Let me tell you something – when I first dove into Ninja Gaiden 4, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After waiting over a decade for a new mainline entry, I was absolutely pumped to see what Team Ninja and PlatinumGames had cooked up for us. But one question kept popping up in my mind: “How long is this thing, and how many chapters am I in for?”
Well, after spending countless hours slicing through demons and exploring every corner of Neo Tokyo, I’ve got all the answers you need. So grab your favorite ninja brew, settle in, and let me break down everything you need to know about Ninja Gaiden 4’s chapters, story levels, and exactly how long it’ll take you to beat this masterpiece.
The Big Reveal: How Many Chapters Are in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Alright, let’s cut right to the chase. Ninja Gaiden 4 features 19 total chapters that take you through an epic journey from the streets of Neo Tokyo to some seriously intense supernatural realms. What’s cool is that the game starts with Chapter 00 (which is basically a prologue) and then rolls through Chapters 01-19 for the main story.
I remember when I first saw the chapter select screen – I was both excited and a little intimidated. 19 chapters sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s the perfect length for a game like this. Each chapter feels substantial enough to be satisfying, but not so long that you’re getting bored or fatigued.
Here’s the complete chapter list in order:
| Chapter Number | Chapter Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 00 | Dark Descendant | Prologue |
| Chapter 01 | Bloodsoaked Tokyo | Sky City Tokyo |
| Chapter 02 | Haunted District | Sky City Tokyo |
| Chapter 03 | Phantom Pleasure Quarter | Sky City Tokyo |
| Chapter 04 | Pilgrim’s Windswept Path | Fuuhaku Sanctum |
| Chapter 05 | Raging Valley | Fuuhaku Sanctum |
| Chapter 06 | Guiding Winds | Fuuhaku Sanctum |
| Chapter 07 | Altar of the Mountain God | Fuuhaku Sanctum |
| Chapter 08 | Drowned District | Drowned District |
| Chapter 09 | Realm of Silent Dead | Drowned District |
| Chapter 10 | Bounding Spirits | Drowned District |
| Chapter 11 | Infiltration | Dragon’s Maw |
| Chapter 12 | Dragon’s Maw | Dragon’s Maw |
| Chapter 13 | Clash of Convictions | Dragon’s Maw |
| Chapter 14 | Unholy Descent | Drowned District |
| Chapter 15 | Fanged Gate | Sky City Tokyo |
| Chapter 16 | Downpour | Drowned District |
| Chapter 17 | Howling Ravine | Dragon’s Maw |
| Chapter 18 | Darkness Reborn | Dragon’s Maw |
| Chapter 19 | Ebon Wings | Final Area |
What I love about this structure is how it takes you through different distinct areas. You start in the urban chaos of Sky City Tokyo, then move to the more traditional Japanese setting of Fuuhaku Sanctum, dive into the creepy Drowned District, and finally face the ultimate challenges in Dragon’s Maw. Each location has its own vibe, enemies, and secrets to discover.
Yakumo vs. Ryu: Who Gets More Screen Time?
Now, here’s something that had me curious before I started playing. We all know Ryu Hayabusa is the legendary ninja, but in Ninja Gaiden 4, we’re playing as the new protagonist Yakumo. So how does the screen time break down?
From my playthrough and what I’ve gathered, Yakumo gets 15 chapters while Ryu only gets 4 dedicated chapters. And honestly? That makes perfect sense for the story they’re telling. Yakumo is the new guy trying to live up to Ryu’s legacy, so it makes sense that we spend most of our time with him.
But don’t worry, Ryu fans! Once you beat the game, you can replay any chapter as Ryu through the chapter select feature. Plus, he’s playable in the unlockable Trials mode, where he’s honestly a bit overpowered (in the best way possible). I had an absolute blast going back through levels as Ryu after finishing my main playthrough.
How Long Does It Take to Beat Ninja Gaiden 4?
This is where things get interesting because the answer really depends on how you play. Let me break down my experience and what I’ve learned from other players.
