How to Beat Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 4 – Strategy Guide

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 4 (PS2, 2007 / Naruto Shippūden: Narutimate Accel in Japan) is a 3D arena fighter. "Beating" it means clearing **Hero's History (Story Mode)** and **Master Mode**.

Core Mechanics to Master

• Chakra Management: Chakra = Specials + Substitution (Teleport). **Never empty it.** Charge (Hold Triangle) safely at distance.
• Substitution (L1/R1): Costs 25% Chakra. Use *reactively* on hit confirm, not predictively. Bait opponent's ultimate → Sub → Punish.
• Support Characters (Assist): Equip 2 supports. Call (L2/R2) for combo extension, pressure, or escape. **Support Drive** (Full Support Gauge) = Temporary stat boost + Ultimate access.
• Ultimate Jutsu (Triangle + Circle): High damage, invincibility frames. Use as whiff punish or combo ender.

Hero's History (Story) Walkthrough Tips

1. Early Game (Part 1): Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi missions. Easy. Learn basics.
2. Chunin Exam Arc: Tournament bracket. Save between fights.
3. Sasuke Retrieval Arc: 1v1 vs Sound Four, then **Sasuke (Curse Mark 2)** — **Hard Spike**. Strategy: Keep distance, bait Chidori → Sub → Combo. Use Support to interrupt.
4. Time Skip / Shippuden: New roster (Yamato, Sai, Kakuzu, Hidan, Itachi, Pain).
5. Final Boss: Sasuke (Taka) / Itachi / Pain: High damage, fast ultimates. **Equip "Chakra Recovery" + "Defense Up" scrolls.** Spam Substitution.

Master Mode (Post-Game)

• Survival / Time Attack / Mission Challenges (Specific conditions: "Win with 50% HP", "Land 20 Hits").
• Unlocks: Characters (Hokages, Akatsuki, Sage Naruto), Costumes, Titles.
• Grind Method: "Mission: Defeat 10 Enemies" on Easy with OP character (Itachi/Minato) → Fast Ryo/Scrolls.

General Fighting Game Advice

• **Training Mode:** Lab combos (Square x3 → Triangle → Circle), set dummy to "Block Random" / "Counter."
• **Block Low / Jump Overhead:** Universal rule.
• **Patience:** Mashing loses to Substitution.