Naruto Storm Evolution taunts allow every fighter on the roster to perform mid-match character-specific expressions and gestures. Built on top of the PC Steam version of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, this community modification introduces dedicated taunting mechanics that were absent from the original base release.
How to Taunt in Naruto Storm Evolution
Executing a taunt during a match requires a single input on your controller.
- Default Input: Press the Select button (or the equivalent Back/View button depending on your gamepad) during neutral gameplay.
- Requirements: Your character must be in a neutral state. Taunts cannot be canceled into while stuck in hitstun, mid-knockback, or actively executing attacks.
- Footstep Integration: According to the official Evolution v1.11 changelog, automatic footstep effects trigger naturally for neutral and taunt actions.
Because the animation leaves your fighter temporarily locked in place, executing a taunt requires spacing or cover. Players frequently execute taunts from a safe distance, immediately after securing a hard knockdown, or while calling in support characters to maintain pressure.
Roster Coverage and Audio Updates
Unlike the official base games where mid-fight banter was heavily limited to specific cinematic transitions or round intros, Naruto Storm Evolution assigns individual taunts across the entire playable roster.
- Full Roster Support: Every single character included in the mod possesses a unique taunt animation and spoken dialogue line. This spans the standard roster, alternate era variations (such as Part 1 iterations of Kakashi, Guy, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru), and mod-exclusive additions like Nanashi Uchiha.
- Sound Effects Polish: In early iterations of the mechanic, some taunts relied solely on character voice lines. In the Evolution v1.11 update, the development team officially added custom sound effects (SFX) to all taunts across the board, providing audio weight to physical movements, weapon adjustments, and unique stances.
Tactical Context and Risk
While taunting does not deal damage or grant resource buffs, it functions as psychological warfare and round-ending styling.
- Vulnerability Window: Executing a taunt leaves your character completely open to long-range jutsu, shuriken barrages, and aggressive chakra dashes. If timed incorrectly, opponents can punish the recovery frames of the animation.
- Support Synergy: In actual matches, players often call defensive or combo supports right before pressing Select. This creates a buffer zone that prevents incoming attacks from interrupting the animation.
- Round Transitions: Players commonly execute taunts immediately before the final blow lands or as an opponent's substitution gauge runs dry, though incoming CPU or player wakeups can easily clip an unshielded taunt if mistimed.
Naruto Storm Evolution System Mechanics Overview
Taunting was introduced alongside several major overhauls designed to bridge mechanics across older Storm releases and competitive tournament preferences.
| Feature | In-Game Trigger / Location | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Character Taunt | Select Button | Plays unique character dialogue, animation, and dedicated SFX. |
| Instant Awakening | L3 Button (Click Left Stick) | Activates temporary awakening state; requires Extra Tech mode. |
| Relay System | Hold Attack + Support Call | Costs 50% support gauge to launch an aerial follow-up combo. |
| Guard Health Meter | Cyan UI bar below Chakra | Tracks shield durability to prevent unexpected guard breaks. |
| Hit Sphere Display | Practice Mode Settings | Visualizes attack hitboxes (red) and hurtboxes (green) in real time. |
| Extra Tech Toggle | Versus / Practice Battle Setup | Enables or disables legacy mechanics (relay, leader switch tech). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which button triggers a taunt in Naruto Storm Evolution?
Press the Select button on your controller while your character is standing in a neutral state.
Do taunts deal damage or build chakra?
No. Taunts in Naruto Storm Evolution are purely cosmetic and expressive. They play custom voice lines and animations but do not deal damage, alter the substitution bar, or grant chakra.
Do all characters have unique taunts?
Yes. Every character in the mod has a custom animation, voice dialogue, and dedicated sound effects as of the v1.11 release.
Does the mod require an official copy of the game?
Yes. Naruto Storm Evolution is a free fan-made mod built upon Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, and you must own the base game on Steam to install and run it.
