Mastering Sage Techniques...Naruto Sage Mode's Moveset and General Information

Sage Mode allows the user to use Nature Energy as their weapon. Allowing for one such as Naruto to become an elite Taijutsu user as well as advance his Ninjutsu capabilities. Here it is:

Sage Techniques...The General Guide to Naruto Sage Mode

A) Pros & Cons: What one will gain in Sage Mode

Attack (Strings/Combos, Grab and Tilt)

- You begin all strings with a shadow clone popping out and punching. The range is actually decent but it takes time to get used to it. Not much can be said about most character's strings, but Sage Naruto is a different story. The most notable is his 'Down' string. If you reach the point where he kicks and flips, then even if the opponent Substitutes (KnJ) Naruto will flip behind the opponent in the air. This is useful to avoid punishment from anything since his flip is so high and lasts for a good amount of time. Another thing to be mentioned is that most strings have shadow clones attack the opponent and the original charging a Rasengan. You can stop the combo in the middle, while shadow clones are attacking, and then use your U1 for extra damage.

- Flying Rasengan (Grab). A Shadow Clone appears and lunges at the opponent. Although the startup is slow, the range and amount of time it lasts are good. Another notable feature is the it acts as a projectile, so even if the original is hit, the Shadow Clone will continue.

- Sage Art: Frog Call (Tilt). Ma and Pa toads appear on Naruto's shoulders and send out a sound shock wave croak. The damage it does is below average, but the range is deceptive. After two hits it can guard break giving you a chance to use your very slow U2. It will stop Chakra Dashes, but Naruto can't move so you can't do anything to your stunned opponent. It should be noted that Naruto maintains his position, with arms crossed as if he's not moving, while the toads appear out of no where. Meaning the opponent won't know you're making the move. Good against aggressive players and Guard abusers.


Projectiles (Shuriken, Kunai etc.)

- Normal Shuriken: Below average Shurikens (2)

- Chakra Shuriken: Double Windmill Shuriken. Great for pressuring opponents from long range. Can be used to close the gap between opponents that are mid-long range by Chakra dashing to them while they are guarding or dodging the Windmill Shuriken. For close combat it's recommended you jump and then use them, but on the ground is fine too, your opponent will either: Gaurd (which will give you the opportunity to grab them), Dodge (Very unlikely due to the speed of the Shuriken, but incase they do, you can Chakra dash them and you will also be safe in the air) or get hit, in which case you will be able to do anything except U2.

Note: There is also enough hitstun that if you initiate your U2 right after the Shuriken are thrown it will hit. Although, this all depends on whether the opponent blocks the Windmill Shuriken or not. (Not recommended for use as an actual strategy since a failed U2 consumes a lot of chakra and this very much relies on opponents skill)


Ninja Tools

- / Naruto's Ninja Handbook: Raises attack for a longer period of time. (x1)
- / Defense Down Tag: Throws a tag, if hits, decreases opponents defense for a set period of time. (x2)
- / Bomb Ball: Throws a bomb at opponent knocking them away on hit. (x1)
- / Attack Up Food Pills: Raises attack for a set period of time. (x3)


Jutsu (U1 & U2)

- Rasengan Barrage. Naruto will run and hit the opponent with 2 Rasengans. Very long range, good damage and causes SB. All you could want in a U1. It's true that it's spamming capabilities are top notch, and you could possibly win the match just by using it over and over again...that is, against a beginner. Putting that aside, it has a short startup and a short lag at the end. You can't be punished upon guard by most Jutsu, but beware of Itachi's U2 and anything with that kind of speed.

- True Wind Style: RasenShuriken. Naruto throws the RasenShuriken which travels all the way across the screen. It has a very slow startup and does not count as a hit until it leaves Naruto's hand. It has very wide range and average tracking. Takes time to get used to using after SB, but it's possible.

C) Supports: Frogs aren't your only Teammates

- Attack Type. Attack supports are important for any character that's for sure, but this goes double for Sage Mode Naruto. He can catch the opponent in SB with U1 (Rasengan Barrage), which cause SB. With 2 attack supports it's possible to U1 > SB > U1 > SB > U1. It causes MASSIVE damage and not to mention great annoyance to your opponent. Before you call this spam, bite your tongue. If the opponent gets stuck in this, it's their own fault and thus it's a legitimate combination. Also on a different note, attack supports will join in on your strings. With the use of Shadow Clones and added supports, this will cause much confusion for your opponent (and probably you).

