One of the greatest things about Ninja Gaiden has always been its weapons. Few action games allow you to master this many fighting styles that feel so unique. Ninja Gaiden 4 upholds that tradition, providing Yakumo (and Ryu, later) a large arsenal to play around with.
Yakumo doesn’t receive nearly as many tools as Ryu receives in Ninja Gaiden 2, but what he does receive is better polished — and each weapon feels lethal in its own right. Here’s how to unlock all of the weapons in the game and why each one is unique.
Takeminakata (Twin Blades / Tachi)
How to Unlock: Available at the beginning
The Takeminakata are Yakumo’s staple swords. When in his default form, they exist as dual katanas — quick, accurate, and able to rend through foes at close combat. When in his Bloodraven state, they combine into a solitary long Tachi, which is great at mid- to long-range slashes and is even capable of being cast forward as a ghostly stand. It’s well-balanced, flashy, and strong — an excellent beginner sword.
Yatousen (Rapier / Drill)
How to Unlock: Finish Chapter 3 – “Phantom Pleasure Quarter”
The Yatousen is one of Yakumo’s more complicated weapons. It begins as a rapier, perfect for precise, single-target attacks and counterattacks. After it’s been converted into its Bloodraven mode, it becomes a drill that can tear through armor and eat through the health bars of enemies. It’s not as useful against groups of enemies, but deadly against bosses or elites.
Magatsuhi (Staff / Hammer)
How to Unlock: Finish Chapter 7 – “Altar of the Mountain God”
Magatsuhi begins as a staff that plays much like Ryu’s Lunar Staff — long range, fluid combos, and great crowd control. When in Bloodraven form, it changes into an enormous hammer, sacrificing speed for brute destructive force. It takes longer to counter with, but one blow can knock opponents across the screen or break their guard instantly.
Kage-Hiruko (Mechanical Arms / Assassin’s Tools)
How to Unlock: Finish Chapter 10 – “Bounding Spirits”
This is probably the most hip weapon in Ninja Gaiden 4. The Kage-Hiruko excels both in melee and ranged combat — Yakumo uses big shuriken as blades and throws smaller ones as projectiles. When you transform into Bloodraven, he also gets Mechanical Arms that stretch out and attack at lightning speed, allowing you to string together combos and slaughter mobs. It’s fashionable, versatile, and really fun once learned.
True Dragon Sword (Ryu Hayabusa)
How to Unlock: Automatically installed if you’re playing as Ryu in Chapter 14 – “Unholy Descent”
Ryu’s classic sword is back in its original spirit but improved in implementation. The True Dragon Sword battles as fans once knew it — quick, deadly, and well-balanced. Its new Gleam Mode functions as Ryu’s version of Bloodraven, granting a couple of additional moves and shining, high-damage attacks that leave him nearly unstoppable.
Dark Dragon Blade
How to Unlock: Transient in Chapter 19 – “Ebon Wings”
Permanent Unlock: Beat all Boss Trials (any level, including Hero)
Yakumo’s ultimate weapon — really his equivalent to Ryu’s Dragon Sword. The move set is similar but incorporates heavier, darker energy-based attacks. Channelling that power even more in Dark Gleam form gives it increased damage and longer range.
Once you complete the story, the blade vanishes from your inventory, but you can regain it permanently by winning all the boss battles in Trials mode. Once you do, it’s part of your arsenal forever.
Summary Table
| Weapon | How to Unlock |
| Takeminakata | Unlocked at the beginning |
| Yatousen | Finish Chapter 3 – “Phantom Pleasure Quarter” |
| Magatsuhi | Finish Chapter 7 – “Altar of the Mountain God” |
| Kage-Hiruko | Finish Chapter 10 – “Bounding Spirits” |
| True Dragon Sword | Automatically acquired when you play as Ryu in Chapter 14 – “Unholy Descent” |
| Dark Dragon Blade | Finish all Boss Trials (any difficulty level, including Hero) |
