Ninja Gaiden Master Collection: Every Weapon In Sigma 2, Ranked

Fans of OG Ninja Gaiden can look at Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 as a decent PS3 port of Ninja Gaiden II on the Xbox 360. And long-time fans of the franchise today can get the Master Collection released this 2021 to finally replay Ryu Hayabusa's efforts in retrieving the Demon Statue from the malevolent Black Spider Clan.

Despite its age, Sigma 2 remains a hit among Ninja Gaiden fans for its intense action and immense co-op opportunities. Not to mention, action fans would appreciate Ryu's arsenal of unique weapons, offering new dimensions of gameplay whichever they use. While Sigma 2 does have its fair share of shinobi weapons, some do outrank the rest.

Updated on June 19, 2022 by Rhenn Taguiam: With no news yet for an official Ninja Gaiden sequel in 2022, fans of Ninja Gaiden must indulge in the 2021 Master Collection to feast on some of the franchise’s most acclaimed works. Its remaster of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 in particular lets newcomers to the franchise indulge in some of the best action the series has to offer. And for those who are just about to help Ryu in his adventure, it may help to learn in advance just how some of his best weapons work against his foes.

10 Dual Katanas: Dragon's Claw, Tiger Fang

Ryu can forego wielding the Dragon Sword for a pair of katanas to unleash more mobile attacks. These blades — the Dragon's Claw and Tiger Fang — were both forged by the legendary Miyamoto Musashi himself. Being Dual Katanas, they excel in crowd control through a moderate balance of speed and offensive power.

Advantages: Using the Dual Katanas feel very good through its huge moveset giving Ryu a ton of mobility regardless of the situation. This pairing works great against mobs due to its innately high firepower. Not to mention, its moves also appear extremely gorgeous to execute.

Disadvantages: Despite their damage potential, the DPS of the Dual Katanas don't necessarily matter given Sigma 2's delimb mechanics. While this weapon does boast decent crowd control, most other weapons outclass Dual Katanas in terms of stats.

Notable Combos: Go Fast And Loose*

The Dual Katanas rely heavily on speed, meaning accuracy and precision play a large role when it comes to dishing out combo strings properly. Players need to take note of directional control, especially when handling multiple foes from different vantage points. It’s recommended players understand how far certain attacks can go to understand which combos string next. Ideal combos include:

Double Lightning Strike – X, X, Forward + X, X L1
Lightning Pierce – X, X, Forward + X, X, X L2
Penetrating Lightning – X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X L3
(Throw) Underworld Drop – X, X, Forward + Y, Y, Y, Y L4
(Hitting Wall) Spinning Dragon Slayer – X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (wall hit), Y L2
(On Air) Spinning Zhong Kui – X, X, X, X, Y L3
(In Water) Heavenly Bay – Y, L1

9 Dual Katanas: Blade Of The Archfiend, True Dragon Sword

Ryu using Blade of the Achfiend and True Dragon Sword

Genshin of the Black Spider Clan easily matches Ryu in terms of combat strength, especially when empowered by the Blade of the Archfield. Opposite this Blade is the True Dragon Sword, the purest and most potent version of Ryu's signature blade. Players only acquire the Blade of the Archfield after defeating Genshin for the last time. When equipped, Ryu doesn't use this Blade alone but rather in tandem with the True Dragon Sword.

Advantages: This pair boasts devastatingly high damage coupled with incredible attack speed. Unlike Dragon's Claw and Tiger's Fang, this pairing doesn't have slow swings.

Disadvantages: Despite its firepower, the pairing does have limited range and won't see a lot of use due to late-game acquisition.

