Ninja Gaiden has numerous weapons. Some you can't help but acquire, others must be found, bought, or otherwise earned. Included with the list of weapons is their full move list. Any locked moves are noted next to the move name. "Scroll" denotes you learn the move from a scroll bought or found during the game. For moves, "Circle" means to rotate the Left Thumbstick in a full circle quickly. There are also a few basic moves that can be performed with any weapon:

Reverse Wind: Left Trigger + Right or Left on Thumbstick
Wind Path: While Jumping Near Enemy A
Wind Run: X + A
Flying Bird Flip: While on Wall A

Melee Weapons

Dragon Sword/True Dragon Sword
To Unlock: Default start weapon.
The best weapon in the game in terms of overall balance. It's quick, powerful, and has the best combos once all levels are unlocked. It's also the only weapon that gets a bonus upgrade during the story. Never a bad choice.

Moves List
Normal
Crimson Slash: X, X, X
Dragon Tear (Lvl 4): X, X, X, Y
Tiger Roar: X, X, Y
Fang of the Wolf (Lvl 2): X, X, Y, Y
Blade of the Dragon's Tail (Lvl 3): X, X, Y, Y, Y
Fiend's Bane Kick: X, X, Right, X, X
Early Winter Rain: X, X, Right, X, Y
Blade of Nirrti (Lvl 2): X, Y, X, X, X, X
Izuna Drop (Throw/Scroll): X, Y, X, X, X, Y
Windmill Slash: Right, X
Blade of the Undefeatable: Y
Haze Straight Slash: Hold Y
Extinction Straight Slash: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Storm of the Heavenly Dragon (Lvl 4): Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Azure Dragon: Right, Y
Scarlet Dragon: Right, Hold Y
Blade of the Twin Dragons (Lvl 4): Right, Hold Y, Y, Y
Violent Wind: While Running X
Violent Gale (Lvl 2): While Running X, X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Flying Crane (Lvl 2): Circle, Y
Gleaming Blade (Lvl 3): Circle, Hold Y
Roaring Gleam (Lvl 3): Circle, Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
True Dragon Gleam (Lvl 4): Circle, Holy Y (Ultimate Technique)
Gleaming Cross (Scroll): While Blocking Y
Fiend's Bane Kick (Scroll): While Blocking X, X
Fiend Sealer: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Blade of the Empty Air: Straight Up X
Helmet Splitter: Straight Up Y
Blade of Nirrti (Lvl 2): Straight Up X, X, X, X
Izuna Drop (Throw/Scroll): Straight Up X, X, X, Y
Air Destruction Slash: Forward X
Falling Dragon Blade: Forward Y
Flying Swallow (Lvl 2): Towards Enemy Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near Enemy Y

Wall
Cicada Slash: While on Wall X or Y
Flying Swallow (Lvl 2): While Wall Running X or Y
Divine Cicada Slash: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

In Water
Wave Reverser: Floating on Surface X, X or Y, Y
Ripple Slash: While Swimming on Surface X or Y
Floating Blade: While Underwater X, X, or Y, Y
Gleaming Water Dragon: While Swimming Underwater X or Y

Lunar
To Unlock: Pick up from vase in Chapter 2.
The Lunar is a devastating weapon with longer combos than the sword but more strength then the nunchucks or the flails. The best reasons to keep this weapon handy are its charge attack and incredible range. Holding Y will charge the staff twice and release Ryu's hurricane attack. Not only does this dole out huge amounts of damage, but even after one charge Ryu will benefit from a lengthy period of invincibility while in the hurricane.

Moves List
Normal
Raven Strike: X, X, X
Dragon's Claw (Lvl 2): X, X, X, Y
Raven Light: X, X, Y
Twilight: X, Y
Infinite Fury (Lvl 2): X, Y, Y
Arc of the Moon: Y
Soul of the Crescent: Hold Y
Shrouded Crescent: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Raven's Veil: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Lion's Rage: Right, X
Lion's Rage (Lvl 2): Right, X, X
Lion's Rage (Lvl 3): Right, X, X, X
Black Widow: Right, X, Y
Black Widow (Lvl 2): Right, X, X, Y
Black Widow (Lvl 3): Right, X, X, X, Y
Crescent Strike: Right, Y
Full Moon Strike (Lvl 3): Right, Y, Y
Lunar Explosion (Lvl 3): Right, Y, Y, Y
Purgatory's Rivet: While Running, X
Twin Serpent Strike: While Running, Y
Concealed Thrust (Scroll): While Blocking, X or Y
Raven Stream (Lvl 3): Circle, Y
Nirmanakaya: Next to a downed enemy, Y

While Jumping
Tempest: X
Izuna Drop (Scroll): X, Y
Phantom Moon: Y
Guillotine Throw (Scroll): Near an Enemy X+Y

Wall
Gibbous: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

Under Water
Aqua Thrust: Surface Attack X or Y
Water Formation Kick: Underwater, X or Y

Nunchaku
To Unlock: Found on dead body in Tairon.
This non-upgradeable weapon is fast and cool to use, but isn't very practical. There is a far better weapon with similar (but more deadly) properties. This one's for nostalgic purposes only.

