Ninja Gaiden 4 moves the spotlight to Yakumo, but you can still take control of Ryu Hayabusa. Here’s exactly when he becomes playable, how to use him across the whole game after the credits, and what changes when you switch characters.

Ryu playability in Story Mode (Chapters 14–18)

Ryu becomes playable in Chapter 14. You’ll control him for five chapters (14 through 18) before the story returns to Yakumo for Chapter 19. These Ryu chapters revisit earlier locations and bosses, framing his role as a parallel thread to Yakumo’s path.

Unlock Ryu for every mission (post‑game Chapter Select)

To use Ryu anywhere in the campaign, complete the game once on any difficulty. Finishing the story unlocks Chapter Select with character choice across the entire campaign.

  • Open Chapter Select after the credits.
  • Pick any mission and choose to play as Yakumo or Ryu, regardless of the chapter’s original protagonist.
Note: You can’t start a brand‑new run as Ryu; the character swap is limited to Chapter Select.

Where else you can use Ryu (Trials and Purgatory Select)

Post‑game modes also support Ryu. Trials and Purgatory Select allow you to choose him freely, including in encounters that originally featured Ryu as a boss.

Tip: Some challenges may be easier with Yakumo’s broader weapon coverage, but every activity also supports Ryu if you prefer his moveset.

What changes when you swap characters

  • Cutscenes are skipped in missions where you choose the “opposite” character.
  • Boss fights don’t invert if you pick Ryu in a Yakumo‑versus‑Ryu chapter — you’ll face a Ryu mirror match.

Ryu’s moveset and limitations

Ryu is built around the Dragon Sword and four Ninpo techniques. Unlike Yakumo, he doesn’t have access to multiple weapon types, which makes his kit more focused but less flexible. A post‑launch DLC is planned to add more options for Ryu next year.

Quick reference: where and how to play as Ryu

Mode Ryu availability Requirements Notes
Story Mode Ch. 14–18 Reach Chapter 14 Revisits earlier areas and bosses
New Game (fresh start) No — Ryu cannot be selected for a brand‑new run
Chapter Select All chapters Complete the game once (any difficulty) Choose Yakumo or Ryu per mission; opposite‑character cutscenes are skipped
Trials Yes Unlock post‑game Free character choice
Purgatory Select Yes Unlock post‑game Includes the Ryu boss fight; mirror match if you pick Ryu
Weapons Dragon Sword, Ninpo — No alternate weapons at launch; DLC planned to expand

If you just want time with the Super Ninja, push to Chapter 14 for the dedicated Ryu arc, then roll credits to unlock full flexibility. From there, the entire game opens up to Hayabusa runs — chapter replays, Trials, and Purgatories included.