The Combat in Ninja Gaiden 4 is fast paced based on offense and quick reactions. By inflicting damage, players fill gauges that allow them to unleash more powerful attacks.
Bloodbind Ninjutsu: Base Form[]
Light Attack: Square
Heavy Attack: Triangle
Throw Shurikens: Circle
Through mastery of Bloodbind Ninjutsu, Yakumo can control he very essence of his weapon at will. In this form, Yakumo can perform a light and heavy attacks, and throw shurikens.
Blocking & Dodging[]
Block: R2
Dodge: R2 + L (at any direction)
Press R2 to block enemy attacks. You guard will break after blocking a series of attacks, leaving you momentarily defenseless.
While Holding R2, move the L-stick to any direction to dodge in the specified direction.
A Perfect Dodge is triggered by dodging an enemy's attack the instant before it lands, allowing you to avoid all attacks in an invincible state until the dodge is completed. During a Perfect Dodge, use L Upwards to perform a quick slide and position yourself directly behind the enemy.
Knockback Recovery[]
After being knocked back by an enemy, press R2 or X to quickly regain your balance, minimizing your vulnerability and allowing you to get back into the action.
Dismemberment & Obliteration[]
You have a chance to dismember an enemy whenever you attack one. A dismembered enemy will be weakened, but can perform a powerful counterattack in desperation.
Press Triangle against a dismembered enemy to trigger an Obliteration, instantly executing the enemy.
Ultimate Technique[]
While in Base Form, execute the Ultimate Technique by holding Triangle then releasing once sufficiently charged. Upon executing the technique, you will dash towards a nearby enemy, inflicting heavy damage and becoming invincible for a short period. While charging the Ultimate Technique, you will not flinch until you receive a certain amount of damage.
Wall Clinging & Running[]
While facing a wall, press X to leap and cling to it for a short period of time. While clinging to a wall, execute the Shadowless Footsteps technique by pressing L-Forward to climb up.
You can also utilize the Shadowless Footsteps technique using L in any direction to run horizontally along the wall. During a wall run, press X to leap off or to another nearby wall.
Flying Bird Flip[]
While clinging to a wall, press X repeatedly to execute the Flying Bird Flip technique, kicking yourself up the walls to reach great heights.
Assassination[]
Assassination: Triangle
You can approach an unsuspecting enemy from behind and press Triangle to assassinate them. You can also do Dive Assassination while you are high above the unsuspecting enemy.
Bloodbind Ninjutsu: Bloodraven Form[]
L2: Enter Bloodraven Form
L2 + Square: BLoodraven Form Light Attack
L2 + Triangle: BLoodraven Form Heavy Attack
Pressing L2 will cause Yakumo and his weapon to transform through the art of Bloodbind Ninjutsu. This empowered state is called Bloodrave Form and allows for devastating attacks that consume the Bloodbind Gauge with use.
Most enemies cannot block Bloodraven Form attacks. If you hit an enemy with a Bloodrave Form attack while it is blocking or performing a defensive action, you will stagger the enemy, leaving it defenseless for a short period.
Bloodbind Gauge is filled through the following: 1. Lapse of Time, 2.Hitting an enemy wih a Base Form attack. and 3. Using Obliteration on an enemy. Executing dismembered enemies using Obliteration will fill your Bloodbind Gauge significantly.
Takeminakata[]
Takeminakata are cursed blades that have been passed down through the Raven Clan bloodline. They take the shape of twin katanas in their Base Form, and a singular tachi blade in Bloodraven Form.
In Bloodraven Form, press and hold Square or Triangle to extend your blade and perform a Charge Attack with increased range.
Enemy Power Attacks[]
During combat enemies will often use Power Attacks. They are telegraphed by a red aura. Hile glowing red, an enemy will not flinch and cannot be interrupted by Base Form attacks.
Blocking Power Attack while in Base Form will cause your guard to break, leaving you vulnerable. While in Bloodraven Form, you can block enemy Power Attacks at the cost of Bloodbind Gauge.
A Bloodraven Form attack executed against an enemy's Power Attack will stagger the enemy, dealing heavy damage and leaving it defenseless fora short period. The closer the enemy was to unsealing its Power Attack, the longer it will stay vulnerable.
Blood Essence[]
Blood Essence orbs have a chance to appear whenever an enemy is defeated, and restore your health when collected. Large Blood Essence orbs restore more health than standard Blood Essence orbs, but have a smaller chance to spawn.
Berserk State[]
During combat, dealing an taking damage will cause your Berserk Gauge to fill, but it will begin to decrease over time. When the Berserk Gauge is full, press L3 and R3 to enter the Berserk state. The Berserk Gauge is filled by hitting an enemy with an attack, receiving an attack from an enemy or executing an enemy with Obliteration.
Bloodbath Kill[]
Performing certain actions in Bloodraven Form while in Berserk state will trigger a Bloodbath Kill, instantly slaughtering the enemy. Some enemies that cannot be instantly killed will instead be staggered.
While wielding Takeminakata, hit an enemy with a Charge Attack by holding R2 + Square or Triangle to trigger a Bloodbath Kill while in the Berserk state.
Bloodbath Slaughter[]
Press L3 and R3 while in the Berserk state to execute the Bloodbath Slaughter finisher, instantly killing all enemies within range of the attack. Executing a Bloodbath Slaughter will immediately end he Berserk state. Bosses cannot be killed by this, however they will take significant damage.
Raven Gear: Caddis Wire[]
When you are near a hook point, press R1 to latch on and swing across with the Caddis Wire, allowing you to cross distances much farther than a normal jump.
You can also press R1 near a hook point on a wall or ledge to leap across and latch on using the Caddis Wire. Use L (any direction) to run along a wall after leaping to it with the Caddis Wire.
After using the Caddis Wire to cling to a wall or drone, press Square or Triangle to unleash a quick downward attack toward a nearby enemy.
Raven Gear: Dragonfly Glider[]
Press R1 to utilize powerful wind currents and soar through the air across long distances with the Dragonfly Glider. Use L (any direction) to move while airborne.