Moves List
Normal
Dragon and Phoenix: X,X, X, X, X, X
Fire Pit: X, X, Y
Wide Heavens: X, Y
Sweeping Kick: Right, X
Flame wheel: Y, Y
Auspicious Crane: Hold Y
Auspicious Phoenix: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Gathering Clouds: Holy Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
Earth Slide: While Running X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Ring of Heaven Kick (Scroll): While Blocking X or Y
Demon Chaser: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Sweeping Strike: X
Dragon Emperor Kick: Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near an Enemy Y

Wall
Hell Drop: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y
Mountain Crane: During Flying Bird Flip X, Y or Y, Y

In Water
Aqua Thrust: Floating on Surface X or Y
Water Formation Kick: Underwater X or Y

Vigoorian Flail
To Unlock: Found in Chapter 6
Bladed nunchuks, these bad boys are fantastically fast and deadly weapons. Though it's not a good choice for a boss battle, the Flail can tear through most grunts and lesser fiends once it is fully upgraded to Level 2.

Moves List
Normal
Dragon and Phoenix: X, X, X, X, X, X
Cremator (Lvl 2): X, X, X, Right, X, X, X, X, X
Dragon Slaughter (Lvl 2): X, X, X, Right, X, Y
Fire Pit: X, X, Y
Wide Heavens: X, Y
Runaway Lightning (Throw/Lvl 2): Near an Enemy X, Y
Sweeping Kick: Right, X
Flame wheel: Y, Y
Auspicious Crane: Hold Y
Auspicious Phoenix: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Gathering Clouds: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
Ripping Thunder (Lvl 2): Right, Y, Y, Y
Earth Slide: While Running X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Ring of Heaven Kick (Scroll): While Blocking X or Y
Demon Chaser: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Sweeping Strike: X
Dragon Emperor Kick: Y
Red-Hot Iron Brand: Towards an Enemy Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near an Enemy Y

Wall
Red-Hot Iron Brand: Wall Running X or Y
Hell Drop: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y
Mountain Crane: During Flying Bird Flip X, Y or Y, Y

In Water
Aqua Thrust: Floating on Surface X or Y
Water Formation Kick: Underwater X or Y

War Hammer
To Unlock: Acquired in Chapter 8.
This powerful and slow weapon is fun to use, but not as effective as the Dragon Blade as far as speed is concerned. This is a tough one to handle against fast enemies like Wolverine Fiends, but can be useful against bosses and slower enemies. It can also smash a lot of stone objects.

Moves List
Normal
Ram's Head Drop: X
Horse Head Crush: X, X
Gleam of Heaven and Earth: X, Y
Surging Wave: Y
Flaming Torrent (Lvl 2): Y, Y
Thunder Tremor: Hold Y
Rage Tremor: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Tremor of the Heavens: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
steel Severer: Right, X
Flaming Whirlwind: Right, Y
Earth Slide: While Running X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Reigning Spiral (Scroll): While Blocking X or Y
Six Paths Spin (Lvl 2): Circle, Y
Corpse Crusher: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Avalanche Drop: X or Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near an Enemy Y

Wall
Rolling Thunder: On Wall X or Y
Raging Thunder: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

In Water
Aqua Thrust: Floating on Surface X or Y
Water Formation Kick: Underwater X or Y

Dabilahro
To Unlock: Collect 20 Scarabs
The mighty sword is much mightier when fully upgraded. This is a better choice for a heavy attack than the War Hammer, plus it looks cool. This is one of the best items you can receive for collecting Scarabs.

Moves List
Normal
Destroyer of Armies: X, X, X, X
Whirling Empire Blade (Lvl 3): X, X, X, X, X
Flaming Hell Slash (Lvl 3): X, X, X, X, X, Y
Flaming Hell Slash: X, X, X, X, Y
Gleam of Heaven and Earth: X, Y
Inferno Slash: Y
Purgatory Slash: Hold Y
Hundred Demons Blade: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Asura Slash: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
Flaming Inferno: Right, X
Flaming Whirlwind: Right, Y
Earth Slide: While Running X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Reigning Spiral (Scroll): While Blocking X or Y
Hundred Man Slash (Lvl 2): Circle, Y
Corpse Crusher: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Foot Crusher: X or Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near an Enemy Y

Wall
Thunderous Blade: On Wall X or Y
Raging Thunderous Blade: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

In Water
Aqua Thrust: Floating on Surface X or Y
Water Formation Kick: Underwater X or Y

Spear Gun
To Unlock: Found in Chapter 11.
The Spear Gun is only good for one thing -- shooting underwater. Otherwise it's a pretty useless item. Though it can shoot above ground, don't bother. The nice thing is that there's not ammo limit, so to your hearts content.

