What to know
- The Izuna Drop is an iconic aerial grab in Ninja Gaiden 4, allowing you to slam enemies to the ground.
- The fastest method involves chaining light-heavy sword attacks followed by weapon switching.
- Canceling recovery frames after the drop lets you immediately continue attacking.
- Mastery of timing is crucial, as mistiming causes the move to whiff or delay.
The Izuna Drop remains a signature and highly effective move in Ninja Gaiden 4, following its legacy in earlier games. To perform the fastest Izuna Drop, you focus on a precise combination of attacks and quick weapon management to cancel the dropping animation and minimize vulnerability.
Izuna Drop: Quick overview
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Weapon upgrade level | Upgrade your main sword (or equivalent weapon) to the required tier. |
| Trigger move (launcher) | Perform a specific launcher to get the enemy into the air. |
| Correct input sequence | Use the right button combo + directional neutral as required. |
| Timing & stick / direction | Ensure you are not holding a directional stick input unless required, and input on the correct timing. |
How to perform the fastest Izuna Drop in Ninja Gaiden 4
Here is how you can do Izuna Drop in Ninja Gaiden 4 easily:
Step 1
Approach the enemy and initiate with a light sword attack immediately followed by a heavy sword attack. This sequence sets up the position and timing for the Izuna Drop.
Step 2
Quickly switch your weapon right after the heavy attack lands. This weapon switch serves to cancel the recovery animation that usually follows the drop.
Step 3
As you switch weapons, execute the Izuna Drop command to grab and slam the enemy. The move will connect faster due to the canceled recovery frames.
Step 4
Immediately after the enemy hits the ground, input a quick follow-up attack or combo to maintain pressure and exploit your speed advantage.
Tips for mastering the fastest Izuna Drop
- Practice timing the light and heavy sword attacks to smoothly transition into the weapon switch.
- Weapon switching canceling is key — without this, the drop feels slow and leaves you open to counterattack.
- Use this technique especially against weaker or clustered enemies to chain multiple drops efficiently.
- Be cautious using the Izuna Drop in crowded or dangerous spots as mistimed attempts can leave you vulnerable.
Controls for Izuna Drop
| Platform | Weapon | Input combo for Izuna Drop* |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 / PlayStation | Takeminakata | (Square + Triangle) → Square → Square → Square → Triangle |
| Xbox / Series X | Takeminakata | (X + Y) → X → X → X → Y |
| PS5 | Yatousen | (Square, Square, Triangle) → Square → Square → Triangle |
| Xbox | Yatousen | (X, X, Y) → X → X → Y |
| PS5 | Magatsuhi | (Square, Square, Square, Triangle) → Square → Square → Square → Triangle |
| Xbox | Magatsuhi | (X, X, X, Y) → X → X → X → Y |
| PS5 | Kage-Hiruko | (Square + Triangle) → Square → Square → Triangle |
| Xbox | Kage-Hiruko | (X + Y) → X → X → Y |
| PS5 | Dark Dragon Blade / Dragon Sword (Ryu) | (Square + Triangle) → Square → Square → Square → Triangle |
| Xbox | Dark Dragon Blade / Dragon Sword (Ryu) | (X + Y) → X → X → X → Y |
Note: The first part in parentheses is the launcher input (to send the enemy airborne), followed by the Izuna Drop combo.
You must first unlock the move via upgrade or purchase before these inputs will execute the Izuna Drop animation.
Upgrade/unlock requirements for Izuna Drop
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Purchase cost | Can be purchased early from the mentor character Tyran for 600 NinjaCoin. |
| Availability | Available for purchase early in the campaign, no late-chapter restriction. |
| Weapon compatibility | Works with all main melee weapons once unlocked. |
| Skill-tree connection | Listed as an early combat skill in the upgrade menu, recommended for early investment. |
Mastering the Izuna Drop in Ninja Gaiden 4
Once your weapon is upgraded and you’ve practiced the launcher plus correct button sequence with neutral stick input, you’ll unlock and be able to reliably pull off the Izuna Drop. With the move in your arsenal, you’ll add a flashy and effective takedown to your combat repertoire—practice it, and it will become a rewarding part of your fighting strategy.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Light sword attack + heavy sword attack | Set up the positioning/timing |
| 2 | Quick weapon switch | Cancel recovery frames |
| 3 | Execute Izuna Drop command | Fast grab and slam |
| 4 | Immediate follow-up attacks | Maintain offensive momentum |
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