Character Specific Strategies

Welcome to the advanced strategies section! Here, we'll delve into the nuances of specific characters, providing actionable steps and loadout recommendations to maximize your potential in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. Mastering these techniques will elevate your gameplay from good to truly exceptional.

Naruto Uzumaki (Sage Mode)

Sage Mode Naruto is a powerhouse, excelling in close-to-mid range combat with devastating Jutsu and a powerful Awakening. His strength lies in his ability to quickly close distances and punish opponents with high-damage combos.

Strategy Breakdown:

Opening Engagement: Start with a quick dash (R2 + X on PS4) to close the distance. Follow up with his standard combo (Circle x4 on PS4) to initiate pressure.
Chakra Dash Cancel (CDC) Combos: After landing a few hits in his standard combo, quickly cancel into a Chakra Dash (R2 + X) to extend the combo and break guard. This is particularly effective against opponents who block frequently.
Utilizing Rasengan (Triangle + Circle): This Jutsu has good tracking and decent range. Use it as a combo finisher or to catch opponents trying to create distance. It's also excellent for interrupting charging opponents.
Sage Art: Super Great Ball Rasengan (Up + Triangle + Circle): This is Naruto's primary ranged damage dealer. It has a wide hitbox and can be charged for increased damage and guard break potential. Use it to punish opponents after a substitution or when they are recovering from a combo.
Awakening (L3): Activate Sage Mode Awakening when your health is low or when you have a significant Chakra advantage. In this state, Naruto gains increased attack, defense, and access to the powerful Sage Art: Giant Rasengan.
- Awakening Combo Extension: While Awakened, your standard combos become even more potent. Focus on aggressive, relentless attacks.
- Sage Art: Giant Rasengan (Awakened Jutsu): This Jutsu is incredibly powerful and has a large area of effect. Use it to finish off opponents or to break through their defenses. It's a great tool for turning the tide of a match.
Ultimate Jutsu (Triangle x2 + Circle): The Tailed Beast Bomb Rasengan is devastating. Aim to land this after a successful guard break, a well-timed substitution, or when an opponent is stunned. Consider using a Support Character's Jutsu to stun the opponent first, creating an opening for the Ultimate Jutsu.

Sasuke Uchiha (Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan)

Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan Sasuke is a highly agile character with a strong emphasis on ranged attacks, evasive maneuvers, and powerful Susano'o abilities. His strength lies in controlling the pace of the match and punishing opponents from a distance.

Strategy Breakdown:

Zoning with Amaterasu (Triangle + Circle): This Jutsu is Sasuke's primary zoning tool. It leaves a persistent flame on the ground, denying opponents space and forcing them to move. Use it to cover your approach or retreat, or to punish opponents who are slow to react.
Chidori Variants (Up/Down + Triangle + Circle):
- Chidori Stream (Up + Triangle + Circle): A wide-reaching, short-range electrical attack that can catch opponents off guard. Great for punishing aggressive pushes.
- Chidori True Spear (Down + Triangle + Circle): A fast, long-range projectile that can snipe opponents from across the arena. Excellent for interrupting Jutsu or finishing off low-health enemies.
Sharingan (L1): Activating Sharingan enhances Sasuke's substitution capabilities, allowing for more precise and faster evasions. Use it defensively to counter aggressive opponents or to set up your own attacks.
Awakening (L3): Sasuke's Awakening transforms him into Susano'o. This form grants him immense power, increased defense, and access to devastating ranged attacks.
- Susano'o Arrow (Awakened Jutsu): This projectile is incredibly fast and deals massive damage. Use it to punish opponents from a distance, or as a combo finisher.
- Susano'o Slash (Awakened Combo): His standard combos in Susano'o form have a much larger hitbox and deal significant damage. Focus on keeping opponents at bay with arrows and then closing in for powerful slashes.
Ultimate Jutsu (Triangle x2 + Circle): Indra's Arrow is one of the most powerful Ultimate Jutsu in the game. It has a wide hitbox and excellent range. Aim to land this after a successful guard break, a well-timed Amaterasu stun, or when an opponent is caught in a support character's Jutsu.

Sakura Haruno (Great Ninja War)

Great Ninja War Sakura is a formidable close-range brawler with incredible raw power and excellent healing capabilities. Her strength lies in her ability to absorb damage, unleash devastating combos, and support her team with healing.

Strategy Breakdown:

Aggressive Close Combat: Sakura excels at close range. Don't be afraid to rush down opponents with her powerful standard combos (Circle x4 on PS4). Her combos often end with a strong punch that can launch opponents.
Chakra Enhanced Strength (Triangle + Circle): This Jutsu is a short-range, high-damage punch that can break guard and launch opponents. Use it as a combo finisher or to punish opponents who are blocking too much. It's also excellent for interrupting charging opponents.
Ninja Art Creation Rebirth - Strength of a Hundred Seal (Up + Triangle + Circle): This is Sakura's signature healing Jutsu. It restores a significant amount of health over time. Use it strategically when you have some distance from your opponent or after a successful combo that creates an opening. Don't be afraid to use it multiple times if you have the Chakra.
Support Character Synergy: Sakura benefits greatly from support characters who can stun or hold opponents in place, allowing her to land her powerful Chakra Enhanced Strength or a full combo. Consider characters like Hinata (Gentle Fist) or Rock Lee (Leaf Hurricane) for this purpose.
Awakening (L3): Sakura's Awakening significantly boosts her attack and defense, and grants her access to an even more powerful version of Chakra Enhanced Strength.
- Awakened Combos: Her awakened combos are incredibly strong and can quickly deplete an opponent's health bar. Focus on relentless aggression.
- Awakened Jutsu: The awakened version of Chakra Enhanced Strength has a wider area of effect and deals even more damage. Use it to break through defenses or to punish opponents who are trying to escape.
Ultimate Jutsu (Triangle x2 + Circle): Her Ultimate Jutsu, "Cherry Blossom Impact," is a devastating close-range attack. Aim to land this after a successful guard break, a well-timed substitution, or when an opponent is stunned by a support character.

Character Specific Strategies