How to Get Shinobi Combat Styles in Rise of the Ronin
By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-03-19 10:50:19
In the sprawling and dynamic world of "Rise of the Ronin," players are presented with a rich tapestry of combat styles, each offering unique approaches to mastering the way of the sword. Among these, the enigmatic Shinobi styles stand out, offering swift, deadly techniques reminiscent of legendary ninjas. Specifically, two styles, Hayabusa-ryu and Gikei-ryu, encapsulate the essence of this clandestine combat. This article will guide you through the intricacies of obtaining these styles, ensuring you can fully embrace the path of the shinobi.
The Early Path: Hayabusa-ryu and the Bonds of Yokohama
The Hayabusa-ryu style, an homage to the iconic "Ninja Gaiden" series, is accessible relatively early in your journey. This style is characterized by its aggressive and acrobatic maneuvers, most notably the iconic Suplex martial skill. To unlock this style, you must forge a strong bond with Yasusuke Sawamura, a process that unfolds during Act 1 in Yokohama.
Navigating the Path to Sawamura:
Diplomacy and Assassination: Begin by completing the "US Consul" mission, which revolves around anassassination attempt on Townsend Harris. This mission sets the stagefor the political intrigue that permeates Yokohama.
The Shadow of Yokohama: Initiate the "Yokohama's Shadow" quest, leading you to the YokohamaGrand Villa. Here, you'll delve deeper into the city's undercurrents.
Cultural Exchange: Engage with Yukichi Fukuzawa and embark on the "Cultural Exchange"quest. This mission is pivotal in establishing your connection withFukuzawa.
Forging Bonds: After completing "Cultural Exchange," speak with Fukuzawa again totrigger a Bond quest. Successfully completing this quest unlocks theability to form bonds with both Fukuzawa and Sawamura.
Addressing Potential Roadblocks: If Fukuzawa is absent from the Grand Villa, you may need to completethe "Black Jewel" side quest in western Yokohama and raise MatthewPerry's bond level to 2. This ensures that the necessary characters arepresent for the story to progress.
By diligently following these steps, you'll establish the vital bond withSawamura, granting you access to the Hayabusa-ryu style.
The Later Path: Gikei-ryu and the Complexities of Edo
The Gikei-ryu style, a more advanced technique, features a backhand gripfor katanas, emphasizing swift and visually striking movements.Acquiring this style is contingent on a pivotal decision made during the "Sakurada Gate Incident" mission, the final mission of Act 1.
The Choice and its Consequences:
Sparing the Red Demon: To unlock the full potential of Gikei-ryu, you must choose to spareNaosuke Ii, also known as the Red Demon, during the "Sakurada GateIncident." While killing Ii will grant you a rudimentary version of thestyle, it will prevent you from mastering it later.
The Blue Demon's Alliance: By sparing Ii, you'll open the door to befriending Akikatsu Manabe, the Blue Demon, when you return to Edo in Chapter 3.
The Watchmen and the Ninja Villa: To befriend the Blue Demon, you'll need to complete "The Watchmen" side quest. Ally yourself with him, and once he takes residence in the sameNinja Villa as Sawamura, you'll be able to spar with him and enhanceyour Gikei-ryu skills. This allows you to fully master this style.
Alternative Acquisition: If you opted to eliminate the red demon, you can still get the baseform of the Gikei-ryu style by replaying the final mission of act 1 viathe "Testament of the Soul" feature.
Understanding the Significance:
The acquisition of these Shinobi styles is not merely about unlocking newmoves; it's about navigating the intricate web of relationships andchoices that define "Rise of the Ronin." The game emphasizes theimportance of bonds and the consequences of your actions, with eachdecision shaping your path and the skills you acquire.
Mastering the Shinobi styles in "Rise of the Ronin" requires patience, strategicdecision-making, and a keen understanding of the game's intricatemechanics. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Hayabusa-ryu and Gikei-ryu styles,allowing you to embrace the shadows and become a true master of the wayof the ronin.
