Welcome, Dragon Ninja! Ninja Gaiden 2 Black throws you into a brutal ballet of blood and steel as Ryu Hayabusa, the legendary Dragon Ninja. This is a challenging third-person action game where you’ll master the art of the sword, shuriken, and devastating ninpo to carve through hordes of demons and rival ninja clans. Expect intense, fast-paced combat that demands precision, timing, and a willingness to learn from every brutal defeat. It's a true test of skill for players seeking a demanding singleplayer experience.
This guide is your ultimate companion for conquering Ninja Gaiden 2 Black on PC and PlayStation 5. We'll break down advanced combat techniques, provide detailed walkthroughs for every mission, and help you master every weapon in Ryu’s arsenal. Struggling with the infamous Crystal Skull challenges or need help achieving those coveted Steam Achievements? We've got you covered. Prepare to overcome every foe and experience the full, epic saga.
Part 1
Your ultimate guide to mastering Part 1 of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Learn essential combat mechanics, controls, and strategies to overcome early challenges.
Hey there! Welcome to Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This guide is here to help you get a handle on the game, especially the early parts. We'll cover the basic controls, some neat moves, and how the game works so you can start slicing and dicing like a pro.
This section focuses on the core gameplay mechanics and controls you'll need to know right from the start. We'll break down what each button does and introduce you to some fundamental techniques that will make your journey through the game much smoother.
Controls:
Here's a rundown of the essential buttons and what they do:
- X Button: Regular Attack
- Y Button: Hard Attack/Hold for Ultimate Technique (UT) or Obliteration Technique
- A Button: Jump/Action Button. Hold it down to dive underwater.
- B Button: Secondary Weapon/Projectile. Hold it to charge up your projectile.
- Start Button: Opens the Menu Screen.
- Select Button: Opens the Options Menu.
- LB Button: Block. Essential for defense!
- LT Button: Action Button. Used for various interactions.
- RB Button: Re-center Camera. Super useful for keeping track of the action.
- RT Button: Map. Handy for navigation.
- D-Pad Left: Cycle through weapons.
- D-Pad Right: Cycle through weapons.
- D-Pad Up: Select Ninpo or Secondary Weapon/Healing Item.
- D-Pad Down: Select Ninpo or Secondary Weapon/Healing Item.
Special Moves:
- Wind Run: Press X + A to dash forward. Great for closing gaps or dodging.
- Ninpo: Press B + Y to unleash your mystical ninja arts.
- Counterattack: While blocking (LB), press X or Y to perform a powerful counter. Timing is key here!
- Reverse Wind: While blocking (LB), move the analog stick in any direction to quickly reposition yourself.
The Chiburi Mechanic:
After you clear out all the enemies in an area, Ryu will perform a move called the Chiburi. This isn't just for show; when he swats the blood off his weapon, your health will regenerate. It'll fill up to the point of the red meter you see on your health bar. If Ryu doesn't do the Chiburi after a fight, it means there's still at least one enemy lurking around that you need to find and defeat.
Health Restore:
When Ryu takes damage, you'll see a red meter appear on his health bar. This indicates how much health will regenerate after the battle ends and the Chiburi move is performed. To restore health beyond this red meter, you'll need to use healing items.
Part 2
Learn essential Ninja Gaiden 2 Black techniques: Obliteration, Charged Projectiles, Water Run, Infinite Oxygen, Manual Saves, and detailed weapon combo lists for Dragon Sword and Lunar.
This section covers essential gameplay mechanics and weapon techniques for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Health Refill: Approach a SAVE STATUE to fully restore health. This can only be done once per statue.
- The Obliteration Technique: To prevent enemies from pursuing you, you must kill every enemy encountered. Approach a sliced enemy and press the Y BUTTON to perform a finishing move.
- Charged Projectiles: Five projectile weapons are available. Three (Fiend's Bane Bow, Windmill Shuriken, Incendiary Shurikens) can be charged by pressing and holding the B BUTTON for increased power, capable of slicing off limbs or killing enemies instantly.
- The Water Run: When approaching water, tap the A BUTTON as Ryu's feet touch the ground to run on its surface. If he falls in, tap A BUTTON to get back up.
