Key Takeaways

• Nagato Uzumaki wields powerful space-manipulating abilities, making him a top fighter in Naruto Storm 4.
• Naruto (Kyuubi Link Mode) has the flexibility for various situations, with powerful Rasengan variations.
• Might Guy’s simple toolkit packs a punch with hard-hitting combos, especially in his Gate of Death Mode.

As Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 boasts more than 100 characters, it makes players feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, these Naruto fighters not only dish out awesome techniques but also have assigned roles that make them more viable as vanguards, damage dealers, or support characters.

And with Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 delivering a fan’s dream of allowing their favorite characters to duke it out against each other, just who should be a part of their dream team? What do some of the game’s best characters have that make them a cut above the rest?

Updated October 9, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With the events of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex spicing things up with the revelation of Sapient Beings – fission beings that are God Trees who gained consciousness after using a chakra template. While fans await just what Jura and his crew of Sapient Beings are planning to do to attain their respective targets, they may want to play classic Naruto games.

Players who want to take their Naruto experience to the next level may want to give games like Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 a shot – especially with its selection of powerful characters who can easily dominate matches when used correctly. Among must-tries in the Naruto game include Naruto’s most recent version outside his son’s story, Gaara’s father and his younger version, as well as the red-haired Mizukage.

23 Nagato Uzumaki

Manipulate How Space Affects Opponents

The hidden leader of the Akatsuki and the mastermind behind the Six Paths of Pain is Nagato Uzumaki, one of the last few members of the Uzumaki Clan and Jiraiya’s former student. As the Akatsuki’s leader, Nagato is determined to bring a peaceful world even by force, a quality that his control over the mystical Rinnegan demonstrates.

In UNS4, Nagato’s combos often deal with the push and pull of opponents, with options such as the Almighty Push (Ninjutsu) or a pulling Planetary Devastation (Secret Technique) that may lead to a hard knockdown Shura Attack. When using his God Mode, he can tap into abilities such as Seal Jutsu Absorption that can drain Chakra and damage nearby opponents.

22 Naruto: The Last

An Easy Insert Into Most Setups

Before Naruto and Hinata’s marriage, the gang goes back for one final showdown with a villain in The Last: Naruto the Movie, where Toneri Otsutsuki plans on marrying Hinata and punishing mankind for using chakra as a weapon. Interestingly enough, Naruto: The Last is a wholly separate character among Naruto variants in Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, with his gameplay emphasizing short combos, juggling, and constantly applying pressure to his opponents – making him easy to include in most teams. This variant of Naruto has easy access to combo cancels but is big on timing, so players need to be careful how they perform his specials.

The Up Combo is cancellable on the 7th to 9th hits, wherein players can put a Defense-Breaking Tag on opponents before pushing for another Up Combo. Doing a full Up Combo can even lead to a Rasengan or Rasengan Super Barrage. Meanwhile, his Neutral is cancellable on the 3rd to 5th and 7th hits, whereas canceling on the 5th or ending with a Strike Back can lead into his Ultimate (Naruto 5K Uzumaki Barrage).

21 Fourth Kazekage

A Change Of Pace With A Defensive Playstyle

Before his death at the hands of Orochimaru, Rasa the Fourth Kazekage was known for his use of Gold Dust and being able to tame the constant rampages of One-Tailed Shukaku. He carries the same tenacity in his Edo Tensei form in Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, this time around with a sand theme similar to Gaara’s but radically different in terms of playstyle. Positioned as a defensive character, the Fourth Kazekage has noticeably slower moves but a lot of variety when it comes to punishing opponents. Rasa’s Down Combo has a wind-up cutscene of a large sand cube falling on opponents, while the knock-up from his Up Combo gives him an opening to unleash an Air Combo. The latter is particularly interesting, as timing the Air Combo will end with two leftover sand spikes that can hit opponents if they sub mid-hit.

