The notion of ninjas, clever and sly warriors from Japanese history and folklore, is central to the genre of video games known as ninja games. The gameplay in these games frequently emphasizes agility, battle, stealth, and the mastering of various ninja tactics. Obviously, in ninja games, players frequently take on the character of a ninja protagonist who navigates levels or open-world environments using stealth, acrobatics, and combat abilities. Such action may involve killing targets, performing breathtaking martial arts maneuvers, and utilizing a variety of ninja-related tools and weapons, such as shurikens, katanas, or smoke bombs. These games usually emphasize how important it is to hit precisely while avoiding detection.
If you read our past article regarding Japanese PC games, I think you might like this one. While Ninja games isn’t a distinctive genre, those games are always great action and hack-and-slash titles. In fact, some of the best action games I’ve played has some badass Ninjas in them and they are awesome! This list will be hardcore, with lots of Ninjas, so if you don’t like a single game… well, you’re screwed! Just kidding, the list of 22 Best Ninja Games for PC is below. I would have a katana by myself if I were you!
1. Nioh
Nioh is one of the most challenging game in 2023. The popularity of Dark Souls series led to many similar games and one of them is Nioh. You can bash this game all you want for being a Dark Souls clone, but when you play it, you’ll see that the only similarity here is the difficulty. The game is seriously punishing and requires you to be tactical and think about every move. Here, you can’t just kill two or three enemies at the same time and sometimes, it’s just better to retreat. On top of that, Nioh is set in a Sengoku period when the civil war was still haunting Japan. Expect some mind-boggling bosses and a great Japanese storytelling.
Features
- Challenging gameplay
- Punishing difficulty
- Sengoku period setting
- Mind-boggling bosses
- Great Japanese storytelling
2. Shadow Warrior 2
Wang might be the most badass Ninja of all time! Seriously, this dude is awesome. However, Shadow Warrior 2 wouldn’t be a worthy game without a fast-paced combat and jaw-dropping action. The game does a pretty good job of combining both hack-and-slash fightings with first-person shooter elements. That being said, you’ll use your katana often, but also use powerful guns like automatic rifles, shotguns, pistols and even grenades. Shadow Warrior 2 is like a DOOM with swords, letting you slash the demons and even human enemies, creating an ultimate Ninja carnage!
Features
- Fast-paced combat
- Hack-and-slash fighting
- First-person shooter elements
- Katana and powerful guns
- Jaw-dropping action
3. Mark of the Ninja
Unlike the first two games on the list, Mark of the Ninja isn’t about killing but sneaking. Mark of the Ninja is an amazing stealth game for the true and hardcore stealth fans. Believe me, although this is a 2D game, it’s freaking challenging! Finishing the level requires fast reflexes, constant thinking, and awareness, as levels are swarming with enemies. You can do some killing, sure, but the most rewarding way of completing the game is by sneaking past your enemies. After all, Ninjas are experts in sneaking, so let’s see how much of a Ninja you are!
Features
- Stealth gameplay
- Challenging and rewarding
- 2D game with fast reflexes
- Sneaking past enemies
- Expertise in sneaking
4. Overgrowth
We’ve seen Kung Fu Panda already and it was cool, but how about a Ninja Rabbit? Well, you must be joking, right? Actually, no. Overgrowth is a game of martial arts which puts you in a role of a cool Ninja Rabbit whose mission is to free the other rabbits from the evil overlord. The combat in this game is very good, responsive and offers attractive moves and skills to be used. Graphically, the game doesn’t shine, but hey, it’s an action game, so it’s sort of forgivable.
Features
- Martial arts gameplay
- Play as a Ninja Rabbit
- Good combat mechanics
- Attractive moves and skills
5. Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall of the Samurai
There’s nothing better than an amazing standalone expansion to an amazing video game. Yes, folks, I’m talking about Total War: Shogun 2- Fall of the Samurai. If you think that this is a Samurai game, you are right, but not completely. In fact, the game is mainly about Samurais, but there are some Ninjas here also, resulting in a varied and interesting setting. This is a strategy game, so expect solid visuals and smooth gameplay on almost every PC. Dive right into the game and don’t forget to try the base game- they are both great!
Features
- Strategy game
- Samurai and Ninja setting
- Varied and interesting gameplay
- Solid visuals and smooth gameplay
6. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
How about some Naruto Shippuden, huh? That is one of the best series I’ve ever watched and now it’s here like a game, isn’t that wonderful?! Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Storm 4 is back and it’s better than ever. The same cartoonish graphics are here, but the combat is much improved over the past game. Furthermore, the game is VERY fun to play even for those who aren’t Naruto fans… bad for them, by the way! Buy this game and enjoy this immersive fighting experience.
Features
- Immersive fighting experience
- Improved combat mechanics
- Fun to play for Naruto fans
- Cartoonish graphics
7. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Edo period was one of the most crucial periods for Japan. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is here to throw you right into the Edo period, and guess what? It’s done very well. It’s a stealth game, but the camera is top-down, meaning that you can have a wider and bigger field of view; a very relevant thing for the genre. The game is also pretty challenging, which surprised me a lot. It manages to engage you in its story and setting, quickly embarking you on a journey filled with espionage, sabotage, and assassinations. Singleplayer games were never this fun!