- Infinite Oxygen: Ryu can breathe underwater indefinitely. Swim to the next area without concern for oxygen levels.
- Manual Save: Manual saves can be enabled in the OPTIONS MENU. To perform a manual save, access a Save Statue TWICE: first to replenish health, then again to access the Manual Save menu.
Ryu's Armory Reloaded:
This section details the combos for various weapons. The directional input 'DIRECTIONAL' means pushing the analog stick forward from Ryu's perspective. 'ROTATE 360' means rotating the left analog stick clockwise.
Dragon Sword/True Dragon Sword
Level 1 Combos
- PIERCING DRAGON'S FANG: XXXXX
- TIGER ROAR: XXY
- SEAL OF TEN: XX --> XX
- THREE LIGHTS: XX --> XY
- BLADE OF EMPTY AIR: XYX
- SCARLET DRAGON: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y
- WINDMILL SLASH: --> X
- VIOLENT WIND: --> XX --> X
- PIERCING WIND: --> XX --> Y
- CRIMSON TEMPEST: YY
- HAZE STRAIGHT SLASH: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- AZURE DRAGON: --> Y
- SCARLET DRAGON: --> PRESS AND HOLD Y
Level 2 Combos
- DRAGON TEAR: XXX --> X
- FANG OF THE WOLF: XXYY
- IKARUGA: XXY --> Y
- WRATH OF IZANAGI: XX --> XYY
- BLADE OF SUSANO'O: XYXXXX
- IZUNA DROP: XYXXXY
- VIOLENT GALE: --> XX --> XX
- DRAGON OF HEAVEN: --> XX --> YY --> Y
- DRAGON OF EARTH: --> XX --> YY --> PRES AND HOLD Y
- UNDEFEATABLE DEMON: YYY
- FLYING CRANE: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos
- FORTUITOUS PHOENIX: XXYYYY
- GLEAMING BLADE: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y
Level 4 Combos
- STEEL SPLITTER: XXXY
- CLOUD DRAGON FLYING SWALLOW: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, YYY
Ultimate Technique
- OBLIVION CROSS CUT: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- BLADE OF THE DRAGON'S SCALES: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
- ROARING GLEAM: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- TRUE DRAGON GLEAM (LVL 4): ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Lunar
The Lunar staff, when upgraded to MAX level, features chained maces for dismemberment. While combos are similar to previous games, mastering the Lunar requires understanding its limited power and choosing effective combos.
Level 1 Combos
- DRAGON'S FANG SPIN: XXXX
- GLEAMING SHADOW: XXY
- INFINITY THRUST: X --> XX
- BOLTED GATE: --> XX
- FIERCE LION: Y
- REMNANT BLOSSOMS: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- WANING MOON: --> Y
Level 2 Combos
- DRAGON TALON SPIN: XXXY
- YIN-YANG THRUST: X --> XXX
- ABSOLUTE DARKNESS: X --> XYX
- IZUNA DROP: X --> XYXY
- SUN AND MOON: X --> XYY
- CHARGING LION: --> XXX
- FIRST WIND: --> YYX
- MOONLIT SHADOW: --> YYY
- WANING EVIL: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y
Level 3 Combos
- AMITABHA THRUST: X --> XXXX
- MOLTEN ROCK: XYXXX
- STRANGE SOUL: XYYYY
- BLADED SPIDER: YYY --> YYYYY
- DESTRUCTION SPIN: ROTATE 360, Y
Ultimate Technique
- EIGHT DESTRUCTIONS: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- DANCE OF FLAME: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
- HAZY SHADOW: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- HEAVENLY SHADOW: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
- HEAVENLY IZUNA: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE + Y
Part 3
Explore the advanced combat techniques for the Scythe, Falcon Talons, Tonfa, and Kusari-Gama in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Learn combos and ultimate techniques to dominate your enemies.
This section details the various weapons available in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, including their combos and ultimate techniques.
Scythe
The Scythe is a versatile weapon effective at mid-range, capable of hitting enemies from afar. Its mid-air combo is particularly useful against larger foes.
