Rise of the Ronin has captivated players with its immersive open-world action RPG gameplay, allowing them to step into the shoes of a wandering samurai in 19th-century Japan. One of the most exciting rewards in the game is the Ninja Descendant armor, inspired by the legendary Ninja Gaiden series and reminiscent of Ryu Hayabusa’s iconic attire. Acquiring this exclusive armor requires strategy, dedication, and mastery of key in-game relationships. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to obtain this legendary armor and elevate your gameplay experience.
Unlocking the Ninja Descendant Armor in Rise of the Ronin
To claim the legendary Ninja Descendant armor, players must form a strong bond with Yasusuke Sawamura, a key NPC found in Edo. This process involves completing specific missions, engaging in battles, and offering strategic gifts to increase your bond level. Follow these steps carefully to ensure you unlock this coveted armor set.
Step 1: Progress Through the Main Storyline in Yokohama
Before heading to Edo, players must first complete essential story missions in Yokohama. These missions serve as a prerequisite for meeting Yasusuke Sawamura and gaining access to the Ninja Villa, where the armor will eventually be unlocked.
Key Missions to Complete:
- Assassination at the U.S. Consulate: Progress through the main campaign until you complete this mission involving Townsend Harris.
- Yokohama’s Shadow Mission: Speak with Yukichi Fukuzawa at the Yokohama Grand Villa to start the Cultural Exchange quest.
- Side Mission on the Black Ships: Participate in Fukuzawa’s mission aboard the American Black Ships to deepen your relationship with him and unlock key sword-fighting techniques.
Completing these quests is critical as they help unlock the Tatsumi-ryu and Hayabusa-ryu katana fighting styles, both of which are instrumental in forming a stronger connection with Sawamura later.
Step 2: Locate Yasusuke Sawamura in Edo
After progressing through Yokohama’s storyline, players will gain access to Edo, where Yasusuke Sawamura resides. His location is somewhat hidden, so finding him requires precise navigation.
Where to Find Sawamura:
- Travel to Edo’s Kojimachi district.
- Look for the Veiled Edge banner in the northwest corner.
- Enter the Ninja Villa, a secretive hut with an underground arena.
- Descend into the basement, where Sawamura awaits.
Once inside the Ninja Villa, players must interact with Sawamura and begin the process of increasing their bond level to unlock the Ninja Descendant armor.
Step 3: Increase Your Bond with Yasusuke Sawamura
Raising your bond level with Sawamura to Level 4 is the key to unlocking the legendary armor. There are several methods to strengthen your relationship with him, and using a combination of these strategies will ensure quick progress.
Best Ways to Increase Bond Level:
1. Offer Valuable Gifts
Gifting Sawamura his favorite items significantly boosts your bond level. The two most effective gifts are:
- Imported Beer – An item that Sawamura highly values, giving a substantial bond boost.
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Book) – A highly appreciated literary gift.
Regularly providing these gifts will accelerate your progress toward Bond Level 4.
2. Engage in Training Battles
Sawamura offers training sessions in the underground arena of the Ninja Villa. These battles provide an effective way to increase your bond level while honing your combat skills.
- Select training battles with Sawamura and aim to win consistently.
- For faster results, adjust the game difficulty to “Dawn” for easier victories.
- Each win increases the bond level, allowing you to unlock the armor faster.
By combining gifts and training sessions, players can efficiently maximize their bond with Sawamura.
Step 4: Unlock the Legendary Ninja Descendant Armor
Once players reach Bond Level 4 with Yasusuke Sawamura, the Ninja Descendant armor becomes available. This exclusive armor set grants the player an aesthetic and functional advantage, allowing them to embody the legendary shinobi spirit of the Ninja Gaiden universe.
Why the Ninja Descendant Armor is Essential
- Iconic Design: A tribute to the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, bringing an authentic ninja aesthetic to the game.
- Enhanced Combat Performance: Designed for stealth and agility, complementing fast-paced katana-based fighting styles.
- Unique Character Experience: Adds depth and immersion for players looking to explore the shinobi path.
Bonus: Unlocking the Elite Ninja Sword
While at the Ninja Villa, players can also obtain the Elite Ninja Sword, a powerful weapon hidden behind a secret wall. To find it:
- Look for scratch marks on the floorboards before descending into the basement.
- Interact with the wall mechanism to reveal the hidden chamber containing the Elite Ninja Sword.
This weapon further enhances the shinobi gameplay experience, making it a valuable addition to any ninja-themed build.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Gameplay with the Legendary Armor
The Ninja Descendant armor in Rise of the Ronin is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it embodies the spirit of Ninja Gaiden’s legendary warriors. By following the steps outlined above, players can seamlessly unlock this coveted armor set, forge a strong bond with Yasusuke Sawamura, and enhance their shinobi playstyle.
With the Rise of the Ronin world offering deep customization and role-playing opportunities, the addition of this armor further expands the possibilities for those seeking an authentic ninja experience. Secure your legendary Ninja Gaiden armor now and take your Ronin journey to the next level!
