Unlocking the Path to Power: All Ankou Rift Locations in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

In the world of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, the journey of Joe Musashi is not just about a quest for vengeance; it is a pilgrimage toward mastery. While the game’s main story provides a formidable challenge, true mastery can only be achieved by conquering the game’s toughest optional challenges: the Ankou Rifts. These hidden side levels are a test of skill, requiring you to utilize every technique and tool in your arsenal, and are an essential part of getting 100% completion.

The effort is well worth it, as conquering these brutal challenges will not only prove your skill but also reward you with a special prize. By defeating all 10 Rifts and collecting the fragments within, you will be able to reforge the legendary and powerful Dark Katana. If you’re a player looking to truly become a master shinobi, here is a complete guide to finding every Ankou Rift.

Ankou Rifts, Explained

Ankou Rifts are optional bonus stages that can be found in almost every level of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. These are not simple combat arenas; they are designed to push your platforming and combat skills to their limits, with a focus on a specific skill or Ninjutsu technique. Many of these Rifts are only accessible after you’ve unlocked all of the necessary Ningi, making them a key part of the post-game content. The Rifts are marked on the map with a rift sign and a purple background, but finding them is a challenge in itself.

Now that you know what you’re in for, here is where to find every Ankou Rift.

Oboro Village Ankou Rift

The first Ankou Rift in the game is not difficult to reach, but it requires a Ningi that you won’t unlock until much later in the game. Fast-travel to the Attic checkpoint near the end of the level. Head down into the main room that is on fire. At the bottom of the room, you will see a green Yokai Barrier. To destroy it, you will need the Sword Dive Ningi, which you unlock in the ENE Corp Laboratory level. Once you break the barrier, you can access the Rift, which will test your platforming and air-dash timing against a series of spinning blades.

Lantern Festival Ankou Rift

The Ankou Rift in the Lantern Festival level is one of the easiest to find. The closest checkpoint is called “Buildings.” From there, head towards the point marked on your map. Once you reach the area, roll under a gap and use the Ninja Hook Ningi, which you unlock in the Neo City level. Hook up to the left and you will find the Ankou Rift. This Rift will test your ability to use the Cannon Punch to destroy Yokai Barriers while you race against an inferno raging behind you.

The Mountain Ankou Rift

This is one of the most annoying Rifts to find in the game. Spawn in at the Waterfalls checkpoint and make your way to the top of the mountain. Before you head inside to another area, climb up to the upper corner and then run up the wall to find a surface you can use your Ninja Claws on. Go up this secret path and you will find the Mountain Peak secret area, which is home to a lot of different collectibles. The Ankou Rift is at the very top of the area. To get there, you’ll need to do some tricky platforming using the Ninja Claws and the Ninja Hook.

ENE Corp Laboratory Ankou Rift

To find this Rift, you’ll need to get to the East Lab and take the first moving lift up. Head to the right until you reach a vent, then go up and to the left. From here, you’ll have to get through a bunch of deadly plants and monsters to reach a chest with the Ankou Rift.

The Labyrinth Ankou Rift

This Ankou Rift is located right in the middle of the Labyrinth. You’ll need to activate a series of crystals to clear a specific path to the Rift. It is a challenging and puzzle-heavy segment, so be sure to take your time and look for the hidden pathways.

These are just a few of the Ankou Rift locations. While there are a total of 10 in the game, these five will provide a great starting point for your quest. Good luck, shinobi.