Ninja Gaiden Black
Ninja Gaiden Black

Walkthrough: Chapter 11: The Underground Imperial Palace

Traverse Ninja Gaiden Black's Chapter 11, The Underground Imperial Palace. This guide details your ascent through ancient ruins and hidden passages against new.

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Walkthrough: Chapter 11: The Underground Imperial Palace

Welcome to Chapter 11, Ninja. The Underground Imperial Palace is a sprawling, multi-layered area filled with new threats and valuable secrets. Prepare for a challenging ascent through ancient ruins and hidden passages.

Entering the Palace and Initial Exploration

  1. Starting Point: You begin in a large cavern. Head straight forward.
  2. First Encounter: You'll immediately face a group of Fiend Ninjas. These are agile and dangerous; utilize your Izuna Drop or powerful Ninpo like Inferno to clear them quickly.
  3. Path Forward: After defeating the ninjas, proceed through the archway to the right.
  4. Hidden Chest (Life of the Gods): Before continuing, look for a small alcove on the left side of this new path. Inside, you'll find a chest containing a Life of the Gods.
  5. Save Point and Merchant: Further along this path, you'll reach a Save Point and a Muramasa Statue. This is an excellent opportunity to save your progress, purchase any needed upgrades (especially for your primary weapon like the Dragon Sword or Lunar), and stock up on Great Devil Elixirs or Talisman of Rebirth.

Ascending the Palace Depths

The next section involves a series of vertical climbs and platforming challenges. Be mindful of falling.

  1. Elevator Shaft: From the Muramasa Statue, take the elevator down. Be prepared for a fight as soon as you exit.
  2. Ghoul Encounter: You'll be ambushed by several Ghouls. These enemies are slow but hit hard. Focus on single targets and use quick combos.
  3. Wall Run Challenge: After the Ghouls, you'll see a series of ledges and walls. Perform a Wall Run to reach the higher platforms.
  4. Chest (Spirit of the Devils): On one of the higher platforms during your ascent, you'll spot a chest. Open it to receive a Spirit of the Devils.
  5. Reaching the Upper Level: Continue wall running and jumping until you reach a large, open area.

The Grand Hall and Beyond

This area is expansive and houses several key items and a new enemy type.

  1. New Enemy: Bone Dragon: As you enter the Grand Hall, you'll encounter your first Bone Dragon. These skeletal beasts are formidable. Target their heads with projectile weapons like the Strongbow or use flying swallow attacks to stun them before unleashing ground combos.
  2. Key Item (Stone Tablet): After defeating the Bone Dragon, search the central platform of the Grand Hall. You'll find a Stone Tablet. This item is crucial for progressing later in the chapter.
  3. Hidden Path (Jewel of the Demon Seal): Look for a crumbling wall on the far side of the Grand Hall. Use an Incendiary Shuriken or a powerful Ninpo to break it open. Inside, you'll discover a chest containing a Jewel of the Demon Seal.
  4. Exiting the Grand Hall: Locate the exit on the opposite side of where you entered. It's a narrow passage leading downwards.

The Watery Passage and Final Ascent

Prepare for underwater sections and more challenging platforming.

  1. Underwater Section: The passage leads to a submerged area. Swim through, avoiding the Fish Fiends if possible, or dispatch them with your underwater attacks.
  2. Resurfacing and Fiend Ninjas: Once you resurface, you'll immediately be confronted by more Fiend Ninjas. The confined space makes this fight tricky; consider using area-of-effect Ninpo.
  3. Climbing the Waterfalls: You'll now face a series of waterfalls that require precise wall climbing and jumping. Take your time and plan your movements.
  4. Chest (Talisman of Rebirth): At the top of the waterfall climb, before the next major area, there's a small ledge to your right. Jump to it to find a chest with a Talisman of Rebirth.
  5. Final Stretch: Proceed through the final doorway. You're now very close to the chapter's conclusion.

Boss Battle Preparation

Before the final encounter of the chapter, ensure you are fully prepared.

  • Save Point: There will be a Save Point just before the boss arena. Use it!
  • Muramasa Statue: A Muramasa Statue will also be present. This is your last chance to buy Great Devil Elixirs, Life of the Gods, or upgrade your weapons. Consider maxing out your Dragon Sword or Unlabored Flail if you haven't already.
  • Recommended Ninpo: Inferno is highly effective for its damage and crowd control. Invincible Summer can also be useful for temporary invulnerability.

Proceed through the large double doors when you are ready to face the chapter boss.