Yatousen Rapier/Lance in Ninja Gaiden 4: How to Unlock and Use it

What to know

• You unlock the weapon by completing Chapter 3: Phantom Pleasure Quarter.
• In its base form it acts as a rapier for swift, one-on-one combat.
• When you activate Bloodraven form, it transforms into a lance for heavy, armor-piercing attacks.
• The Yatousen excels in single-target damage but struggles against large groups.

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The Yatousen Rapier/Lance is one of the most versatile and elegant weapons in Ninja Gaiden 4. You obtain it after completing Chapter 3, marking a shift from wide-arc slashes to sharp, focused strikes. It’s a weapon for players who prefer precision and timing over brute strength. This guide covers how to unlock the Yatousen, how to use both its forms effectively, and why it’s one of the best boss-killing tools in the game.

Yatousen in Ninja Gaiden 4 overview

Attribute	Details
Weapon Name	Yatousen (Rapier / Lance)
Unlock Condition	Complete Chapter 3: Phantom Pleasure Quarter
Base Form Type	Rapier – fast, precise, ideal for single-target duels
Alternate Form	Bloodraven Lance – heavy, drilling, armor-piercing
Combat Role	Focused damage against elite enemies or bosses
Weakness	Ineffective against groups of smaller enemies
Skill Synergy	Works best with evasion, countering, and charge-pierce techniques
Recommended Stats	High agility and stamina for quick repositioning
Unlock Reward	Permanent weapon unlock with upgrade potential

How to unlock the Yatousen

Here is how you can unlock Yatousen in Ninja Gaiden 4:

Step #1

Progress through the story until you reach Chapter 3: Phantom Pleasure Quarter. You’ll face a variety of human and yokai enemies in narrow corridors and stage arenas.

Step #2

At the end of this chapter, defeat the Kitsune Courtesan, the guardian of the first major seal. She relies on speed and illusion attacks, so precision weapons like the Dragon Sword work well here.

Step #3

After the post-fight cutscene, the seal will shatter, and Yakumo automatically acquires the Yatousen. It appears in your weapon inventory and can be equipped immediately for future chapters.

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How to use the Yatousen effectively

Mastering the Rapier form

The Rapier form is all about agility, parries, and pinpoint hits. It excels at punishing isolated enemies and striking after dodges.

• Focus on quick thrust combos and perfect counters.
• Use dash attacks to maintain pressure while keeping distance.
• Employ precision pokes between enemy recovery frames.
• Keep moving — standing still reduces your survivability drastically.

Using the Lance (Bloodraven form)

Activating Bloodraven form transforms the Yatousen into a powerful lance, giving you access to piercing drill attacks and devastating finishers.

• Use this form against armored or large enemies.
• Charge your attack to break through guards or shields.
• Combine with Izuna Drop setups for high-impact combos.
• Be mindful of slower recovery; time your hits strategically.

Yatousen skills and controls

Skill Name	Description	Form	Control Input (Default)	Notes
Precision Thrust	A lightning-fast stab that interrupts light attacks.	Rapier	Light Attack (X)	Ideal for quick counter openings.
Counter Riposte	Execute a perfect counter thrust after a parry or dodge.	Rapier	Block/Dodge + Light Attack	High critical chance when timed well.
Piercing Bloom	Rapid three-hit combo ending in a spinning strike.	Rapier	Light ×3 + Heavy	Fast recovery and combo extender.
Rapid Retreat Slash	Step back and counter with a thrusting slice.	Rapier	Back + Light Attack	Creates distance during defense.
Drill Charge	A charged, forward drill lunge that pierces armor.	Lance	Hold Heavy (Y)	Charge longer for more hits.
Crimson Drill	Multi-hit rotating strike that damages multiple enemies in a line.	Lance	Heavy ×2 + Forward	Excellent against bosses with shields.
Raven Crush	Slam finisher that ends Bloodraven mode with an AOE burst.	Lance	Heavy + Ultimate Gauge	Wide area knockback.
Bloodraven Awakening	Temporarily increases attack power and drill speed.	Lance	Activate Gauge (L3 + R3)	Lasts ~15 seconds, drains meter.
Aerial Spiral	Jump combo that ends in a downward pierce.	Both	Jump + Light + Heavy	Great for airborne follow-ups.
Ultimate Finisher	Finishing cinematic thrust or drill strike.	Both	Ultimate Gauge Full (L3 + R3)	Signature move of Yatousen.

Yatousen Combat tips

• Switch forms mid-fight depending on enemy type and environment.
• Use the rapier form to build Bloodraven energy quickly, then shift to lance form for finishers.
• Upgrade the Yatousen skill tree to unlock “Crimson Flow,” a move that pierces through multiple hitboxes.
• Ideal for boss battles, particularly when precision matters more than crowd control.

Yatousen stats and performance

Stat Type	Rapier Form Value	Lance Form Value	Description
Attack Speed	Very High	Moderate	Determines hit frequency
Damage Output	Medium	High	Lance delivers heavier single-target damage
Range	Medium-High	Long	Lance extends reach significantly
Stamina Cost	Low	High	Bloodraven drains stamina faster
Crowd Control	Low	Medium	Lance pierces multiple enemies in a line
Best Use Case	Elite duels	Boss encounters	Switch depending on enemy type

The Yatousen Rapier/Lance in Ninja Gaiden 4 is a precision weapon built for players who rely on speed, accuracy, and counterplay. Once unlocked in Chapter 3, it becomes a core part of your arsenal for tackling bosses and armored enemies. Whether you prefer the finesse of the rapier or the raw force of the lance, mastering both forms gives you a powerful edge throughout the story.