Mission 5-2: Madara Uchiha

Mission 5-2: Madara Uchiha

Prepare for one of the most iconic and challenging encounters in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. Mission 5-2 pits you against the legendary Madara Uchiha, a foe who commands the full might of the Rinnegan, Sage Mode, and his devastating Perfect Susano'o. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of Madara's abilities, character-specific strategies, and crucial tips to emerge victorious.

Understanding Madara's Arsenal

Madara Uchiha is a multifaceted opponent, constantly shifting his tactics and abilities. Familiarizing yourself with his key techniques is the first step to victory.

• Taijutsu & Basic Combos: Madara's standard attacks are surprisingly fast and have good reach. He often incorporates Susano'o limbs into his combos, increasing their power and area of effect.
• Fire Style: Majestic Destroyer Flame: A wide, powerful fire blast that covers a significant portion of the arena. It's telegraphed but requires quick sidestepping or substitution.
• Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence: Madara summons massive wooden constructs from the ground, trapping and damaging opponents. These attacks often have a slight delay, allowing for evasion.
• Rinnegan Abilities:
  • Chibaku Tensei (Planetary Devastation): Madara creates multiple black orbs that attract debris, forming small meteors that fall onto the battlefield. These are high-damage, area-of-effect attacks.
  • Limbo: Border Jail: Madara summons invisible clones (Limbo Clones) that attack independently. These clones are initially undetectable by normal means but can be seen by Rinnegan users (like Sasuke).
  • Universal Pull/Push (Banshō Ten'in/Shinra Tensei): Madara can pull you towards him for a combo or push you away, creating distance.
• Sage Mode: Madara's attacks become significantly stronger, faster, and gain increased chakra recovery. His Ninjutsu also receives a power boost.
• Susano'o:
  • Partial Susano'o: Madara can manifest Susano'o limbs for enhanced taijutsu or to block attacks.
  • Perfect Susano'o: The ultimate form, a colossal armored warrior. This phase is primarily a cinematic boss battle with QTEs.

Character Phases & Optimal Strategies

The fight against Madara is divided into distinct phases, each requiring a different approach and utilizing specific characters from your team.

Phase 1: Naruto (Sage Mode) & Sasuke (Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan)

You begin controlling Naruto in his Sage Mode, with Sasuke as your support. Madara will primarily use his base abilities, Fire Style, Wood Style, and early Rinnegan techniques (Chibaku Tensei, Limbo).

• Naruto's Role: Focus on aggressive taijutsu combos and Rasengan variants. His Sage Mode boosts his attack power and defense. Use his Sage Art: Super Odama Rasengan for burst damage when Madara is open.
• Sasuke's Support: Sasuke's support attacks (e.g., Chidori variations) are excellent for extending combos or breaking Madara's guard. Crucially, Sasuke's Rinnegan allows him to see and damage Madara's Limbo Clones. When Madara uses Limbo: Border Jail, switch to Sasuke immediately to deal with the clones.
• Countering Limbo: When Madara summons Limbo Clones, a visual cue will appear. Quickly switch to Sasuke. His Rinnegan allows him to target and defeat these clones, preventing Madara from overwhelming you. If you don't switch, the clones will deal significant damage and disrupt your combos.
• Evasion: Madara's Fire and Wood Style attacks are powerful. Prioritize sidestepping and using substitutions. Don't get greedy with combos; break off if you see him winding up for a major attack.
• Awakening: Save Naruto's Tailed Beast Mode Awakening for when Madara is at roughly 50-60% health in this phase, or if you need to quickly break his guard and deal significant damage.

Phase 2: Naruto (Six Paths Sage Mode) & Sasuke (Rinnegan)

After a brief cutscene, Naruto gains Six Paths Sage Mode, and Sasuke fully utilizes his Rinnegan. Madara now actively uses more advanced Rinnegan abilities and will frequently enter Sage Mode himself.

• Naruto's Role: Your primary damage dealer. His Six Paths Sage Mode grants him incredible speed, power, and access to powerful Ninjutsu like Six Paths: Ultra Big Ball Rasenshuriken. Use his enhanced mobility to stay on Madara and punish openings.
• Sasuke's Role: Continue to be your anti-Limbo specialist. His Amenotejikara (teleportation) is also invaluable for closing gaps or evading Madara's larger attacks. Use his Amaterasu to apply sustained damage.
• Countering Sage Mode: When Madara enters Sage Mode, his attacks become more aggressive. This is an excellent time to use your own Awakenings or Ultimate Jutsu to trade blows effectively. Don't try to out-tank him; focus on quick, decisive strikes.
• Chibaku Tensei Strategy: When Madara uses multiple Chibaku Tensei orbs, focus on dodging the falling meteors. Use your character's dash or substitution to get out of the impact zones.
• Team Ultimate Jutsu: Once your Storm Gauge is full, unleash the Naruto & Sasuke Team Ultimate Jutsu. This deals massive damage and often triggers a cinematic sequence. Aim to land this when Madara is vulnerable or after breaking his guard.

Phase 3: Perfect Susano'o Cinematic Battle

As Madara's health dwindles, he will activate his Perfect Susano'o, leading to a spectacular cinematic boss battle. This phase is heavily reliant on Quick Time Events (QTEs).

• QTE Mechanics: On-screen button prompts will appear (e.g., X, O, Triangle, Square, or directional inputs). You must press the correct button within a very short timeframe. Missing QTEs will result in Madara dealing damage to your character.
• Focus and Anticipation: Pay close attention to the screen. The prompts often appear quickly. Try to anticipate the next button based on the flow of the action.
• Sustained Input QTEs: Some QTEs require you to mash a button repeatedly (e.g., Circle) or hold a button down. Be prepared for these variations.
• Final QTE Sequence: The battle culminates in a rapid-fire QTE sequence. Success here is crucial for dealing the final blow and securing victory. Don't let your guard down until the "Mission Complete" screen appears.

General Tips for Success

• Chakra Management: Always keep an eye on your chakra bar. Use chakra dashes sparingly for evasion, and ensure you have enough for substitutions and Ninjutsu.
• Substitution Jutsu: Your most vital defensive tool. Use it to escape combos, avoid powerful Ninjutsu, and reposition yourself. Don't spam it, as you have a limited stock.
• Guard Breaking: Madara will often guard your attacks. Use charged chakra dashes or specific Ninjutsu (like Naruto's Rasengan) to break his guard, creating openings for combos.
• Support Characters: Utilize your support characters not just for their attacks, but also for their ability to take hits. If you're low on health, call in a support to absorb a blow while you recover.
• Health Items: equip and use your Ninja Tools, especially health recovery items. They can turn the tide of a close fight.
• Practice Combos: Familiarize yourself with Naruto and Sasuke's basic and advanced combos in practice mode. Efficient combo execution is key to maximizing damage.
• Stay Mobile: Madara's attacks often cover large areas. Constant movement and spatial awareness are crucial for avoiding damage.
• Patience: Madara is a formidable foe. Don't rush in blindly. Look for openings, punish his mistakes, and play defensively when necessary.

Rewards

Successfully completing Mission 5-2: Madara Uchiha will grant you significant rewards, contributing to your overall story progression and character unlocks.

With these strategies and tips, you are well-equipped to face Madara Uchiha and push through one of the most epic battles in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. Good luck, Shinobi!