Fans got a closer look at Ninja Gaiden 4 at this year's Tokyo Game Show, including a glimpse at its revamped difficulty options, which feature auto-block and auto-dodge options. It's been a strong year for the Ninja Gaiden franchise, with the retro side-scrolling spin-off Ragebound getting rave reviews and the long-awaited fourth mainline game finally on the horizon. When Ninja Gaiden 4 launches in October, newer fans may also find it easier to get into than previous entries.
It's been 13 years since Ninja Gaiden 3 came out, so hype around the fourth installment is understandably high. When Team NINJA and Platinum Games surprise-revealed Ninja Gaiden 4 in January, the studios stoked the fanbase's excitement even further by announcing gamers wouldn't even need to wait a full year to get their hands on it. Now the release date is less than a month away, and the team behind the hack-and-slash adventure has unveiled some unexpected details.
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This year is already packed with major releases, but Ninja Gaiden fans could be one of the luckiest fan-bases of all in 2025.
Ninja Gaiden 4's Hero Mode Offers Auto-Block, Auto-Evade, and Auto-Assist Features
A deep dive into Ninja Gaiden 4's difficulty design at TGS 2025 revealed a new easy setting called "Hero" mode that lets players enable auto-block, auto-evade, and auto-assist. These optional features will simplify combat and are meant to help new fans get a feel for how to string together combos and recognize cues for when to block or dodge incoming attacks. Gamers can also switch them off at any time and still face a slightly easier challenge, as the enemy AI scales to the selected difficulty level. These options are a noticeable break from series conventions, as Ninja Gaiden 2 was one of the hardest Xbox 360 games, but longtime fans wanting a taste of that challenge can still get it through the Normal or Hard difficulty modes.
Ninja Gaiden 4 will also give players the ability to change their difficulty mode at any time in the story with no penalty. There will also be a standalone training mode for gamers to practice and hone their skills before diving into the campaign and taking on enemies at their chosen difficulty. However, the series is still sticking to its roots in other ways. Platinum Games has previously revealed that Ninja Gaiden 4 is bringing back Ultimate Guidance, and players can disable Hit Lag and hide the lock-on marker for a faster, harder combat experience that more closely resembles earlier entries.
Whatever difficulty settings fans want to try out, they won't need to wait long to do so, as Ninja Gaiden 4 will release on October 21, 2025. It will also be a day-one Xbox Game Pass game, which could combine with the new accessibility options to draw an even wider fanbase. For new and old fans alike, the wait is almost over.
Ninja Gaiden 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
- Released
- October 21, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games, Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow.
The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
- Prequel(s)
- Ninja Gaiden 3
- Franchise
- Ninja Gaiden
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- October 21, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 21, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- October 21, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
