How to Block All Attacks in Ninja Gaiden 4 – Guide

Mastering defense in Ninja Gaiden 4 begins with the fundamental Block action. This guide will show you how to block every attack in the game, from basic strikes to the devastating Power Attacks, using three methods for beginners and advanced players.

NOTE: Basic and advanced blocking mechanics thoroughly tested in Training Mode against multiple enemies and during two playthroughs the author completed at Normal and Hard difficulties in the game’s Steam 1.0.1.0 version over 26 hours of playtime. Screenshots captured from the same version.

How to Perform a Basic Block

To block standard attacks in Ninja Gaiden 4, the process is simple:

1. Hold down the R2/Right Trigger.
2. Yakumo and Ryu will instantly enter a blocking stance which will block a certain number of consecutive attacks.
3. After purchasing the Art of Defense skills from Tyran, this basic block can negate as many as 9 consecutive attacks.

Blocking Main Strengths (Why Basic Blocking is So Good)

Basic blocking benefits from these core mechanics:

• Omnidirectional Defense: When you hold block, your character will block all incoming melee and ranged attacks, regardless of the direction they are facing. This is crucial when you are being overwhelmed by multiple enemies.
• Negates All Damage: Every blocked standard attack deals zero damage to your character.
• Mitigates Power Attack Damage: Blocking a Power Attack (the "red glint attacks") with a regular block will significantly reduce the damage taken, offering a crucial lifeline when evasion or other defensive options are not available.

Dealing with Power Attacks

Power Attacks are strong attacks telegraphed by a red glint. These are the only attacks that require special attention when blocking. Fortunately, the game offers two advanced ways to counter them using the block mechanics.

Full Damage Negation (Bloodraven/Gleam Form Block)

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While a regular block only mitigates Power Attack damage, it is possible to completely negate the damage without needing precise timing.

To achieve this:

1. Hold R2/Right Trigger (to block).
2. Hold L2/Left Trigger (to activate Bloodraven/Gleam Form) while holding R2/RT.

Activating this special blocking stance fully negates the damage of a single Power Attack. Be warned: this is extremely costly, depleting approximately 75% of your Bloodbind/Ki gauge. As such, this should be used only when in extreme need.

Perfect Blocking Power Attacks

The Perfect Block (Combat Skill, 9000 NinjaCoins) is the most rewarding defense, effective against Power Attacks in both normal and Bloodraven/Gleam form. The timing is strict but offers massive rewards.

Normal Form Perfect Block

• Execution: Press R2/Right Trigger just as the Power Attack is about to land.
• Result: Completely negates the damage of a Power Attack.
• Success is confirmed by receiving no damage when the attack lands. No special animation is played.

Bloodraven/Gleam Form Perfect Block

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• Execution: Press R2/Right Trigger just as the Power Attack is about to land while already in Bloodraven/Gleam Form.
• Result: Not only negates damage, but also deflects the Power Attack and executes a powerful, immediate counter-attack.
• Bonus: Successfully executing this Perfect Block will significantly restore the Bloodbind/Ki gauge.

While Perfect Blocking Power Attacks can be difficult, it is an excellent way to react to them if you aren't expecting them to come out and have yet to obtain weapons like the Kage-Hiruko, whose Bloodraven Form light attack is so fast it can be used on reaction fairly easily.

Blocking is only one of the core skills you must master in Ninja Gaiden 4 to dominate the battlefield and have fun. If you need more help in the game, you can also check out some of out other Ninja Gaiden 4 guides.

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