, keeping gameplay progression balanced between grounded and mythic action.

Full list of chapters in Ninja Gaiden 4

The game is structured into 20 chapters, starting with a short prologue and progressing through increasingly challenging zones.

Chapter #Chapter Name
Chapter 00Dark Descendant
Chapter 01Bloodsoaked Tokyo
Chapter 02Haunted District
Chapter 03Phantom Pleasure Quarter
Chapter 04Pilgrim’s Windswept Path
Chapter 05Raging Valley
Chapter 06Guiding Winds
Chapter 07Altar of the Mountain God
Chapter 08Drowned District
Chapter 09Realm of Silent Dead
Chapter 10Bounding Spirits
Chapter 11Infiltration
Chapter 12Dragon’s Maw
Chapter 13Clash of Convictions
Chapter 14Unholy Descent
Chapter 15Fanged Gate
Chapter 16Downpour
Chapter 17Howling Ravine
Chapter 18Darkness Reborn
Chapter 19Ebon Wings

Why some players mention 19 chapters

The discrepancy comes from whether or not the Prologue (Chapter 00) is counted. Some sources list this early segment as a tutorial or cinematic opening and start numbering from Chapter 01 instead. In gameplay terms, though, the prologue is fully playable and introduces key mechanics—so most players consider it part of the main campaign.

How to track your story progress

Since Ninja Gaiden 4’s missions are distinct in both environment and objective, it helps to track where you stand in the story:

#1 Check your chapter title

Pause the game to see your current chapter name at the bottom of the save or mission screen.

#2 Note your chapter number

If it starts at “Chapter 01,” your playthrough may be following the 19-chapter numbering. If you began at “Chapter 00,” you’re following the 20-chapter scheme.

#3 Mark boss completion

Each chapter ends with a boss fight or cinematic event. These moments naturally serve as progress milestones.

#4 Expect the final act around Chapter 18-19

The narrative climaxes in Chapter 18 (“Darkness Reborn”) and Chapter 19 (“Ebon Wings”), both heavily focused on Ryu’s final confrontation.

#5 Average length and pacing per chapter

On average, a complete playthrough takes 16–20 hours depending on skill level and optional exploration.

Ninja Gaiden 4’s structure gives players a clear sense of progression and pacing. Whether you count 19 or 20 chapters, the core experience remains the same—fast, fluid, and fiercely demanding. With each chapter introducing new challenges and visual themes, it keeps the adventure fresh right up to the final duel.