Features
- Edo period setting
- Top-down stealth game
- Wide field of view
- Challenging gameplay
- Espionage, sabotage, and assassinations
8. Kenshi
If you’ve come to this point, you’ve had your share of amazing Ninja games from our list, so get ready for Kenshi. Kenshi is an open-world game and it’s filled with stuff to do. Being a role-playing game, Kenshi lets you play the game however you want. However, the game doesn’t have a multiplayer mode which may turn down some players. What this game has are a compelling RPG experience, amazing sandbox gameplay, and a story. Get ready for a new type of Ninja game; I bet you’ll enjoy it.
Features
- Open-world RPG
- Compelling RPG experience
- Sandbox gameplay
- Story-driven
- New type of Ninja game
9. Aragami
If you’re feeling tired of singleplayer games, now it’s time to introduce a game that has both the singleplayer campaign and a multiplayer component. It’s Aragami, a very underrated piece of a game. Aragami puts you in a role of an undead assassin who utilizes his power to control shadows to gain an advantage over his enemies. Being played from the third-person perspective, the game lets you do some pretty cool kills, teleports and NInja moves. This is a hardcore stealth game, so expect a challenging, yet rewarding experience.
Features
- Undead assassin protagonist
- Power to control shadows
- Third-person perspective
- Cool kills, teleports, and Ninja moves
- Hardcore stealth game
10. Ninja Blade
Ninja Blade is one of those old-school hack-and-slash games that we all love. Being released in 2009, the game looked fine for the time, and although the graphics are now heavily dated, the game is still fun as hell. Playing as a Ninja never gets old as you get to do various stunts and use your swords to eliminate your foes. I mean, what more can I say about the game? You can’t get a better game for a couple of bucks, that’s for sure.
Features
- Hack-and-slash gameplay
- Various stunts and sword usage
- Fun and dated graphics
- Classic Ninja action
11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Kojima Productions once again proved that they know their business with their Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance game. So, what the hell is this game? Well, it ditched the stealth-based gameplay of Metal Gear Solid and introduced a polished, streamlined and smooth hack-and-slash action. Many say that these games are too easy, but if you try this one, you’ll see that gamers are sometimes wrong. In fact, this game is one of the more challenging when it comes to this genre and it’s great to see a unique and authentic game among many bland and uninspiring titles.
Features
- Streamlined hack-and-slash action
- Polished combat mechanics
- Challenging gameplay
- Unique and authentic game
12. Mortal Kombat X
Mortal Kombat X marks a great return on the beloved fighting games franchise. Welcome aboard! Mortal Kombat X brings a heart-pounding fighting gameplay in your face, with a new (and old) set of characters, new fighting moves, improved X-Ray attack animations and of course, some gruesome fatalities! There is also an amazing campaign which revolves around the well-known characters from the Mortal Kombat universe and you can play multiplayer whenever you can. This is gonna be bloody and I already like it!
Features
- Heart-pounding fighting gameplay
- New and old characters
- Improved X-Ray attack animations
- Gruesome fatalities
- Single-player campaign and multiplayer
13. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
The PC game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an amazing masterpiece and belongs on the list of the top ninja titles. This game, which was made by the same company that made Dark Souls, FromSoftware, takes you on an exciting trip that takes place in Sengoku-era Japan. You take on the role of the Wolf, a shinobi with a prosthetic arm, and travel through perilous terrain while fighting fierce sword battles. Every battle in Sekiro is an exhilarating test of skill due to the combat’s quick tempo and requirement for exact timing. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a must-play for any fan of ninja video games because to its breathtaking visuals, hard gameplay, and compelling story rooted in Japanese mythology.
Features
- Breathtaking visuals
- Hard and quick combat
- Compelling story rooted in Japanese mythology
- Prosthetic arm and sword battles
14. Dead or Alive 5: Last Round
Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is a free PC game, and of course, it’s about fighting. The studio that stands behind this title is a well-known Japanese studio KOEI TECMO GAMES, which also worked on Nioh. This studio is already introduced to the genre, and I can confidently say that this is one of the best free fighting games for PC along with Killer Instinct. Everything here is on point, including graphics, fighting mechanics and the satisfaction you get from playing it.
Features
- Free fighting game
- Great graphics
- Satisfying fighting mechanics
- KOEI TECMO GAMES studio
15. Armed with Wings: Rearmed
If you like the games with a great, albeit dark and mysterious atmosphere, then you should check Armed with Wings: Rearmed. It’s a 2D game with the graphics resembling games such as Limbo. Although the game is monochromatic, it still offers an amazing 2D action gameplay and exploration. You can use your sword to fight the enemies or your wings to explore the skies and unravel new mysteries. With that, Armed with Wings: Rearmed is one of the most balanced and pleasant gaming experience I’ve had in a long time.