Main Story Focus
If you’re just blasting through the main story and not worrying too much about side content, you’re looking at around 11-12 hours. That’s what the data from HowLongToBeat shows, and it matches up pretty well with my experience when I was just focused on seeing the story through to the end.
Normal Playthrough (Main Story + Some Side Content)
Now, if you’re like me and you can’t help but explore a bit, take on some missions, and grab collectibles here and there, you’re probably looking at 15-20 hours. My first playthrough on Normal difficulty took me about 15 hours, and that was with me doing a decent amount of the optional content but not going for 100% completion.
Completionist Run
For those of you who want to see and do everything – all missions, all collectibles, all challenges, and even tackle Master Ninja difficulty – you’re looking at 30+ hours. The completionist time on HowLongToBeat shows 31.5 hours, but honestly, if you’re going for true 100% including all the difficulty-specific achievements and perfect runs, it could easily take you 40+ hours.
Here’s a handy table breaking down the time investment:
| Playstyle | Average Time | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Main Story Only | 11-12 hours | Just the 19 main chapters, minimal side content |
| Normal Playthrough | 15-20 hours | Main story + most missions + some collectibles |
| Completionist | 30-40+ hours | Everything: all missions, all collectibles, all difficulties, perfect runs |
Difficulty Impact on Playtime
Let me tell you something important – the difficulty you choose will dramatically affect how long the game takes you. I played through on Normal first, and then I tried Hero difficulty (the easy mode) for a bit, and wow, what a difference!
Hero Difficulty will cut your playtime significantly. If you’re struggling or just want to experience the story, you could probably blast through in 8-10 hours.
Normal Difficulty is where I spent most of my time, and it felt like the sweet spot – challenging but fair, taking me about 15 hours for my first run.
Hard Difficulty is where things get serious. Expect to add several hours to your playtime as you die more often and need to approach fights more strategically.
Master Ninja Difficulty… well, let’s just say this is for the true masochists out there. I couldn’t even get past the fifth level on this difficulty, but from what I’ve heard, a full Master Ninja playthrough could take 20-25 hours by itself, and that’s if you’re skilled enough to beat it at all!
Missions and Side Content: 59 Optional Challenges
One thing that really surprised me about Ninja Gaiden 4 is just how much optional content there is. I’m not talking about boring filler content either – these missions are actually really fun and rewarding.
There are 59 total missions in the game, and some of them are only available in New Game Plus. You pick up these missions from Umi at the DarkNest Terminal, and they range from simple “kill X enemies” challenges to complex hunts for specific targets and collectibles.
What I love about these missions is that they actually make you better at the game. Many of them teach you specific mechanics or encourage you to use weapons and abilities you might otherwise ignore. Plus, the rewards are totally worth it – NinjaCoins for buying upgrades, health upgrades, and some really cool accessories.
Here are some examples of missions you’ll encounter:
| Mission Type | Example | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Enemy Hunts | Execute the D.D.O. distribution officers | 2,500 NinjaCoins |
| Collectibles | Capture 1 Gourdy | 2,000 NinjaCoins |
| Combat Challenges | Defeat 25 D.D.O. soldiers | 2,000 NinjaCoins + Crimson Blood Pellets |
| Exploration | Find the data chip in Sky City Tokyo | Phantasmal Herb (health upgrade) |
| Weapon Mastery | Use Takeminakata to defeat 50 enemies | Bulwark God’s Orb |
Chapter Length and Pacing
One thing I really appreciate about Ninja Gaiden 4 is how well-paced the chapters are. Most chapters take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, which feels just right. You get a satisfying chunk of gameplay without it dragging on too long.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some chapters that are focused on big boss battles might only take 20-30 minutes, while others with lots of exploration and multiple combat encounters could stretch to 90 minutes or more.
What’s great is that each chapter feels distinct and has its own identity. You’re not just going through the motions – each chapter introduces new enemies, new mechanics, or new story developments that keep things fresh and exciting.