Meanwhile, Rasa’s Gold Dust Waterfall Flow inflicts knockdowns at close range, staggers in mid, and releases projectiles to hit from afar – practically becoming a decent anti-melee shield. While players can use this to fulfill emergency substitutions, it’s much faster as a support jutsu when using another character. Meanwhile, his Ultimate (Magnet Style: Giant Gold Dust Burial Sending) can be canceled into quickly via his basic combos – particularly the first two strikes, or by dashing into the enemy’s position after knocking them up via the Up Combo.

20 Mizukage: Mei Terumi

Fluidity With A Lot Of Combo, Zoning Potential

Introduced as the Fifth Mizukage in Naruto Shippuden, Mizukage: Mei Terumi has become an instrumental part in brokering peace among the Villages. Mei’s Lava and Boil Release have become her best assets in the fight against Madara Uchiha, and she brings the same prowess in Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 as a zoning powerhouse. Although her grab isn’t as efficient and much of her kit rather position-dependent, players who master Mei can become a menace on the battlefield.

For starters, her Vapor Style: Solid Fog Jutsu down-combo exhales a mist that forces a knockdown, the timing of which can be used to technically proc infinite combos and even get into her ultimate, Lava Style: Acid Explosion. Outside combos, her Water Style: Showers can become a pesky mid-range attack that is position-dependent. However, where players should hold interest in Mei’s capabilities would be her input combos – the second hit creates a frontal shield that can deter rushing foes, and the third hit creates small water bubbles that homes into enemies regardless if they Chakra Dash or Ninja Move.

19 First Hokage: Hashirama Senju (Sage Mode)

Combines Edo Hashirama With Sage Mode

Being one of the few to bear the title God of Shinobi, First Hokage: Hashirama Senju (Sage Mode) shows the pinnacle of the Konoha co-founder’s combat prowess. On top of his mastery of all five Chakra Natures, his Sage Mode’s access to Nature Chakra gives him unprecedented strength – a quality he demonstrates in this Storm 4 form that combines his Reanimation Form with the aforementioned power-up.

Compared to his base form, Edo Hashirama Sage Mode boasts a faster-based combo system that makes use of wood-style techniques for launches and knockbacks. At this distance, he can use Wood Style: Wood Dragon Jutsu (Ninjutsu) for a long-range attack continuation, or even summon the devastating Sage Art: Wood Style: Shinsu Senju Veritable 1000-Armed Kan’on as a Secret Technique on contact.

18 Mifune

A Samura In A World Of Ninjas

Serving as one of the new Naruto characters that isn’t a shinobi, Mifune is instead the Land of Iron’s Samurai General, boasting incredible swordsmanship. A master of Iai, Mifune is known for extremely quick sheathing and unsheathing slashes, striking opponents who barely notice him moving his sword. This is seen in his gameplay in Storm 4, where his more straightforward melee-reliant juggling moveset is a breath of fresh air versus other characters.

Among his notable techniques include Dancing Blade Hazard (Ninjutsu) which causes a hard knockdown after a decisive slash, as well as Resident Decapitation (Secret Technique) which takes the form of a rushing cinematic slash. In his Samurai Mode, he has a looping Dancing Blade Hazard that can cause a hard knockdown or a long-ranged Flying Death.

17 Neji Hyuga

Great For Stringing Together Combos

Despite being of low status, Neji Hyuga remains one of the most talented shinobi to exist in Naruto’s era. Gifted with immense combat talent and mastery of the Byakugan, such was Neji’s skill that he’s the only member of the Sasuke Retrieval Team to defeat a member of the Cursed Mark-enhanced Sound Four without requiring assistance. In Storm 4, much of Neji’s attacks focus on using Gentle Fist to juggle opponents, emphasizing combo stringing.

