Highlights
- Ninja Gaiden 4 launches October 21, 2025 (October 20 on Steam) for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
- Team Ninja and Platinum Games co-develop the first new entry in 13 years, blending classic precision with modern cinematic combat.
- The game’s digital editions are streamlined and pre-load sizes are surprisingly small—under 55 GB on PC.
As a kid, the Ninja Gaiden series was nearly untouchable.
I remember when FuncoLand first popped on the scene and the concept of selling your old games became a reality for gamers, I could not make myself part with the original Ninja Gaiden.
I’d finished it twice, but it felt like selling a piece of greatness and that just didn’t feel right. Here we are, 37 years (geez, I’m old) and multiple versions later and I’ve got the feeling there’s another iteration of the series on the way that might make a long-term impression on me.
Here are the 10 things you should know about Ninja Gaiden 4.
Release Date
October 21, 2025 (October 20 on Steam)
Platforms
Available day-one on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam/Windows
Pre-Order and Editions Info
With the game launching in just two weeks (October 21 for console and October 20 for Steam early access), pre-orders have been open since June 8 and remain available across all platforms. The release is pretty straightforward—no massive collector’s editions.
Ninja Gaiden 4 comes in two main editions: Standard and Deluxe, both digital-only on all platforms. Physical copies for PS5 and Xbox can still be found through GameStop and Amazon.
There’s also no special pricing tier. The Standard is $70 and Deluxe is $90.
Here’s what you get in the Deluxe Edition.
- Base Game
- Future Gameplay Content “The Two Masters” DLC
- Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
- Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Skin
- Divine Chimera and Raven Master Yakumo Skins
- Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
- 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
- Additional In-Game Items
Steam customers who pre-order get 48 hours early access plus “The Two Masters” DLC pack (new story chapter, weapons, and Ryu Hayabusa challenges arriving early 2026) and two skins — Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Yakumo.
Everyone who pre-orders (Standard or Deluxe) receives the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch, a cyberpunk-inspired cosmetic themed around the game’s ancient enemy. It may return as paid DLC a year later, but early buyers get it free.
Xbox Series X/S and PC (Xbox app/Microsoft Store) users with Game Pass Ultimate can pre-install now and access the game day one without pre-ordering. Steam editions include the 24-hour early access window. On PS5, digital pre-orders are through the PlayStation Store, and physical copies include a bonus code for the skin.
It’s Back After a 13-Year Hiatus Ends
Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the first new mainline installment since 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3, ending a 13-year gap for fans of the series known for its high-speed ninja combat. I haven’t played seriously since Ninja Gaiden 2, so we’ll see how far behind I am in a couple of weeks.
Is the New Dev Team the Right Mix?
Team Ninja joins forces with PlatinumGames (Bayonetta, NieR: Automata) in hopes of combining technical precision with flashy combo-driven action. The early trailers remind me a bit of Devil May Cry. While I like the gameplay for DMC, I’m wondering if it is right for Ninja Gaiden.
There’s a New Protagonist — Yakumo Takes the Lead
If you’re hoping to see Ryu Hayabusa, he won’t be the main character in Ninja Gaiden 4. Players step into the role of Yakumo, a martial-arts prodigy from the rival Raven clan. The devs and storytellers are turning the page a bit, but looking to preserve the gory and hard-hitting action.
Ryu Hayabusa’s Isn’t Gone Entirely
The Dragon Ninja returns as a playable character in key chapters. Ryu plays the role of mentor for Yakumo. It seems as though gameplay with him is limited as to not allow players to get too attached to the old character.
Cyberpunk Tokyo Setting
The story unfolds in a rain-soaked, near-future Tokyo haunted by the Dark Dragon. There is a vintage but futuristic feel to the new look of the series.
Gameplay Will Focus on Overcoming Adversity
Thegame’s director Fumihiko Yasuda says “adversity” is the core theme in Ninja Gaiden 4. Environmental hazards will add to the challenges.
The Game Will Be Difficult
If you’ve played other games in the series, you already know what to expect. The challenge will be there. The infamous Master Ninja mode returns with one-hit kills and enemy swarms that demand near-perfect execution and reflexes. I like that there should be variable difficulty, but I also appreciate the presence of Master Ninja mode.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Game Size
Ninja Gaiden 4’s install size reveals a lean engine optimized for performance—36.82 GB on Xbox and 54.9 GB on PC per ComicBook. That’s a pleasant surprise given its scope and graphics, suggesting an efficient build focused on fluid combat over bloat.
Ninja Gaiden 4’s gameplay figures to challenge me, but I’m not sure if we’re talking Black Myth: Wukong difficulty or something just short or even more intense. Since I plan on finishing it, I’m hoping for the former. In any case, I’ll be back with my take on 10 Things I Learned About Ninja Gaiden 4 once it drops.
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