Alright, ninja, let’s get you squared away on blocking in *Ninja Gaiden 4*. This game, which just dropped on October 21, 2025, brings back that classic intense combat, and defense is absolutely key to surviving its brutal challenges.

Here’s the breakdown of how to block and master your defenses in *Ninja Gaiden 4*:

* **Basic Blocking:** To perform a standard block, simply **hold down R2 on PlayStation or RT on Xbox**. This will allow your character to guard against incoming attacks.
* **Blocking Limitations:** While effective, your basic block isn’t infinite. You can block up to four regular melee attacks before your guard might break. Keep an eye on your character’s aura; when it starts to glow orange, it’s a sign your guard is close to breaking.
* **Upgrading Your Defense:** To increase the number of hits you can block, seek out your master, Tyran, at checkpoints and unlock upgrades for the **”Art of Defense”** skill. This is crucial for giving yourself more breathing room in intense fights.
* **Projectiles are Your Friend (to block!):** Good news for those pesky ranged enemies – you can typically block most projectiles freely without worrying about your guard breaking as quickly.
* **Perfect Block for the Pros:** This is where true mastery comes in. A **Perfect Block** is performed by timing your block precisely as an enemy’s attack is about to land. Successfully executing a Perfect Block will not only nullify the damage but also open up opportunities for powerful counter-attacks, giving you a significant advantage in combat.
* **Yakumo’s Bloodraven Block:** If you’re playing as the new protagonist, Yakumo, you have an additional defensive tool at your disposal. By **holding both triggers (L2/LT and R2/RT)**, you can activate a **Bloodraven Block**. This special block is capable of negating powerful “red attacks” from enemies, which are often unblockable by conventional means. Mastering this is essential for surviving early boss encounters and learning to time your defenses.
* **Dodging from a Block:** Sometimes, blocking isn’t enough, and you need to reposition. To safely dodge, **hold the Block button (R2/RT) and then press any direction on the Left Stick**. This allows for a quick side or back step. The beauty of this technique is that by continuing to hold the block button, your character will automatically resume blocking at the earliest opportunity, making it a much safer way to reposition and even easier to land those crucial Perfect Dodges.

Remember, *Ninja Gaiden 4* rewards precision and strategy. Don’t just button-mash; learn enemy attack patterns, master your defensive timings, and you’ll be cleaving through foes like a true ninja master!