Level 1 Combos
- PIERCING MOON: XXXXX
- SHADOW BANISHER: XXXX, X (HOLD BUTTON)
- MIST SLASH: XXXXY
- CORPSE SWEEP: XXY
- DEMON'S JAW: XYY
- ROUND HAZE: --> XXX
- FLYING HEADS: YY
- SERPENT'S CURSE: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- SOUL IMPALE: --> Y
- HUNTED CHIMERA: --> YY
Level 2 Combos
- DEATH'S GATE: XXX --> XXX
- DEMON PROCESSION: XXXXYYY
- DEATH'S CHARIOT: XXXY
- REVERSED WATERFALL: --> XYYYYY
- CRIES OF ARES: YYY
- GRAVEYARD SPIN: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos
- DEATH'S PILLAR: XXX --> XXY
- RIVER STYX DROP: XXX --> XX, Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- REVERSED TSUNAMI: --> XXXXX
Ultimate Technique
- UNDERWORLD ERUPTION: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- EMPIRE DESTROYER: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
- MASSACRE SWEEP: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- EXTERMINATION SWEEP: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Falcon Talons
The Falcon Talons excel in close-quarters combat with lethal attacks. Mastering counterattacks is key to maximizing their effectiveness, leading to Obliterations and Ultimates.
Level 1 Combos
- LION'S ROAR: XXXXX
- PANTHER TAIL KICK: XXX --> XXX
- TIGER'S CRUSHING JAW: XX --> X
- FLYING TIGER'S CLAW: XYX
- WHITE TIGER FLURRY: --> XXX
- WHITE TIGER GOUGE: --> XXXY
- BARED LION'S FANG: --> XXX, Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- BEAR STRIKE: YY
- FURIOUS TIGER CLAW: YY --> Y
- KING OF BEASTS: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- THUNDEROUS EARTH: --> Y
Level 2 Combos
- HEAVENY WOLF: XXXYYY
- RAVENOUS THROW: XXX, PRESS AND HOLD Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- RUNNING FLAME: XXYY
- VERMILION BIRD STRIKE: XX --> YYY
- PIERCING WOLF'S FANG: XYYY
- THUNDEROUS LION'S ROAR: --> XXXXXX
- CHARGING BOAR: YYY
- FURIOUS TIGER KICK: YY --> YY
- CRY OF THE PHOENIX: --> YY
Level 3 Combos
- CRUSHING VERMILION BIRD STRIKE: XX --> XXXXXX
- IZUNA DROP: XX --> XXXXXY
- WINGS OF THE PHANTOM ROC: XX --> XXYY
- WINGS OF THE VERMILION BIRD: XX --> XYYYY
Ultimate Technique
- CLAW OF A HUNDRED BEASTS: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- FURY OF THE DIVINE BEASTS: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Tonfa
The Tonfas offer a faster alternative to the Falcon Talons with medium range. Their Ultimate Technique can hit multiple enemies, and their Obliterations are particularly brutal.
Level 1 Combos
- GREAT EDGE: XXXXX
- IVORY FLOWER: XXXYX
- BLOOMING IRIS: XX --> XX
- CYPRESS COLUMN: XX --> XY
- CRADLED MOON: XY
- CRIMSON EDGE: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, Y
- DEMONS' STAVES: --> X
- DEMON DEVOURER: --> XYY
- IRON WHEEL: YY
- VERMILION FAN: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- FLEETING BLOSSOMS: --> YY
Level 2 Combos
- FALLING PETALS FLOWING WATER: XXXYXXXX
- IZUNA DROP: XXXYXXXY
- FLUTTERING PEACOCK: XX --> Y
- FLOWER GARLAND DROP: XX --> XY
- DEMONS' DIAMONDS: --> XX
- STORM OF THE FOUR WINDS: YYY
- OVERLAPPING STORMS: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos
- ONE THOUSAND BLOSSOMS: XXYYY
- DEMON TEARS KICK: --> XXXXX
Ultimate Technique
- SPRING WIND: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- UNCONTROLLABLE BLOOM: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Kusari-Gama
The Kusari-Gama is a weapon with mixed ranges, effective against smaller enemies like ninjas, fish, and Gaja. It can be somewhat unruly to master.
