What to know
- You unlock the Kage-Hiruko by completing Chapter 10: “Bounding Spirits.”
- It begins as Assassin’s Tools, offering both melee and ranged versatility.
- In Bloodraven Form, it becomes Mechanical Arms, extending reach and power.
- Ideal for handling both grounded and flying enemies thanks to hybrid combat flexibility.
In Ninja Gaiden 4, the Kage-Hiruko stands out as one of the most versatile and dynamic weapons available to Yakumo. Initially appearing as a bag of traditional assassin’s tools, it evolves into a devastating set of mechanical arms when you enter Bloodraven Form. This weapon rewards players who master switching between forms and adapting their combat style to different enemies.
How to unlock the Kage-Hiruko in Ninja Gaiden 4
Step 1 – Reach Chapter 10
Progress through the main campaign until you reach Chapter 10: “Bounding Spirits.” The Kage-Hiruko becomes available after completing this chapter’s key mission objectives.
Step 2 – Complete the chapter
Once Chapter 10 concludes, the Kage-Hiruko automatically unlocks and is added to your weapon inventory.
Step 3 – Equip the weapon
Open your weapon menu and equip the Kage-Hiruko to Yakumo. You can switch between its base and Bloodraven forms during combat depending on the situation.
Step 4 – Upgrade for maximum potential
Use the in-game weapon-leveling system to enhance its range, projectile strength, and combo fluidity. The more you use the weapon, the faster it gains mastery and additional combo options.
Forms of Kage-Hiruko
| Form | Description | Strengths | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Tools (Base Form) | A versatile kit of ranged and melee weapons including shuriken, bombs, and claws. | Balanced offense, good for quick combos. | Ideal for mid-range combat and controlling space. |
| Mechanical Arms (Bloodraven Form) | An advanced transformation that manifests mechanical limbs. | High damage, extended reach, multi-target hits. | Best for large enemies, bosses, and flying foes. |
How to use Kage-Hiruko properly
Using Assassin’s Tools form
This base form excels in adaptability. You can throw shuriken to disrupt enemies, follow up with melee strikes using claws or tonfa, and detonate bombs for area control. It’s best used when you need speed and tactical flexibility rather than raw power.
Using Mechanical Arms form
The Bloodraven Form unlocks the weapon’s full destructive potential. The mechanical arms provide superior reach and power, making it ideal for high-HP enemies and groups. Combos flow more fluidly and can hit multiple targets at once, allowing you to maintain momentum in intense fights.
Combat strategy tips
- Use Assassin’s Tools to weaken enemies from a distance.
- Activate Mechanical Arms to finish enemies with devastating combos.
- For flying enemies, chain ranged attacks from Assassin’s Tools into extended-reach slams from the Mechanical Arms.
- Experiment with switching forms mid-combo — timing this transition boosts overall damage and crowd control.
- Focus early upgrades on speed and combo recovery, as these make both forms smoother to handle.
Comparing Kage-Hiruko with other key weapons
| Weapon | Unlock Chapter | Strength (Base) | Strength (Bloodraven) | Ideal Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takeminakata | Start | Fast dual blades | Long-reach tachi | Balanced all-round combat |
| Yatousen | Chapter 3 | Precise rapier | Drill for elite foes | Bosses and armored enemies |
| Magatsuhi | Chapter 7 | Quick staff | Heavy hammer | Crowd control |
| Kage-Hiruko | Chapter 10 | Versatile melee + ranged | Mechanical reach and power | Flying enemies and mixed combat |
Why Kage-Hiruko is worth mastering
The Kage-Hiruko is more than a weapon—it’s a complete combat toolkit. Its ability to switch from fast, agile assassin tools to heavy, mechanical strikes makes it indispensable for players who value versatility. Whether you’re facing nimble ninjas or towering beasts, mastering both forms will ensure you stay one step ahead in every battle.
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