Moves List
On Land
Spear Shot: X or Y
Earth Slide: While Running X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y

While Jumping
Dragon Emperor Kick: X or Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near an Enemy Y

Wall
Dragon Emperor Kick: On Wall X or Y

In Water
Spear Shot: On Surface or Underwater X or Y

Wooden Sword/Unlabored Flawlessness
To Unlock: Purchase from Merchant/Upgrade fully
This practice sword can kill foes without decapitating them, but it is limited in moves. You can't even perform the Ultimate Technique. However, it can be upgraded an additional six times. It will cost you money, but the end result is worthwhile. A good sword for your second time through Ninja Gaiden.

Moves List
Normal
Crimson Slash: X, X, X
Tiger Roar: X, X, Y
Fiend's Bane Kick: X, X, Right, X, X
Early Winter Rain: X, X, Right, X, Y
Blade of the Undefeatable: Y
Sweeping Kick: Right, X
Scarlet Dragon: Right, Y
Earth Slide: While Running X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Gleaming Cross (Scroll): While Blocking Y
Fiend's Bane Kick (Scroll): While Blocking X, X
Fiend Sealer: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Blade of the Empty Air: Straight Up X
Helmet Splitter: Straight Up Y
Air Destruction Slash: Forward X
Falling Dragon Blade: Forward Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near Enemy Y

Wall
Cicada Slash: While on Wall X or Y
Divine Cicada Slash: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

In Water
Wave Reverser: Floating on Surface X, X or Y, Y
Ripple Slash: While Swimming on Surface X or Y
Floating Blade: While Underwater X, X, or Y, Y
Gleaming Water Dragon: While Swimming Underwater X or Y

Kitetsu
To Unlock: Defeat Doku
This is a powerful slasher, but it comes at a price. If you wield the blade, your health slowly drains. Only by killing others can you keep this vampiric effect from happening. The solution? Switch to a different weapon when not in combat.

Moves List
Normal
Dark Rain: X, X, X
Stab of Overpowering Evil: X, X, Y
Dead Soul Bind: X, X, Right, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X
Soul Eraser: X, X, Right, X, Y
Blade of Nirrti: X, Y, X, X, X, X
Izuna Drop (Throw, Scroll): X, Y, X, X, X, Y
Stab of Extinction: Y
Haze Straight Slash: Hold Y
Extinction Straight Slash: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Bassara: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
Crazed Bones Slash: Right, X
Azure Dragon: Right, Y
Scarlet Dragon: Right, Hold Y
Behead Dragon: While Running X, X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Hundred Curses Slash: Circle Y
Gleaming Cross (Scroll): While Blocking Y
Fiend's Bane Kick (Scroll): While Blocking X, X
Fiend Sealer: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Blade of Nirrti: Straight Up X, X, X, X
Izuna Drop (Throw/Scroll): Straight Up X, X, X, Y
Helmet Splitter: Straight Up Y
Air Destruction Slash: Forward X
Falling Dragon Blade: Forward Y
Flying Swallow: Towards Enemy Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near Enemy Y

Wall
Cicada Slash: While on Wall X or Y
Flying Swallow (Lvl 2): While Wall Running X or Y
Divine Cicada Slash: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

In Water
Wave Reverser: Floating on Surface X, X or Y, Y
Ripple Slash: While Swimming on Surface X or Y
Floating Blade: While Underwater X, X, or Y, Y
Gleaming Water Dragon: While Swimming Underwater X or Y

Plasma Saber/Plasma Saber MK II
To Unlock: Beat game on Normal or Hard.
This sucker is just like the Dragon Sword only it's much cooler! It's a Lightsaber, clearly, one with a gorgeous green blade. The combos are the same (with a couple of additions), but it has a nice visual, particularly when you upgrade to what would normally be the True Dragon Sword.