Notable Combos: Speed Is Brutal*

Although this pair of Dual Katanas can access the same combo strings as the Dragon’s Claw and Tiger Fang combo, this pair’s added firepower means their attacks do a lot more damage compared to usual attacks. Moreover, the added bursts of speed mean players should ideally stay in close range for their intended targets and then mid-range to access foes that will serve as the next targets. Ideal combos include:

Bladed Wind – X, X, Forward + X, Y L3
King Slayer – X, X, Forward + Y L2
Emperor Slayer – X, X, Forward + Y, Y L3
(Throw) Zhong Kui Izuna – X, Y, X, X, X, Y L2
(Hitting Wall) Dragon Slaying Sparrow – X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (wall hit), L2
(On Air) Whirlwind Slash – Y, Y L3
(In Water) Aqua Chasm – X, Y, Run, L1

8 Vigoorian Flail

At first glance, the Vigoorian Flail looks like an odd pair of golden sickles. However, they act more like a nunchaku being bonded together by a short chain. Despite being more European in aesthetic, its use in combat is arguably very similar to that of the nunchaku. As such, the Vigoorian Flail boasts destructive potential coupled with speed.

Advantages: The moveset of the Vigoorian Flail alone boasts quite the flexible potential. It has quick strikes, running moves, and a brutal decapitation maneuver.

Disadvantages: Despite its speed, the Vigoorian Flail does lack that characteristic "flair" that other weapons in the game had. It can't contend much against opponents on the heavier side.

Notable Combos: Dominate Any Direction*

Due to their nature as being similar to nunchucks, the Vigoorian Flail can attack from multiple directions at once with ease. However, some of its attacks tend to be stiff at the ending, leaving Ryu with little to no room to dodge or evade attacks from opponents immediately. As such, players need to be mindful of what combo strings to perform next right before the previous attack ends – that way, they can easily cancel into dodges when necessary. Ideal combos include:

Dragon and Phoenix – X, X, X, X, X, X
Wide Heavens – X, Y
Fire Pit- X, X, Y
(Throw) Runaway Lightning – X, Y
(Hitting Wall) Red-Hot Iron Brand: Wall Run, X or Y
(On Air) Guillotine Throw - Y (near enemy)
(In Water) Aqua Thrust – X, Y (floating on the surface)

7 Kusari-Gama

Pulling off a big attack with the Kusarigama

The Kusari-Gama or the chain sickle is a staple tool in the ninja's arsenal. In the case of early shinobi, they relied on the Kusari-Gama as a unique innovation towards weaponizing farmer implements. But in the hands of a master ninja like Ryu, the Kusari-Gama is a potent killing machine.

Advantages: This weapon boasts decent speed, and its reach makes it a reliable crowd control weapon. The Kusari-Gama also possesses a guaranteed delimb technique, great when facing various foes.

Disadvantages: Despite its sheer potential, the Kusari-Gama has rather complex combos. Its ground strings are risky, actively discouraging button-mashing from excited players. It doesn't help that the Kusari-Gama has limited stuns and wall attacks. To top it off, the weapon is also on the slower side.

Notable Combos: Balance Light And Heavy

The combination of the light and heavy weight of the Kusari-Gama makes it such a dynamic weapon, especially since Ryu can use this to dish out light attacks easily and end with heavy swings. Players who want to maximize damage need to balance the alternations of these attacks carefully, so as to avoid missing foes and being open for fierce counters. Ideal combos include:

Serpent Swing – X, X, X, Y, Y, Forward + Y
Midnight Blade – X, X, X, Forward + X
Skull Shatterer – X, X, Y, Y
(Throw) Demon Cutter - X, Forward + Hold Y (on hit)
(Hitting Wall) Flowing Dragon – X
(On Air) One Hundred Flames – Y, X, X
(In Water) Waterfall Breaker – X, X (running on water)

6 Lunar Staff

Thanks to the Lunar Staff, Ryu can rely on pulverizing and crushing enemies instead of simply slicing through them. This quarterstaff apparently changes its density according to the phases of the moon with its other materials making it exceptionally tough. Mechanically, the Lunar Staff remains a well-rounded weapon.

Advantages: Given its nature, the Lunar Staff is easily one of the melee weapons that have better reach. Its high stun and high crowd control capabilities make it a reliable weapon against most mobs. The Lunar Staff works best as a weapon for the earlier parts of the game.

Disadvantages: The Lunar Staff isn't as potent as players might hope, however. It only boasts medium-level speed and strength, with lower damage output compared to other weapons of its caliber.

