Ninja Gaiden fans, get ready — July 31 is officially locked in as the launch date for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, the highly anticipated fourth installment in the legendary action series. Unveiled during Sony’s June State of Play, the new trailer delivered nostalgia, adrenaline, and a few surprise twists — including the return of Ryu Hayabusa and the debut of a new character named Yakumo.
A New Era Begins with Ragebound
Developed by Team Ninja in collaboration with The Game Kitchen, and published by Dotemu and Joystick, Ragebound introduces a bold new chapter in the long-running saga. The game is set in a retro-futuristic world and follows Ryu as he journeys to America to honor his father’s will, while battling through a colorful yet dangerous world of new threats.
But that’s not all — Yakumo, a mysterious new protagonist, will also be introduced in a story that unfolds after the events of Ninja Gaiden 3. This dual-protagonist angle adds fresh depth to the classic formula, allowing players to experience two parallel narratives.
What Makes Ragebound Special?
According to The Game Kitchen, the vision for Ragebound is to merge the fast-paced combat of classic Ninja Gaiden titles with the depth, challenge, and storytelling of modern 3D soulslikes. The developer, known for the critically acclaimed Blasphemous, promises tight gameplay, cinematic flair, and an evolved lore-rich world that honors the series’ roots.
Key highlights include:
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Intense hack-and-slash combat with dual protagonists
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A darker, narrative-driven tone
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Soulslike mechanics blended with arcade-style action
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A visual style mixing futuristic neon with traditional Japanese aesthetics
A Legacy Reforged
Since its debut in 1988 (originally as Shadow Warriors in Europe and Ninja Ryukenden in Japan), Ninja Gaiden has become a landmark in action-platforming history. With over 20 titles under its belt, including spin-offs and re-releases, the franchise has always pushed the boundaries of difficulty, design, and innovation.
Koei Tecmo, fresh off a successful financial year, is betting big on this new installment, with Team Ninja — the studio behind Nioh and Wo Long — leading development duties.
Release Date & Platforms
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to launch on July 31, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Pre-orders are expected to open soon, with deluxe and collector’s editions rumored to include exclusive content for longtime fans.
With Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, the franchise enters a thrilling new era. Whether you’re here for the high-speed action, deep lore, or just to see Ryu Hayabusa in action again, July 31 promises to be a defining moment in the series.
🎮 Prepare your blades — Ragebound is coming.