- Guard Type. It's a waste to use any guard type supports with Sage Mode Naruto due to his overall aggressive play. There is a small use to guard they give you, if your opponent Chakra dashes to you while you charge your chakra, they will break your supports guard. This will leave them wide open for punishment. Also, if you like playing in Awakening mode, you could use the guards in order to stall until you're able to awaken again. In other words give in to the will of the 9-tails and wait until you can use it's power, turtle while normal and go buck wild while awakened. Although the clock is working against you with this strategy.

- Balance Type. Just what the name says. If you pick this type of support with Sage Mode Naruto then you're strategies will be very balanced. You will wear the opponent down with projectiles and then finally finish them off (which Naruto has enough power to do). It would be smart to use at least one Balance type due to his aggressiveness. You might just get to into it and accidentally be open for a U2, you'll thank your AI support for pushing you out of the way and taking the hit for you. Also Ino as a support is recommended due to her poison flowers. A poisoned enemy plus Naruto's highly damaging attacks (thanks to Attack Up items) can startle anyone after the smoke clears with your opponent left with almost no health.




Naruto Sage Mode can't control his rage, so the Kyuubi takes over. Naruto reaches the 6th tail and is more destructive than ever. With a huge speed, attack, defense and Chakra increase Naruto becomes but a vessel for this immense power. The only thing is, you're in control! Most players seem to cower when facing the 6 tails for no apparent reason, before you even make a move they become defensive. Use this to your advantage.


Attacks (String, Grab and Tilt)

- He swings his claws so fast that a trail of Chakra is left in their path. This is easily substituted by a skilled player, so it's suggested that you use his air string first to slam the opponent down and cause them to drop chakra. Then keep them pressured by chasing them down causing massive damage. Guarding is impossible against him so they will have to dodge and sub (KnJ) the whole time. Once they sub air combo them, if they dodge then Chakra dash them.

- His grab becomes a giant claw slash. Due to it's long startup it can be used to fool a guard mashing opponent. They're expecting a normal quick combo, so their timing will be off and you'll most likely land a hit. It causes a large amount of damage and sends the opponent rolling away.

- His tilt makes him lunge forward and slam the opponent into the ground. He moves far enough to hit after his dash has been blocked, but will miss the initial few hits (Only the slam connects).


Projectiles (Shuriken, Kunai etc.)

- Normal: A blast of wind. Knocks opponent away.

- Chakra Shuriken: A blast of two Chakra infused blasts of wind. Some homing and knocks opponent away. Good against opponents that are keeping their distance or are moving around too much. Breaks guard easily.


Jutsu (U1)

- Chakra Gun Volley. The Kyuubi will charge for a short time, then fire three projectiles, each destroy guard and do amazing damage. Arguably the best projectile Jutsu in the game. You can potentially capture an opponent that is down and getting up if you fire just before they get up. if timed correctly they will stand up into the blast. Although this is not recommended due to rapid depletion of awakening power. In other words you'll lose the 9 tails power faster. This Jutsu may also be used in the air, sending just one blast. It should be noted that this blast does just as much damage as the ground one and breaks guard instantly as well. Although it has no homing at all and should be used only on a rolling or (for whatever reason) standstill opponent.



Overall Sage Mode Naruto is a great character that can fight against any kind of opponent. If you want to be able to combat anything at the cost of a practical U2 then Sage Mode is the way to go. As you know by now, he is a character that needs some getting use to, so be patient. He requires controlled button pressing, so no mashing the B/O button when performing a string. I hope you got enough information from this guide so that you can go out there and give SM Naruto a good name. (Because we all know he doesn't)

And here's a funny little thing:

Amazing guide! SM Naruto's cKunai + Ino as balance support makes me rage so hard lol

Coming from the Guidemaster himself, I'm honoured

im just glad that people like yourself are taking the time to contribute to Arashi! I can't do a guide for every character lol.

Updated because of newly gathered information.