Notable Combos: Mid-Range Domination

Players who use the Lunar Staff for the first time might be surprised to feel it’s slightly heavier compared to other weapons, but not heavy to impede doing stylish and fast-paced combos. To maximize the weapon’s nature, players are advised to keep themselves at about mid-range distance to consistently hit opponents but make target-switching much easier due to Ryu’s relative distance from opponents. Ideal combos include:

Dragon's Fang Spin – X, X, X, X
Dragon's Talon Spin – X, X, X, Y
Gleaming Shadow – X, X, Y
Infinity Thrust – X, Forward + X, X
(Throw) Izuna Drop – X, Forward + X, Y, X, X, Y
(Hitting Wall) Sixteen Nights – Y (wall running)
(On Air) Flashing Current – X (on land)
(In Water) Ivory Moon – Y (floating)

5 Falcon's Talons

Instead of relying on a sword, Ryu can don Falcon's Talons and dish out devastating martial arts to eliminate opponents. These customized gauntlets and footwear have steel claws attached to them, giving Ryu much-needed attacking power whenever he wants to outmaneuver foes with flashy martial arts.

Advantages: Falcon's Talons are one of the best weapons in the game in terms of sheer attack speed. Its accessible and mobile moveset makes this weapon work great for crowd control. It can delimb enemies easily, and its Flying Swallow + Izuna Drop can pummel swaths of enemies.

Disadvantages: Due to the nature of the Falcon's Talons, it does lack a lot in terms of range. Its reliance on speed makes it weaker in terms of DPS making it next to useless against armored enemies and if players want to break guards.

Notable Combos: Distance Through Speed

Perhaps one of the most fast-paced and stylish weapons out there, the Falcon’s Talons are perfect for reaching enemies at almost any range due to a wide variety of dashes, jumps, and sprints. A lot of this weapon’s combos include far-reaching finishers, courtesy of the sharp blades on the ends of its gauntlets. Players in wide spaces that have mobs scattered from end to end will love using Falcon’s Talons against them since one combo can end with dashes and sprints before starting the next string. Ideal combos include:

Lion's Roar – X, X, X, X, X
Heavenly Wolf – X, X, X, Y, Y, Y, Y
Tiger's Crushing Claw – X, X, Forward + X
(Throw) Izuna Drop – X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, Y
(Hitting Wall) Flame Of The Chimera – X, X, X (wall running)
(On Air) Crushing Vermillion Bird Strike – X, X, X, X
(In Water) Submerged Crushing Jaw – X, Y (running on water)

4 Enma's Fang

Why settle for flashy moves with a katana when a huge longsword can just obliterate swaths of enemies in one slash? Thanks to Enma's Fang, Ryu can pulverize enemies with this massive blade. Mechanically the third-strongest weapon in terms of power, Enma's Fang is a must-have for players who want to bring in the pain.

Advantages: If its sheer size isn't any indicator, Enma's Fang boasts incredible firepower for a melee weapon. Most of its attacks can break guards and can become a reliable boss fighter. Unlike other heavy weapons, Enma's Fang has its own stance and may even whirl larger enemies in the air.

Disadvantages: Unfortunately, its sheer size does make Enma's Fang lack in terms of reach and speed. Due to the longer recovery times its moves possess, the blade often leaves Ryu open after combos.

Notable Combos: Heavy Is Power*

There’s a lot of precision needed to maximize the capacity of Enma’s Fang, meaning players need to make their hits count when using this weapon. Players shouldn’t hesitate to integrate dodges and evasive maneuvers when using this weapon, and take their time with surefire hits instead of button mashing. That way, Enma’s Fang can dish out more consistent damage, despite lesser fast-paced hits. Ideal combos include:

Shattering Crucible – X, X, X, X ,X
Bronco Smash – Y, Y
Karma Cut – X, X, Y
Nirvana Verse – X, X, X, Y
(Throw) Izuna Drop – X, Y, X, X, Y

3 Dragon Sword

An iconic action hero needs an iconic weapon, and what better to associate Ryu Hayabusa with than the Dragon Sword. While the Dragon Sword does, indeed, have its more potent True Dragon Sword counterpart, the base form of the blade alone is among the most reliable among Ryu's arsenal.

