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.
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.
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.
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