When Neji uses his special attacks, he can use Eight Trigrams Palm Rotation (Ninjutsu) to create a 12-to-14-hit combo via a chakra sphere or a long-distance Eight Trigrams Air Palm. Players who want a fiercer combo should opt for his signature Eight Trigrams 64 Palms (Secret Technique). His Awakened Byakugan Form’s main advantage is decreasing the enemy’s Maximum Chakra with each hit, putting them in a war of attrition.

16 Fourth Hokage: Minato Namikaze

Teleportation Dominates Opponents

Naruto being a capable and compassionate Hokage seems to run in his genes, especially considering his father is Fourth Hokage: Minato Namikaze. Before his death at the hands of the Kyuubi, Minato as Konoha’s Yellow Flash is feared to such an extent that all troops encountering him in the Third Great Ninja War are ordered to retreat at all costs. Minato shows exactly why this is the case in Storm 4, with both his Normal and Reanimated versions boasting strong kits. However, in terms of overall efficiency, Normal Minato has more potential for combo mix-ups compared to his spammable Edo Tensei Counterpart.

Combos-wise, Normal Minato excels in juggling the opponents in different directions which works well with his Transportation Techniques (Normal, Divine Speed) that let him teleport to his opponents. Players who have a flair for showmanship will appreciate his Secret Techniques, both of which are flashy teleportation attacks (Yellow Flash of the Leaf, Flying Raijin: Combo Level). When Awakened, he can either opt for the more aggressive Kurama Link Mode or the attack-buffing Hokage Mode that comes with an accessible Flying Raijin: Level 2.

15 Gaara

The Ultimate Anti-Melee Crusher

Gaara is one of Naruto‘s most terrifying characters. Before his fateful confrontation with Naruto, Gaara is a quiet shinobi from the Hidden Sand Village with a bloodlust rooted in his possession of Shukaku, the One-Tails. In UNS4, Gaara returns with the same vigor, this time as a long-distance specialist who stops melee lovers in their tracks with his Sand Attacks (Tsunami, Shower), and debilitating Secret Techniques that hinder effective movement.

As a Support unit, he’s a Charge Guard capable of dishing out the assist while players are charging their chakra reserves. And when he unleashes his Awakening, his Tailed-Beast Mode packs a mean punch that transforms Gaara into a long-ranged behemoth with extra-strong attacks.

14 Pain

Control Offense And Defense With Paths

Serving as the main antagonist of the Pain’s Assault Arc, the leader of the Akatsuki proves his worthiness of the title by being an actual powerhouse of a shinobi. Unlike other ninja, Pain relies on summoning his Paths to dominate the close range and isolate opponents in various areas. It’s due to this that Pain can control both offense and defense, especially when his combos are used properly.

For instance, his ever-reliable Down Combo has the longest button input and the longest range that can break guards. Meanwhile, his Up Combo is arguably a fast-paced knock-up to set up more combo strings. Where Pain shines is in his stuns, as both his Chakra Shuriken and Tilt boast incredible stuns. These all work well with Pain’s Ultimate, which gives the character the space to move while it’s traveling, paving the way for devastating combos.

13 Obito Uchiha (Masked Man)

Close The Gap With The Rasengan

While fans of the series know the orange-masked Masked Man as Obito from the story, those people present in Konoha during the Nine-Tails’ attack only recognize him as a mysterious antagonist. Originally assuming the role of Tobi, this Masked Man was responsible for summoning the Nine-Tails for a rampage in Konoha. While he proved to be weaker than the Fourth Hokage, Obito is no slouch in UNS4.

The Masked Man boasts some of the most mobile melee attacks in the game, and he can disorient the enemy while attacking. He shines the most when using his Awakening (Sharingan Mode), which makes him immune to long-distance tools and perfect for closing the gap against opponents. As a Support, Obito is a Strike Back capable of dishing out Heaven And Earth Explosion Burial to clap back after blocking an enemy’s attack.