Advantages: Befitting its signature weapon status, the Dragon Sword is the most versatile weapon in the game. It boasts effective combos, especially when empowered with elemental attacks. Its deflection and blocking capabilities also make it a great defensive weapon. Its combos give players access to multiple running and off-wall attacks, delimb options, and the iconic Flying Swallow.

Disadvantage: Being a melee weapon, the Dragon Sword does have limited range. It lacks stun options against larger enemies. Perhaps most importantly, Ryu is wide open whenever he ends the Flying Swallow.

Notable Combos: Versatility Still Reigns*

Thanks to the dynamic range and flexibility the Dragon Sword offers, this is by far one of the most ideal weapons to use in any setup. Players should ensure that Ryu uses his faster attacks to reach opponents much easier, and only use his heavier combo set as finishers or to stun opponents into submission. Ideal combos include:

Piercing Dragon’s Fang – X, X, X, X, X
Dragon Tear – X, X, X, Forward + X
Steel Splitter – X, X, X, Y
Tiger Roar – X, X, Y
(Throw) Izuna Drop – X, Y, X, X, X, Y
(Hitting Wall) Flying Swallow – X/Y (wall run)
(On Air) Azure Swallow – Forward + Y, Y
(In Water) Blade of Empty Water – X, Y, X (running on water)

2 Eclipse Scythe

Ryu becomes the Grim Reaper himself with the Eclipse Scythe. A prized weapon amongst the Lycanthrope, the Scythe is made out of mythical Damascus steel – boasting one of the most potent blades out there. In the game, the Eclipse Scythe is arguably the strongest amongst Ryu's weapons, especially in terms of sheer attack power.

Advantages: The Scythe truly shines with its humongous swing arc, as well as having the second-largest AOE in the game. This range advantage alone, alongside its moveset, gives players a lot of reach when it comes to dishing out combos. The Scythe works great for large fiends, making it advantageous for boss fights.

Disadvantages: Despite its sheer firepower, the Scythe isn't exactly the flashiest weapon in the game. Its relatively safe toolkit means there's not a lot of combos Ryu can pull off. Not to mention, the sheer "ease" of the game with the mechanical advantages of the Eclipse Scythe makes playing less challenging.

Notable Combos: Reach Provides More Openings*

The far reach of the Eclipse Scythe makes it a great weapon for long-distance incursions, especially when it comes to bringing opponents to Ryu or the other way around. Players should take note of how combo strings end and how they position Ryu, in order for him to have a better vantage point when it comes to stringing new combo sets. Using range to close in on opponents and using another ranged attack to zoom into another set of mobs is an ideal strategy here. Ideal combos include:

Piercing Moon X, X, X, X, X
Death’s Gate – X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X
Mist Slash – X, X, X, X, X, Y
(Throw) Shadow Banisher – X, X, X, X, Hold X (on enemy hit)
(Hitting Wall) Wind of Revenge – X/Y
(On Air) Immense Raven – X, X
(In Water) Wave of Judgement – Y, Y (water run)

1 Tonfas

Tonfas remain quite the ordinary-looking weapon compared to the rest among Ryu's arsenal. These weapons are actually made of wood, reinforced with steel, and perfect for bashing opponents with quick strikes. Given their short reach, Tonfas are expected to be extremely fast and used in a variety of means.

Advantages: Tonfas are arguably the best weapon in the game in terms of speed. Its toolkit combined with attack speed enable Tonfas to connect attacks extremely fast. When upgraded in full, the Tonfas can delimb enemies much quicker and much faster. It's just a sheer delight to look at, especially with the game's upgraded graphics.

Disadvantages: Unfortunately for the Tonfas, it's not as powerful and its range isn't as great. Its aerial combos aren't as reliable, either. Given its weak DPS and attack power, it's not as effective against larger enemies.

Notable Combos: Move With Attacks*

Perhaps the fastest among Ryu’s already-speedy arsenal, the Tonfas are a great asset when it comes to extreme close-ranged combat. Ryu can dispatch entire mobs much easier once he knows which combo strings end him in a particular direction, and which combos he should pull off in order to reach further opponents. Not to mention, a lot of the Tonfa’s attacks already integrate various movement actions into them, giving Ryu a lot of room to travel around. Ideal combos include: