Picking up Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for the first time? No worries if the difficulty’s got you feeling a bit off.
You don't have to do it alone, whether you're taking on waves of enemies or gearing up for epic boss fights.
With these beginner tips, you’ll learn the essential techniques to help you survive and thrive in the world of ninjas.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Feeling Tough? Here’s How to Cope
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn’t your average action game.
It’s a non-stop ride packed with brutal fights, tough bosses, and enemies that don’t let up.
As Ryu Hayabusa, you’ll navigate through dark forces, using a variety of weapons, combos, and powerful Ninpo abilities to survive.
It may look flashy, but don’t get too comfortable—the game’s tough difficulty and fluid combat mechanics can challenge beginners.
When you start, it might feel like you're in over your head, but that makes it all the more rewarding.
With that in mind, here are some tips to help you tackle the game’s tough battles and survive long enough to see it through.
1. Flying Swallow Is Your Best Bet for Quick Hits
The Flying Swallow is one of those iconic moves in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
This move lets Ryu take a powerful dive at the enemy, usually dealing massive damage and sometimes even taking their head clean off.
This tool makes it easy to knock out smaller enemies early on. However, don't rely too heavily on this move.
The Flying Swallow is solid, but you’ll feel its limits when enemies get tougher or the difficulty ramps up.
Work it into your overall approach and change your tactics as you advance.
2. Hit Back When They Least Expect It
Timing makes or breaks you in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
If you’re not using Counter Attack, you’re missing out on saving yourself from heavy damage.
To pull it off, hold the block button and press either light or heavy attack right when the enemy strikes.
When timed well, Ryu will tear through the enemy, giving you the chance to land the big one.
It's difficult to land a counterattack when the situation is intense, so practice in slower situations to get the timing right.
It’s not something you want to overdo, but it’s key for handling the tougher, quicker enemies later on.
3. Throw, Move, Repeat.
It’s not as flashy as the Flying Swallow, but the Guillotine Throw is a pretty solid move to have in your toolkit.
This move allows Ryu to grab an enemy and sling them across the map, dealing considerable damage.
If you slam an enemy against a wall or into another, the damage spikes, making it a solid choice for crowd control.
The best part about this move is that it keeps you mobile, dodging enemy strikes left and right.
It’s not something you’ll use as much as the Flying Swallow, but it’s great for certain enemies and helps you get into better positions.
4. Ninpo & Ultimate Techniques Are Your Wild Card
Ninpo (magic abilities) and Ultimate Techniques are the tricks that will turn the battle around for you.
Ninpo attacks, like the Art of the Flame Phoenix, use up Ki but can wipe out a bunch of enemies or bail you out in tough spots.
Don’t hesitate to use them, especially when you're overwhelmed or in danger.
As you go, you’ll unlock more Ninpo abilities, so test out different types to see what works for you.
Hold the attack button to charge Ultimate Techniques, then let it rip for a combo that clears out several enemies simultaneously.
Use Ultimate Techniques when you're up against a boss or a crowd. Save them for tougher enemies, not the weak ones.
5. Finish Off Limbless Enemies in a Snap
Certain enemies go full savage when they lose a limb in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
These "limbless" enemies are ready to grab you with a deadly, unblockable move.
If you see an enemy with missing limbs, just walk up and hit the heavy attack button to use the Obliteration Technique.
This allows you to instantly finish them off before they can perform their deadly attack.
It’s not only a quick way to clear the battlefield but also ensures that you don’t waste valuable health or time dealing with enemies that would otherwise become a huge risk if left alive.
If you keep track of these limbless enemies and nail the Obliteration Technique, you’ll do better in the tougher zones.