Level 1 Combos
- FACE STRIKE: XXXXX
- SKULL SHATTERER: XXYY
- HUNTING HEAVENS: XY
- ONE HUNDRED FEET: --> XX
- SPIRAL ATTACK: YY
- STORM OF SIX FLOWERS: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- SWEEPING CLOUDS: --> Y
- FLOWING SPIN: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 2 Combos
- GREAT SWEEP: XXXXXY
- EAR SLICER: XXXYYY
- SERPENT SWING: XXXYY --> Y
- MIDNIGHT BLADE: XXX --> X
- SHRIKE DROP: XXX --> X (HOLD BUTTON)
- FLYING VINE: XX --> Y
- DEMON CUTTER: XX --> Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- FALLING SNOW: XYYYX
- TEMPLE BELL DROP: XYYYY
Part 4
Unlock the full potential of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's weapons! This guide details advanced combos for the Vigoorian Flails and Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang.
Walkthrough:
This section details advanced and ultimate techniques for the Vigoorian Flails and Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang weapons in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
Vigoorian Flails
The Vigoorian Flails are ideal for button mashing. BUTTON MASH AWAY!
Level 1 Combos
- Dragon and Phoenix: XXXXXX
- Fire Pit: XXY
- Looming Fog: XYX
- Grasping the Moon: XYY
- Flowing Waves: XX
- Horn of the Chimera: XXY
- Flame Wheel: YY
- Erupting Flame: Y
- Nine Heavens: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 2 Combos
- Dragon Slaughter: XXX --> XXXXXX
- Opened Path: XXXXXY
- Wandering Destruction: XXXXXY
- Pale Light: XXXY
- Foe Destroyer: XXYY
- Furious Strike: XYXXXX
- Izuna Drop: XYXXXY
- Insane Raven: XYYY
- Insane Devil: XXXXX
- Interrupted River: XXXY
- Shining Heavens: YYY
Level 3 Combos
- Furious Strike: XXX --> XXXXXYXXX
- Izuna Drop: XXX --> XXXXXYXXY
- Piercing Mountain: XXX --> XXXXXYYYYYY
- Rising Serpent: YY
Ultimate Technique
- Golden Dragon: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- Dancing Phoenix: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
- UT Note: TAP THE Y BUTTON REPEATEDLY FOR ADDITIONAL STRIKES
Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang
These dual-Katana weapons debuted in Ninja Gaiden Sigma and are powerful and deadly in NG2. Combos are fast and deal 1.5% more damage than the Dragon Sword.
Level 1 Combos
- Falling Flowers: XXXXX
- Mahayana Blade: XXXYY
- Double Lightning Strike: XX --> XX
- Falling Dragon: XXX --> X
- Double Zhong Kui Slash: XYX
- Fire Dragon Spinning Descent: XYY
- Purgatory Slash: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y
- Twin Continuous Slash: XX
- Flying Dragon: XY
- Swooping Dragon Fang: YYYY
- Rolling Haze Slash: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- Rising Earth Blade: Y
- Purgatory Slash: PRESS AND HOLD Y
Level 2 Combos
- Blade of Nirvana: XXXY
- Blade of Dharma's Way: XYY
- Lightning Pierce: XX --> XXX
- King Slayer: XX --> Y
- Mighty Zhong Kui: XYXXXX
- Zhong Kui Izuna: XYXXXY
- Zhong Kui Heavenly Sparrow: XYXXX, Y (BUTTON DELAY)
- Falling Zhong Kui: XYXXY
- Wind and Clouds: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, Y
- Twin Cross Cut: XXX
- Descending Dragon: XYY
- Rise to Heaven: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos
- Penetrating Lightning: XX --> XXX
- Bladed Wind: XX --> XY
- Emperor Slayer: XX --> YY
- Spinning Zhong Kui: XYXXXXY
- Zhong Kui Whirlwind: XYXXYY
- Spinning Fire Dragon: XYYY
- Divine Blade: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, YY
- Great Chasm: YY, Y
Level 4 Combos (Blade of the Archfiend Only)
- Underworld Drop: XX --> YYYY
- Blade of the Mind: XX --> YYYYY
Ultimate Technique
- Path of the Demon Dragons: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- Eight Heavenly Dragons: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Dual Katana Note: After defeating Genshin in Chapter 14, Ryu acquires the Blade of the Archfiend, which replaces the Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang when equipped, combining with the True Dragon Sword.
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