After more than a decade in the shadows, Ninja Gaiden is slicing its way back into the spotlight. Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden 4 launches October 21, marking the franchise’s long-awaited return to modern consoles and PC. The series, once known for its punishing combat and fluid action, is set to blend its trademark intensity with updated visuals, new mechanics, and a fresh storyline designed for both returning fans and newcomers.
Set in a near-future Tokyo overtaken by an ancient curse, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja prodigy forced into battle against cyber-enhanced soldiers and demonic creatures. His journey intertwines with that of Ryu Hayabusa, the legendary hero of the original trilogy, ensuring the series’ legacy remains tightly woven into this new chapter. Alongside Yakumo and Ryu are several new allies and rivals: Kagachi, commander of the Divine Dragon Order; Misaki, the strategic mind of the Raven Clan; Seori, a priestess with deep ties to the curse; Tyran, a martial arts master; and Umi, the group’s communications expert.
Combat has always been the soul of Ninja Gaiden, and the fourth entry continues that tradition with evolved, high-speed hack-and-slash gameplay. Yakumo’s “Bloodraven Form” and Ryu’s “Gleam State” add new layers to combat, allowing players to unleash devastating attacks once certain conditions are met. Team Ninja has emphasized flexibility, offering an expanded arsenal of melee and ranged weapons so players can shape their fighting style — whether that means methodical precision or chaotic aggression.
For PC players, the studio has shared both minimum and recommended specs. Expect the game to demand at least a GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 590, with 16 GB of RAM and 100 GB of free space. Those looking for smoother performance should aim for an RTX 2060 Super or RX 5700XT paired with a Ryzen 5 3600 or i5-10400. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal load times.
Ninja Gaiden 4 launches in two editions: the Standard, which includes the base game, and the Deluxe, which bundles additional DLC, cosmetic skins, extra weapons, and in-game currency. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and the Microsoft Store. Depending on the region, digital preloads may unlock as early as October 20.
The series’ return signals more than just another sequel — it’s a chance for Team Ninja to reintroduce one of gaming’s most iconic action franchises to a new generation. For veterans who memorized every combo back in 2012, and newcomers eager to see what all the fuss was about, Ninja Gaiden 4 looks set to deliver that familiar rush of fast, brutal precision that made the name legendary.