Moves List
Normal
Crimson Slash: X, X, X
Dragon Tear (Lvl 4): X, X, X, Y
Tiger Roar: X, X, Y
Fang of the Wolf (Lvl 2): X, X, Y, Y
Blade of the Dragon's Tail (Lvl 3): X, X, Y, Y, Y
Fiend's Bane Kick: X, X, Right, X, X
Early Winter Rain: X, X, Right, X, Y
Blade of Nirrti (Lvl 2): X, Y, X, X, X, X
Izuna Drop (Throw/Scroll): X, Y, X, X, X, Y
Windmill Slash: Right, X
Blade of the Undefeatable: Y
Haze Straight Slash: Hold Y
Extinction Straight Slash: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Hundred Wing Blade: Hold Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
Storm of the Heavenly Dragon (Lvl 4): Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Azure Dragon: Right, Y
Scarlet Dragon: Right, Hold Y
Blade of the Twin Dragons (Lvl 4): Right, Hold Y, Y, Y
Violent Wind: While Running X
Violent Gale (Lvl 2): While Running X, X
Thunderclap Kick: While Running Y
Flying Crane (Lvl 2): Circle, Y
Gleaming Blade (Lvl 3): Circle, Hold Y
Roaring Gleam (Lvl 3): Circle, Hold Y (Ultimate Technique)
Annihilation Gleam (Lvl 3): Circle, Hold Y (Ultimate Technique, 2 Essences)
True Dragon Gleam (Lvl 4): Circle, Holy Y (Ultimate Technique)
Gleaming Cross (Scroll): While Blocking Y
Fiend's Bane Kick (Scroll): While Blocking X, X
Fiend Sealer: Next to Downed Enemy Y

While Jumping
Blade of the Empty Air: Straight Up X
Helmet Splitter: Straight Up Y
Blade of Nirrti (Lvl 2): Straight Up X, X, X, X
Izuna Drop (Throw/Scroll): Straight Up X, X, X, Y
Air Destruction Slash: Forward X
Falling Dragon Blade: Forward Y
Flying Swallow (Lvl 2): Towards Enemy Y
Guillotine Throw (Throw/Scroll): Near Enemy Y

Wall
Cicada Slash: While on Wall X or Y
Flying Swallow (Lvl 2): While Wall Running X or Y
Divine Cicada Slash: During Flying Bird Flip X or Y

In Water
Wave Reverser: Floating on Surface X, X or Y, Y
Ripple Slash: While Swimming on Surface X or Y
Floating Blade: While Underwater X, X, or Y, Y
Gleaming Water Dragon: While Swimming Underwater X or Y

Projectile Weapons
Projectile weapons cannot be upgraded. Some have limited ammo and others don't. your secondary weapon should be just that, secondary. That doesn't mean these aren't worthwhile, they certainly are.

Shurikens
To Unlock: Default at start of game.
Ammo: Unlimited
These tiny buggers can be thrown quickly. They do very little damage, but a successful hit will often halt an enemy's attack. They also add to combo strings.

Smoke Bombs
To Unlock: Found in Chapter 2
Ammo: 15
Smoke Bombs will make a nice little flash when you toss one out. They won't damage any enemies, but they will temporarily blind all of the enemies in the area. You should use these when you find yourself being overwhelmed by too many enemies.

Incendiary Shuriken
To Unlock: Found in Chapter 6
Ammo: 15
These are good for breaking through cracked walls and if you can chuck one on an enemy, it will make them go boom. These are in limited supply, but the Incendiary Shuriken is sometimes the only projectile weapon that can hurt bosses.

Windmill Shuriken
To Unlock: Found in Tairon
Ammo: Unlimited
You get just one Windmill Shuriken, but this mighty beast returns to Ryu like a boomerang. This can cleave an enemies head from 30 yards. It's one to love.

Bow/Strongbow
To Unlock: Bow found in Chapter 2/Strongbow found in Chapter 8
Ammo: 15
The bow is to be used for certain situations (see Walkthrough) but isn't meant for typical secondary weapon use. Holding B and moving the Left Thumbstick takes you into first person mode, but you can also shoot from third person by tapping B while on the move.

APFSDS Cores
To Unlock: Found in Chapter 9
Ammo: 15
Made from tank shell, this bad bow can do damage to massive mechanical beasts, like helicopters and tanks. It's deadlier than regular arrows and can kill some footsoldiers with one shot.

Explosive Arrows
To Unlock: Found in Chapter 9
Ammo: 15
The Explosive Arrow makes up for poor aim. This one can also damage big metal beasts, but is a good way to take out distant enemies.

Armlets
There are numerous Armlets that can be found or bought in Ninja Gaiden. You can only wear one at a time, so choose wisely. We recommend the Sun Armlet over all others, but part of the decision is based on the difficulties you have with the game.

The Armlet of the Sun: Increases attack power.
The Armlet of the Moon: Increases defense.
The Armlet of Potency: Increases the damage done by throw and kick techniques. Unlock with 5 Scarabs.
The Armlet of Benediction: Increases Yellow Essence absorption. Unlock with 30 Scarabs.
The Armlet of Fortune: Increases Ninpo power. Unlock with 40 Scarabs.
The Armlet of Tranquility: Gradually replenishes Ryu's health. 
Armlet of Celerity: Decreases the amount of time required to charge up an Ultimate Technique. Unlock with 25 Scarabs.