The Aqua Capital in Chapter 6 is where Ninja Gaiden 2 Black kicks it up a notch.
You won't be catching a break between feral werewolves, intense fights, and canals that feel like a maze.
This article covers the fights, upgrades, and how to make it through the chapter without trouble.
How To Complete Chapter 6
Welcome to Chapter 6, where the Aqua Capital's scenic canals come with a side of trouble.
It won't take long before werewolves swarm you; they're not the type to wait around.
They are relentless in their attacks and, even when dismembered, can pick up their severed limbs and hurl them at you.
The trick is to stay on the move, dodge their lunges, and use dismemberment to finish them quickly.
Once the area is clear, head up the stairs and turn left at the fork. This will lead you to a gondola floating in the canal.
On top is Crystal Skull #1, a collectible you don't want to miss. Use your water run ability to zip across the surface, grab it, and get back on track.
Go right at the split, and you'll reach a bridge where another wave of werewolves appears.
Handle them quickly and move forward into an area full of market stalls. More enemies are waiting for you here, so clear them out before saving.
Not far from here, there's a body with the Dragon's Claw and Tiger's Fang, a solid dual-sword weapon that'll help in the tougher fights ahead.
Take a moment to examine what's around you before proceeding—you will see a small alcove on the right, with a chest holding an Herb of Spiritual Life.
This might come in handy when you need some health. On the left side, you'll find another chest filled with blue orbs that can provide additional healing.
Moving past the outdoor seating, you'll notice Crystal Skull #2 hanging out on a table.
But taking it will set off another werewolf ambush. As you keep moving, you'll spot a small bridge—and, of course, more enemies.
Once you're done with them, you'll step into a locked combat area where you have to clear out all the enemies to move on.
This area is ideal for Essence farming, so spam those Ultimate Techniques (UTs) for maximum gains.
When the coast is clear, drop into the canal and stick to the water path until you run into a metal fence with no exit.
Just before the dead end, look for an alcove and dive underwater to uncover Crystal Skull #3.
After retrieving the skull, backtrack to locate a metal fence with a hole and dive through it.
Keep swimming past the next barrier to find a save station. Expect more enemies in this area, so prepare for a fight before heading upstairs.
Make it to the top, and there's a chest with The Art of the Piercing Void inside.
This Ninpo move is no joke in a fight. A short walk away, there's an upgrade statue where you can get gear or level up your weapons.
If you've gathered enough Essence along the way, this is your best shot at upgrading your gear before venturing deeper into the Aqua Capital.
Just keep going, and you'll find a ledge with two green lights on the other side. Shoot arrows at both to lower the bridge.
Hop on the crates, use the pole to get to the higher platform, and grab the chest for a Life of the Gods.
Drop into the canal and use a water run to hit up the two giant waterwheels.
Stand on the left platform, grab a beam, and ride the wheel up. Then, jump onto the wooden platform, use the horizontal cog, and enter the next room.
You must climb the rotating, curved pipe to access a chest containing the Lives of the Thousand Gods.
You'll run into another pack of werewolves in the courtyard, so take care of them before heading out.
After clearing the area, save your progress and head into that building where the enemies came out.
The deeper you go, the tougher the enemies get, so keep your weapons on standby.
While you're at it, look for helpful items, such as the Jewel of the Demon Seal, tucked inside a chest in a right-side room at an intersection.
Look to the left for an upgrade statue. This is handy to strengthen your weapons before the next fight.
Down the way, you'll come across the Howling Cannon, a solid weapon on a body in a lower chamber.
This will be crucial for defeating the boss at the end. Head further down, and you'll land on a circular stone platform with a wooden middle.
Your only option is to use a heavy attack to break through, sending you into an underwater section.
Save your game and take out the spectral fish here. Don't let these enemies pile up on you.
Use rapid light strikes or The Art of the Piercing Void to cut them down fast.
Take out the last spectral fish, and a cutscene will start, bringing you face-to-face with the Water Dragon.
Taking on the Water Dragon means playing it smart and staying patient while you dodge its moves.
Its attacks can catch you off guard, so stay on your feet.
One of its deadliest moves is the Perpendicular Wave, where it slams its head down to unleash a shockwave.
The trick is to dodge sideways at just the right time. Another thing to worry about is the Parallel Wave, which can go the whole way down the platform.
As soon as it gets to the edge, dodge at the perfect moment to reduce damage.
The Missile Barrage is tricky to get away from, with the dragon sending out a ton of homing projectiles.
The best strategy here is to keep jumping and dodging to reduce the number of hits you take.
As the fight continues, the Water Dragon will start summoning spectral fish, which can get overwhelming.
Clear them out quickly with fast, light hits or the Vorpal Flails before they get the chance to swarm.
The best way to handle the Water Dragon is with the Howling Cannon, which you pick up earlier in the chapter.
As soon as that dragon lowers its head, unload on its face for huge damage.
This way, you can hit from a distance and avoid its hard-hitting melee attacks.
Staying on the move and timing your attacks carefully will make the fight much more manageable.
To get the most out of Essence farming, let those spectral fish spawn a few times and take them out for extra resources before finishing the boss.
Chapter 6 is complete once you take down the Water Dragon.