12 Sasuke Uchiha (The Last)

Well-Rounded Toolkit With A Massive Awakening

After the events of the series, Sasuke practically goes on a sabbatical to rediscover his sense of purpose before returning to the village to aid Naruto’s reign as Hokage. However, Sasuke makes a brief return during the events of The Last: Naruto The Movie, where he aids in stopping Toneri Otsutsuki’s assault on Earth.

This is all the more apparent in UNS4, where Sasuke (The Last) boasts one of the more well-rounded arsenals in the game. Aside from being decent in long-range, he’s a powerhouse in melee with his combos and the staple Chidori. When threatened enough, Sasuke’s Awakening (Perfect Susano’o Mode) transforms him into his colossal Susano’o Mode with a couple of unblockable attacks. As a Support unit, he becomes a Cover Fire with Inferno Style: Fire Ball Jutsu, making him a great deterrent to those who want to close in on targets.

11 Naruto (Kyuubi Link Mode)

Get A Rasengan For Every Situation

When Naruto and Kurama finally come to terms with their relationship and become friends, they coalesce into what fans call the “Kyubi Chakra Mode.” In UNS4, this is called the Naruto (Kyuubi Link Mode), where Naruto can finally access the full extent of Kurama’s chakra reserves, use Tailed Beast Bombs, and even enhanced versions of his attacks.

Naruto transforms into an all-rounder with this new toolkit. Thanks to this mode, Naruto can now incorporate his Rasengan variations into various attacks, practically guaranteeing close-to-mid-ranged supremacy. Naruto’s Awakening (Tailed Beast Mode) transforms him into a hulking Nine-Tails variant, practically dominating close-ranged with a variety of unblockables. As a Support, his Strike Back variation will have him attack opponents with the Tailed Beast Bomb Rasenshuriken regardless of the counter-attack distance.

10 Sasuke Uchiha (Road To Boruto)

Secure Defense With Different Counters, With Equally Devastating Attacks

After the events of Naruto, Sasuke accepts the position of Sasaukage or Supporting Shadow, practically aiding Naruto from behind the scenes. While this normally means traveling around the world to gather information, Sasuke in Road To Boruto goes back to the village to help Naruto fight Momoshiki Otsutsuki. While Boruto Uzumaki mainly finishes the villain off, Sasuke can prove that he can fight toe-to-toe with an Otsutsuki without needing the blessing of the Sage of Six Paths.

Armed with his Rinnegan, Sasuke in this form is a fearsome opponent to face in UNS4. His combo is practically a more fast-paced variation of his original counterpart, augmenting highly aggressive melee moves with stunning lightning or knock-back flames. Not to mention, his Rinnegan allows him to outmaneuver foes quickly. As a Support unit, this Sasuke retains Cover Fire and will use Heavenly Hand Power: Chidori to halt an opponent’s advance. And his Awakening (Perfect Susano’o Mode) adds a whole host of unblockables to his already-dominating toolkit.

9 Minato Namikaze (Edo Tensei)

Multi-Directional Combos Can Overwhelm Opponents

In life, Minato Namikaze the Fourth Hokage is known for being the Yellow Flash, which quite literally describes his ability to nigh-instantaneously reappear in various places. When Orochimaru summons Minato Namikaze (Edo Tensei), his signature Flying Raijin techniques became quite an invaluable asset on the Shinobi’s side in the Fourth Great Ninja War.

In UNS4, Minato’s Edo Tensei form is an enemy’s worst nightmare. At its core, a lot of Edo Minato’s combos are also mobility assets, allowing him to sneak up on enemies to outpace them through teleports and side-switches. This alone allows him to develop multi-directional combos to overwhelm opponents. What’s perhaps most terrifying is his Awakening (Hokage Mode), where Minato becomes immune to ranged tools and gets a massive attack boost, as well as access to the more potent Flying Raijin: Level 2.