Features
- Dark and mysterious atmosphere
- 2D action gameplay and exploration
- Sword and wing usage
- Balanced and pleasant gaming experience
16. Ninja Stealth 3
Ninja Stealth 3 pushes the boundaries of the stealth genre not in the graphics compartment, but in pure gameplay mechanics. No, this isn’t your ordinary hide and sneak game, but a completely new stealth experience. To be more precise, Ninja Stealth 3 is a top-down game which provides you with 30 hard levels to master your stealth Ninja skills. It’s a casual low-spec game that doesn’t take much space either money from your wallet but offers tons of fun for PC gamers.
Features
- Top-down stealth game
- 30 hard levels
- Casual low-spec game
- Tons of fun
17. Sengoku Jidai: Shadow of the Shogun
Strategy games come in various shapes and sizes, but there are those unique games that you simply can’t help but love. Sengoku Jidai: Shadow of the Shogun is a turn-based strategy game that will change your whole perspective on this genre. It’s a game set in Sengoku era, focusing on the Warring States in Japan as well as a huge Japanese Invasion of Korea. This leads to some fun, intense and satisfying strategy experience that needs more than just a mouse and a keyboard to be played. Instead, Sengoku Jidai forces you to be tactical and meticulous, or be forgotten for good!
Features
- Turn-based strategy game
- Warring States and Japanese Invasion of Korea setting
- Tactical and meticulous gameplay
- Intense and satisfying strategy experience
18. Blade Symphony
Blade Symphony is a straight multiplayer game, and that’s cool. A multiplayer Ninja game, you say? I’m buying it! Blade Symphony is a game of world’s greatest swordsmen engaging in 1 vs. 1 encounters. On top of that, Blade Symphony lets you play “2 vs. 2” mode, capture Control Points and enjoy in various weapons the game offers. It might not be the most polished Ninja experience, but having in mind that it costs just a couple of bucks, it’s still a good bang for the buck.
Features
- Multiplayer 1 vs. 1 swordsmen game
- “2 vs. 2” mode and Capture Points
- Various weapons
- Good bang for the buck
19. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
Ninja Gaiden is the greatest Ninja games series for the PlayStation console. That’s an amazing hack-and-slash game that made everyone buy their PlayStation consoles just to play this game. But, poor PC gamers who love the game need to know that there is a game called Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, which is a worthy replacement. With the cartoonish, yet beautiful graphics and varied gameplay, the game is a mixed bag, but in a positive sense. You’ll encounter human enemies, as well as zombies, and slash and bash them with your cyber arm like a true badass! Use everything at your disposal to show ’em who is a true Ninja!
Features
- Hack-and-slash game
- Cartoonish graphics
- Mixed bag gameplay
- Fighting human enemies and zombies
- Cyber arm and true badass Ninja experience
20. Shadow Blade: Reload
Shadow Blade: Reload is an amazing Ninja platformer game for every PC out there. Set in a visually-stunning world full of enemies and traps to overcome, Shadow Blade: Reload offers intense, heart-pounding 2D gameplay. The game looks so awesome, mostly because it features a combination of both pre-rendered (background) and real-time graphics. The combat is amazing here, but the game isn’t simple as you still have to crawl through the trap-littered levels and slay dangerous enemies. Prepare for an ultimate Ninja experience, this is it, boys and girls!
Features
- Ninja platformer game
- Visually-stunning world
- Intense 2D gameplay
- Pre-rendered and real-time graphics
21. 2 Ninjas 1 Cup
2 Ninjas 1 Cup is a strange game… and who the hell is that developer? They are advertising the game as being so stupid that you’ll love it. Well, they are goddamn right! 2 Ninjas 1 Cup is more than a meme and a video found on the internet (don’t watch it), boasting a stupidly good voice acting and challenging gameplay… and yes, a penis-tank they’re so proud of! You won’t believe me, but this is one of the most challenging platformers I’ve played. Ugly graphics, cringe-worthy story and bland voice acting never felt so good and refreshing. You’ll have a time of your life with this game!
Features
- Absurd and challenging platformer
- Stupidly good voice acting
- Ugly graphics, cringe-worthy story
- Bland voice acting, refreshing experience
- Features a proud penis-tank
22. Katana Zero
The stylish and compelling ninja game Katana ZERO combines action-packed gameplay with an engaging story. As a samurai assassin, you must make your way through a number of intricately planned levels while taking out enemies with your razor-sharp katana. This game’s unique time-bending capabilities let you slow down time and tactically plan your moves. A distinctive and captivating mood is produced by the game’s pixel art graphics and synthwave audio. The plot develops as you go along, exposing sinister secrets and shocking turns. The exhilarating and provocative experience Katana ZERO highlights the best facets of the ninja genre.
Features
- Stylish ninja action game
- Razor-sharp katana combat
- Time-bending mechanics
- Pixel art graphics, synthwave audio
- Intriguing story with shocking turns