Ninjas were exceptionally skilled, highly trained Japanese warriors and assassins who operated in the shadows during Feudal Japan.
Their stealth, discipline, and legendary techniques still capture the imagination today—so it’s no surprise they’ve inspired countless games across multiple genres.
Best Ninja Games to Play Right Now
Whether you want quiet stealth kills, lightning-fast swordplay, or tactical squad missions where every step matters, ninja games can deliver all of it. Below are some of the best ninja games available right now, each offering a different take on what it means to fight from the shadows.
Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja is a side-scrolling 2D platformer created by Klei Entertainment. It features sharp, cartoon-styled visuals, excellent animation, and tightly designed levels filled with guards, traps, and patrol routes that punish careless movement.
Mark of the Ninja
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Genres: Platform, Adventure, Indie
Stealth first, combat second
In most situations, rushing enemies head-on is a fast way to get eliminated. The game encourages you to stay hidden, watch enemy patterns, and strike at the right moment. You can sneak past threats entirely, pick enemies off one by one, or set up surprise takedowns that feel incredibly satisfying when executed cleanly.
Ninja Gaiden Series (Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection)
If you like ninjas and difficult challenges, the Ninja Gaiden series is a classic. Developed by Tecmo, it follows Ryu Hayabusa, an elite ninja warrior known for his speed, precision, and brutally efficient combat style.
High-skill action and boss fights
Ninja Gaiden is famous for intense encounters, relentless enemies, and powerful bosses that demand timing, mastery, and patience. Combat is spectacular and combo-heavy, with sword techniques and special moves that reward players who learn the systems instead of button-mashing.
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Genres: Adventure
NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection
Release Date: June 10, 2021
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
NINJA GAIDEN 4
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Genres: Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Why the Master Collection is the best starting point
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a great way to jump in because it includes three major entries: Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. If you want a full action-focused ninja marathon, it’s hard to beat this bundle.
Aragami & Aragami 2
Another strong pick is Aragami and its sequel Aragami 2, created by Lince Works. You play as the mysterious ninja Aragami, who commands shadow-based abilities. Your mission centers around rescuing a woman held by enemies—setting you on a stealthy journey through hostile territory.
Aragami
Release Date: October 04, 2016
Genres: Adventure, Indie
Aragami 2
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Genres: Adventure, Indie
Shadow powers that change how you play
Aragami’s core identity is built around stealth tools powered by darkness. You can manipulate shadows to stay hidden, slip through enemy lines, create traps, and ambush foes without alerting the entire area. The games also introduce environmental challenges and occasional puzzles, forcing you to adapt strategies as level layouts and enemy setups change.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
If you prefer tactical gameplay, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an essential pick. This tactical stealth RTS lets you control a team of five specialists operating in Feudal Japan. Each character has different skills, which opens the door to creative solutions and varied mission strategies.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Release Date: December 06, 2016
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Indie
Five characters, endless approaches
You can set ambushes, lure enemies into traps, coordinate surprise takedowns, and chain abilities together for clean, silent clears. With well-designed levels and multiple difficulty options, the game encourages experimentation—and because there are so many ways to solve each mission, replaying levels can feel like a completely new experience.
Final thoughts
The list of awesome ninja games goes far beyond these examples, but the titles above are a strong starting point whether you love stealth, high-skill action, or tactical planning. Pick the style that fits your mood, sharpen your blade, and enjoy hours of shadowy, satisfying gameplay.