Story Mode Collectibles (Memory Fragments, Hidden Events)

Story Mode Collectibles (Memory Fragments, Hidden Events)

Beyond simply completing the main story, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 offers a rich layer of collectibles that deepen the narrative and reward diligent players. These come primarily in the form of Memory Fragments and uncovering Hidden Events. Collecting these is crucial for unlocking additional story content, character profiles, and even some unique customization items. This guide will walk you through their locations and how to trigger them effectively.

Memory Fragments: Reliving the Past

Memory Fragments are glowing, blue-hued orbs scattered throughout the Story Mode's free-roaming sections and sometimes awarded after specific battles. Each fragment unlocks a short, often poignant, flashback scene or a piece of lore that expands on the game's vast universe and character backstories. There are a total of XX Memory Fragments (Note: Exact number varies slightly based on DLC, but typically around 100-120 in the base game) to find across all chapters.

General Strategies for Memory Fragment Collection:

• Explore Thoroughly: After every major battle or narrative segment, take a moment to explore the immediate area before progressing to the next objective marker. Many fragments are tucked away in corners, behind structures, or on elevated platforms.
• Look for the Glow: Memory Fragments emit a distinct blue glow and a subtle shimmering effect, making them visible even from a distance.
• Check Your Map: While the in-game map doesn't explicitly mark fragments, it can help you identify unexplored areas within a given zone.
• Replay Chapters: If you miss a fragment, you can always replay the chapter from the Story Mode menu. Your progress for collected fragments is saved immediately.

Chapter-Specific Memory Fragment Locations:

Below is a breakdown of key chapters and notable fragment locations. This is not an exhaustive list but covers some of the more commonly missed fragments.

• Chapter 1: The New Two-Man Squad
  • Fragment 1: After the initial fight, explore the Konoha village outskirts. It's often found near the training grounds where Naruto and Sakura spar.
  • Fragment 2: Before heading to the Hokage's office, check behind the large monument near the village gates.
• Chapter 2: The Five Kage Summit
  • Fragment 1: In the Land of Iron, after the first set of encounters, search the snowy paths leading up to the summit building. It's usually off the main path, nestled against a rock formation.
  • Fragment 2: Inside the summit building, before entering the main council room, check the side corridors.
• Chapter 3: The Fourth Great Ninja War Begins
  • Fragment 1: In the desert battlefield, during the initial skirmishes, look for it near a destroyed rock pillar.
  • Fragment 2: After the battle with the reanimated Kage, explore the rocky terrain before moving to the next objective. It's often hidden behind larger boulders.
• Chapter 4: The Ten-Tails' Revival
  • Fragment 1: On the battlefield where the Allied Shinobi Forces confront the Ten-Tails, search the perimeter. It can be easy to miss amidst the chaos.
  • Fragment 2: After the initial phase of the Ten-Tails battle, before the next cutscene, check the edges of the arena.
• Final Chapter: The Last Battle
  • Fragment 1: In the desolate landscape where Naruto and Sasuke face off, explore the ruined structures and craters.
  • Fragment 2: Near the final confrontation area, often on a slightly elevated ledge overlooking the battleground.

Hidden Events: Unveiling Secret Scenarios

Hidden Events are special, optional cutscenes or dialogue sequences that provide additional context, character development, or humorous interactions. Unlike Memory Fragments, which are static pickups, Hidden Events are triggered by specific actions or by visiting certain locations with the correct character at the right time. Successfully triggering all Hidden Events is essential for achieving 100% story completion.

Triggering Hidden Events:

• Character Selection: Some Hidden Events require you to be playing as a specific character during a free-roam segment. Pay attention to character switches.
• Specific Locations: Many events are tied to visiting a particular spot on the map that isn't directly on the main objective path.
• Dialogue Prompts: Occasionally, interacting with certain NPCs or objects will trigger a Hidden Event. Look for exclamation marks or speech bubbles.
• Post-Battle Exploration: After major boss fights, instead of immediately advancing, take time to re-explore the battle arena or surrounding areas.

Key Hidden Events and How to Find Them:

• Chapter 1: "A Familiar Face"
  • Location: Konoha Village, near Ichiraku Ramen.
  • Trigger: After the initial training sequence, control Naruto and approach the Ichiraku Ramen stand. A short scene with Teuchi and Ayame will play, reminiscing about Naruto's past visits.
  • Reward: Unlocks a character profile entry for Teuchi.
• Chapter 2: "Kage's Concerns"
  • Location: Land of Iron, outside the Five Kage Summit building.
  • Trigger: As Sasuke, after the fight with the Raikage, instead of heading directly to the next objective, backtrack slightly towards the entrance of the summit area. You'll overhear a conversation between two minor shinobi discussing the Kage's worries.
  • Reward: Adds a small lore entry about the political climate.
• Chapter 3: "Gaara's Resolve"
  • Location: Allied Shinobi Forces HQ (desert camp).
  • Trigger: During the free-roam segment at the HQ, switch to Gaara (if available) or approach the command tent as Naruto. You'll witness a private moment where Gaara reflects on his role as Kazekage.
  • Reward: Unlocks a new character card for Gaara.
• Chapter 4: "Team 7's Bond"
  • Location: Battlefield near the Ten-Tails.
  • Trigger: After the initial assault on the Ten-Tails, when Team 7 is reunited, move Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura close together in the free-roam area. A brief, heartwarming interaction about their teamwork will occur.
  • Reward: Unlocks a special Team 7 ultimate jutsu image for your player card.
• Final Chapter: "The Uchiha's Burden"
  • Location: Valley of the End.
  • Trigger: Before the final battle between Naruto and Sasuke, explore the area as Sasuke. Approach the statue of Madara Uchiha. Sasuke will have a brief internal monologue about his lineage and choices.
  • Reward: Unlocks a unique Sasuke costume color variation.

By diligently searching for Memory Fragments and actively seeking out Hidden Events, you'll not only gain a deeper appreciation for the story of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 but also unlock a plethora of rewards and achieve true completionist status. Happy hunting, Shinobi!