Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a rich combat experience, but mastering the controls is key to unleashing the full potential of Ryu or Yakumo. Whether you prefer a keyboard/mouse setup or a controller, getting accustomed to the controls can greatly enhance your gameplay.
Learning the advanced controls that consist mainly of combos is crucial, but before diving into those, it’s essential to get comfortable with the basic controls that dictate character movement and enemy elimination.
All Ninja Gaiden 4 keyboard/mouse controls
If you’re playing Ninja Gaiden 4 on PC, here are the default controls for keyboard and mouse:
Control | Input |
---|---|
Move Forward | W |
Move Backward | S |
Move Left | A |
Move Right | D |
Full Circle | F |
Light Attack | LMB |
Heavy Attack | RMB |
Jump | Space |
Shuriken/Interact | R |
Use Raven Gear | C |
Block | Shift |
Item Wheel | Alt |
Enter Bloodraven Form | Ctrl |
Dash | V |
Reset Camera/Lock-on | Q |
Switch Lock-on: Left | Tab |
Switch Lock-on: Right | E |
Shortcut | Y |
Twin Blades | 1 |
Open Menu | ESC |
While keyboard and mouse controls are functional, many players find a controller to be more comfortable. If you’re gaming on PC, any compatible Windows controller will do, but console players are limited to the default configurations.
Control | PlayStation | Xbox |
---|---|---|
Move Forward | LS up | LS up |
Move Backward | LS down | LS down |
Move Left | LS left | LS left |
Move Right | LS right | LS right |
Light Attack | Square | X |
Heavy Attack | Triangle | Y |
Jump | X | A |
Shuriken/Interact | Circle | B |
Use Raven Gear | R1 | RB |
Pause | Options Button | Menu Button |
Reset Camera/Lock-on | R3 | RS |
Block | R2 | RT |
Item Wheel | L1 | LB |
Enter Bloodraven Form | L2 | LT |
Dash | L3 | LS |
Slide (while running) | L3 | LS |
Camera | RS | RS |
Shortcut | View button | View button |
Twin Blades | D-pad up | D-pad up |
How to change controls in Ninja Gaiden 4

If the default control scheme isn’t to your liking, you have the option to customize it for all input methods. Different preset layouts are available for controllers, and if you want to redefine your keyboard/mouse settings, simply choose an input method and press the button you want to assign a new function.
What are the most effective strategies for mastering Ninja Gaiden 4’s controls?
Practice is key. Start with the basics and gradually incorporate advanced combos to improve your gameplay.
Can I customize my controls in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Yes, the game allows players to modify controls for both keyboard/mouse and controller inputs, providing flexibility based on your preferences.
What is the difference between using a keyboard and controller in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Controllers often offer better comfort and responsiveness for many players, whereas keyboard users may find precise control easier for combos.
Is there a recommended controller for playing Ninja Gaiden 4 on PC?
Any Windows-compatible controller should work well, but many players tend to prefer the Xbox or PlayStation controllers for their ergonomic designs.
How do control changes affect gameplay in Ninja Gaiden 4?
Customizing controls to suit your unique playing style can enhance your reaction time and overall performance in the game.
Ready to enhance your Ninja Gaiden 4 experience? Explore more related content at Moyens I/O to boost your gaming skills and knowledge.