8 Minato (Alive)

Dominates Speed With Knockback, Knockdown Attacks

While some could argue that Edo Tensei Minato demonstrated his combat prowess in the fight against Madara Uchiha’s forces, UNS4 proves that Minato (Alive) is just as deadly as his resurrected counterpart. In the game, Alive Minato packs a similar moveset as Edo Tensei Minato in terms of combo sets and attacks. However, it could be argued that Alive Minato wins in the speed department, especially with the ease through which players can cancel attacks or even a Tilt that allows him to nigh-instantaneously get to an opponent’s vulnerable side.

Much of his combos revolve around pushing opponents back to leave them open for more attacks, such as a knockback (Denkosekka), a crash with a bounce (Wrath), and other knockdowns (Lightning, Purple Lightning). Although his Awakening simply enhances his base abilities, Minato’s ability to follow through with his attacks and enemies relentlessly can make him a dangerous foe to contend with.

7 Seventh Hokage: Naruto Uzumaki

More Powerful Rasengan Toolkit

When Naruto finally achieves his dream of becoming the Hokage, it comes with the responsibility of being strong enough not just to supervise but also to protect the village. In UNS4, this comes as an entirely separate character known as Seventh Hokage: Naruto Uzumaki, whose maturity also came with a more flexible kit known for decent range and cancellable combos.

Being the character most notable for the Rasengan, Seventh Hokage’s Jutsus allows him to use a faster-firing Rasengan, a Rasen Shuriken, a slower Massive Rasengan, and a Tailed Beast Heavy Cannon. Despite having a basic Kurama Chakra swipe for a Tilt, his Kurama-based Ultimate is visually mesmerizing, while his Awakening that fuses him with Kurama into a larger form provides him with decent melee options.

6 Sasuke Uchiha (Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan)

Advanced Techniques Let Him Cover All Ranges

When Sasuke Uchiha finally defeats his brother Itachi, he unlocks the most powerful iteration of the Sharingan: the Eternal Mangekyo. In UNS4, this is reflected in Sasuke Uchiha (Eternal Mangeko Sharingan) – essentially Sasuke Part 2 with faster and cancellable combos. With the full might of the Sharingan within eye’s reach, EMS Sasuke now possesses a long-ranged grab to punish opponents at almost any distance. His Jumping Flames (Ninjutsu) can attack from afar, while Chidori (Ninjutsu) is a gap-closer.

In terms of more technical skills, Sasuke’s Tilt is almost instantly activated and can be conveniently used to interrupt his opponents. Moreover, when used properly, EMS Sasuke’s Ultimate may not be interrupted by opponents. Naruto’s rival also gets a full-armor Susanoo as an Awakening, giving him decent range.

5 Might Guy

Hard-Hitting Combos Make His Simple Toolkit Deadly

One of the more surprising revelations in the Naruto series was Might Guy, who at first was an older guy with quite a youthful vigor who turns out to be the best Taijutsu user in the entire world. This element of surprise is retained in UNS4, where Might Guy’s short combos pack decent damage with a Tilt that teleports him just in front of his opponents to start his combos.

Where Might Guy wreaks havoc is his Awakening, as this form unleashes all his Chakra via the Eight Gates. In this form, Might Guy receives a massive speed boost and can even slow down time from the opponent’s perspective to get more hits.

4 Itachi Uchiha

Fast-Moving Combos Leave Little Room For Enemies To Counter

When Itachi Uchiha left Sasuke as the sole survivor of the Uchiha Massacre, the younger brother swore to kill his older brother for revenge. It would take years for Sasuke to even have the power to fight an ailing Itachi, and this older brother’s UNS4 character proves why he’s such a powerhouse in the series. Itachi not only has quick attacks, but he also possesses three infinite combos. His Tilt transforms him into a flock of birds that can stalk an enemy and attack them from the front, with the movement animation rendering him invulnerable.

While Itachi’s staple Fireball Jutsu is a callback to his Uchiha legacy, his flying Susanoo Awakening provides spectacular range and firepower.