Takeminakata Twin Blades in Ninja Gaiden 4: How to Use and Unlock it

What to know

• Yakumo begins with Takeminakata, his signature twin-blade weapon.​
• It can shift between fast twin katanas and a long-range tachi form in Bloodraven mode.​
• Master key combos like Rising Spin, Vaulting Sweep, and Izzuna Drop for efficient crowd control.​​
• Timing charge-release moves and managing the Berserk gauge are vital for perfecting its use.​​

Takeminakata is designed for players who thrive on rhythm, precision, and pattern mastery. Learning its stance mechanics will make you deadly both in standard and Bloodraven forms.

The role of the Takeminakata in Ninja Gaiden 4

The Takeminakata serves as your foundation weapon in Ninja Gaiden 4. They offer a steady balance between attack speed, range, and control. Perfecting them means learning spacing, dodging precisely, and chaining combos seamlessly. These swords don’t rely on gimmicks—they reward skillful play and situational awareness.

Their Bloodraven transformation temporarily fuses the blades into a longer sword with increased reach, letting you dominate mid-range combat. Use it strategically to punish aggressive or shielded enemies.

Core techniques to master Takeminakata

Here are two techniques you must master to use Takeminakata to the fullest in Ninja Gaiden 4:

Takeminakata Heel Strike

• Purpose: Delivers a downward, guard-breaking slash that opens enemies for combos.
• Use: Trigger when facing a defensive or armored foe. Follow immediately with a light-attack combo for maximum damage.
• Upgrade Tip: Focus on increasing its recovery speed and sweep range—these small upgrades make a big difference.
• Combat Note: Don’t spam Heel Strike; use it as a setup move to open defensive targets or interrupt charging foes.

Takeminakata Spiral Shadow

• Purpose: Executes a spinning slash that hits all around, ideal for crowd control.
• Use: When surrounded, activate Spiral Shadow to clear enemies and reset spacing.
• Upgrade Tip: Invest in hit-radius and recovery improvements. This lets you transition quickly into dodges or follow-ups.
• Combat Note: Time it carefully—it’s strong but leaves a brief vulnerability window if used recklessly.

How to perfect your Takeminakata flow

#1 - Early game – learn and upgrade

Master spacing, dodge timing, and combo rhythm. Unlock and prioritise Heel Strike first, followed by Spiral Shadow. Regularly upgrade weapon speed and meter gain.

#2 - Mid-game – build synergy

Use Heel Strike to handle single tough enemies and Spiral Shadow to survive crowd fights. Manage your Bloodraven transformation meter—activate it when you need extra reach.

#3 - Late game – mastery phase

Fully upgrade both signature techniques and transformation. Focus on fluid combo transitions and situational adaptability—knowing when to transform, break guard, or clear space separates mastery from mediocrity.

Recommended combat flow for Takeminakata

Caveats

• Overusing special attacks and leaving yourself open.
• Delaying upgrades for Heel Strike or Spiral Shadow.
• Activating transformation without planning or positioning.
• Ignoring spacing and combo rhythm—core strengths of Takeminakata combat.

Mastering the Takeminakata

The Takeminakata aren’t just beginner weapons—they’re precision tools that reward mastery. Perfecting Heel Strike and Spiral Shadow, managing transformation, and keeping your upgrades consistent turns these twin blades into one of the most dependable weapons in Ninja Gaiden 4. Whether facing swarms or single bosses, the Takeminakata prove that balance and timing always win.