What to know
- Ryu only has one weapon in Ninja Gaiden 4: the True Dragon Sword.
- The True Dragon Sword is available starting in Chapter 14: Unholy Descent.
- Ryu’s weapon features Gleam, a unique mode that enhances combos and transforms attacks.
- Other weapons in the game belong to Yakumo, the main protagonist before Ryu’s chapters.
Ninja Gaiden 4 changes the weapon dynamics compared to previous titles by focusing Ryu Hayabusa on mastering a single weapon rather than multiple weapons. When you start playing as Ryu in Chapter 14, you get the True Dragon Sword, his signature blade known from earlier installments in the series.
Ryu's weapons in Ninja Gaiden 4 overview
| Weapon Name | How to Obtain | Primary Role | Special Mechanic | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Dragon Sword | Automatically in Chapter 14 | Master swordplay and combos | Gleam mode enhances attacks and combos | Only weapon Ryu uses; no Bloodraven mechanic |
How to use Ryu’s True Dragon Sword effectively
Step 1
Enter Gleam mode by activating Ryu’s special meter for multi-hit, rapid slashes that increase combat speed and flow.
Step 2
Balance the use of melee combos with the four available long-range Ninpo attacks, remembering both consume the same Gleam meter.
Step 3
Focus on upgrading the True Dragon Sword’s skill tree using Weapon EXP earned from defeating enemies to unlock new moves and combos.
Step 4
Use accessories like the Cultivation Omamori after completing the game to speed up the upgrade process by converting in-game currency into Weapon EXP.
True Dragon Sword skills and controls
| Move Name | Xbox Controller Input | PC Keyboard Input | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Slash | X, X, X | J, J, J | Basic 3-hit combo |
| Dragon Tear (Lvl 4) | X, X, X, Y | J, J, J, K | Strong combo finishing with a heavy strike |
| Tiger Roar | X, X, Y | J, J, K | Aggressive 3-hit combo |
| Fang of the Wolf (Lvl 2) | X, X, Y, Y | J, J, K, K | Extended combo with extra hits |
| Blade of the Dragon's Tail (Lvl 3) | X, X, Y, Y, Y | J, J, K, K, K | Multi-hit combo ending in a spinning slash |
| Fiend's Bane Kick | X, X, Right, X, X | J, J, Right Arrow, J, J | Kick move with directional input |
| Early Winter Rain | X, X, Right, X, Y | J, J, Right Arrow, J, K | Mixed strike combo with kick |
| Blade of Nirrti (Lvl 2) | X, Y, X, X, X, X | J, K, J, J, J, J | Advanced melee combo |
| Izuna Drop (Throw/Scroll) | X, Y, X, X, X, Y | J, K, J, J, J, K | Grab throw with lethal finishing move |
| Windmill Slash | Right, X | Right Arrow, J | Spinning attack |
| Blade of the Undefeatable | Y | K | Strong single slash |
| Haze Straight Slash | Hold Y | Hold K | Charge slash |
| Extinction Straight Slash (Ultimate) | Hold Y | Hold K | Ultimate charged slash |
| Azure Dragon | Right, Y | Right Arrow, K | Directional special slash |
| Scarlet Dragon | Right, Hold Y | Right Arrow, Hold K | Charged directional slash |
| Violent Wind | While Running, X | While Running, J | Running slash attack |
| Thunderclap Kick | While Running, Y | While Running, K | Running kick |
| Flying Crane (Lvl 2) | Circle, Y | Circle (Rotate Left Stick) + K | Aerial strike |
| Gleaming Blade (Lvl 3) | Circle, Hold Y | Circle + Hold K | Enhanced sword strike with Gleam |
| Roaring Gleam (Lvl 3) (Ultimate) | Circle, Hold Y with essence 3 (meter) | Circle + Hold K (with meter) | Powerful Gleam strike with essence |
| True Dragon Gleam (Lvl 4) (Ultimate) | Circle, Hold Y with max essence 4 | Circle + Hold K (max meter) | Most powerful Gleam form strike |
Ryu’s True Dragon Sword and Gleam mechanic
The True Dragon Sword in Ninja Gaiden 4 has a fast and precise combo style. Instead of the traditional Bloodraven form seen with other characters, Ryu's sword has a unique "Gleam" mode. Activating Gleam turns Ryu's attacks into rapid multi-hit slashes with increased speed and range, allowing dynamic aerial combos that enhance his classic moves like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow.
The Gleam mode consumes a shared meter used for long-range magic-style Ninpo attacks that Ryu can also perform. This forces you to balance between melee combat and magical ranged attacks, adding depth to the combat system.
Upgrading and using the True Dragon Sword
You cannot switch weapons for Ryu—his playstyle revolves entirely around perfecting and upgrading the True Dragon Sword. Weapon EXP is earned by defeating enemies and is used to unlock new moves and combos through a dedicated skill tree. To efficiently upgrade, consider using accessories like the Enlightenment Omamori in the post-game to convert currency into weapon experience, helping you maximize Ryu’s combat potential through grinding enemy-heavy sections.
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