New Game Plus and Replay Value
I’ve got to give credit where it’s due – Ninja Gaiden 4 has some serious replay value. Once you beat the game, you unlock New Game Plus, which lets you carry over your upgrades and tackle the game again with tougher enemies and some new mission options.
But here’s the really cool part: the game tracks whether you’ve completed each chapter without getting hit and whether you’ve beaten it as both Yakumo and Ryu. For completionists like me, this means there’s always another challenge to tackle.
I’ve already put in about 25 hours across my first playthrough and some New Game Plus content, and I’m still finding new things and enjoying myself. If you’re someone who likes to master games and get perfect completions, Ninja Gaiden 4 will keep you busy for a long, long time.
My Personal Experience and Tips
After spending so much time with Ninja Gaiden 4, I’ve picked up a few things that might help you on your journey:
- Don’t rush through the chapters – Take your time to explore and find the collectibles. Many of the best upgrades are hidden off the main path.
- Embrace the missions – I know 59 missions sounds like a lot, but they’re genuinely fun and make you a better player. Plus, the rewards are too good to ignore.
- Experiment with different weapons – Each weapon has its own missions and mastery challenges. Don’t just stick with one weapon the whole time.
- Save some missions for New Game Plus – Some missions are significantly easier with upgraded abilities and weapons. Don’t feel like you have to complete everything on your first run.
- Enjoy the story – I know Ninja Gaiden games are known for their combat, but the story in this one is actually pretty engaging. Take time to appreciate the narrative and character development.
Final Verdict: Is Ninja Gaiden 4 Worth Your Time?
After everything I’ve experienced, I can say with confidence that Ninja Gaiden 4 is absolutely worth your time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the franchise, there’s something here for everyone.
The 19 chapters provide a substantial, satisfying journey that never outstays its welcome. The combat is as tight and responsive as you’d expect from a Team Ninja and PlatinumGames collaboration, and there’s enough content here to keep you engaged for 30+ hours if you want to see everything.
For me, this has been one of my favorite gaming experiences of 2026. The combination of classic Ninja Gaiden action with new characters and mechanics feels fresh while still respecting what made the series great in the first place.
So if you’re wondering whether to dive into Ninja Gaiden 4, my answer is a resounding yes. It’s a fantastic action game that respects your time while still offering plenty of depth for those who want to really sink their teeth into it.
FAQ
How many chapters are in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Ninja Gaiden 4 has 19 total chapters, starting with Chapter 00 (prologue) and going through Chapter 19.
How long does it take to beat Ninja Gaiden 4?
It depends on your playstyle: 11-12 hours for main story only, 15-20 hours for normal playthrough with some side content, and 30+ hours for completionists.
Can you play as Ryu Hayabusa in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Yes! While Ryu only gets 4 dedicated chapters in the main story, you can replay any chapter as Ryu after beating the game, and he’s also playable in Trials mode.
How many missions are in Ninja Gaiden 4?
There are 59 total missions in the game, with some missions only available in New Game Plus.
What’s the best difficulty to start with?
I recommend starting with Normal difficulty. It provides a good challenge without being overwhelming, and you can always adjust later if needed.
Is there New Game Plus in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Yes! New Game Plus lets you carry over your upgrades and face tougher enemies with new mission options.
How long are the chapters in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Most chapters take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, though boss-focused chapters might be shorter while exploration-heavy ones could be longer.
Can you 100% complete Ninja Gaiden 4 in one playthrough?
No, true 100% completion requires multiple playthroughs on different difficulties, as well as completing chapters with both characters and under specific conditions.
Want more gaming content like this? Check out our Best Tech & Robot Anime Guide for more action-packed recommendations, or dive into our Firstborn Beginner Guide if you’re looking for your next gaming obsession. And don’t forget to bookmark this page – I’ll be updating it with more tips and strategies as I continue my Ninja Gaiden 4 journey!