A lot has changed for Naruto since the release of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 back in 2016. The most obvious change to the Naruto franchise was the debut of Boruto, a spin-off sequel that follows the adventures of Naruto's son. The Boruto series ushered in major changes in terms of the relative power levels of fan-favorite characters. Many of the strongest characters in the Naruto series fell by the wayside while a brand-new cast of characters from Boruto took their chance in the spotlight.
Predictably, Naruto himself remains one of the most powerful characters. Boruto also introduced fans to the Baryon mode, the fiercest iteration of Naruto's Nine-Tailed Beast transformations, and one of the biggest upgrades fans have ever seen. As such, Baryon Naruto is likely to be one of the strongest characters available in Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections.
Baryon Mode is Naruto's Strongest Form Yet
The character's unparalleled abilities as a ninja have always been inextricably linked to Naruto's Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed away inside of him. While Naruto initially resisted using Kurama's full potential, the two have grown closer over the series' tenure and formed a symbiotic relationship wherein he could rely on the Fox's massive chakra pool and abilities. While fans have seen other Jinchuriki—ninjas with tailed beasts sealed inside them—undergo a full transformation, they've yet to see Naruto fully embrace Kurama.
The closest that the character has ever come to fully unleashing Kurama is through Naruto's Baryon mode. In previous forms, Naruto would draw on Kurama's energy to boost his power by proxy, in Baryon mode, their two chakras were fused together, combining to an unprecedented level of power. Unfortunately, this fusion also makes Baryon mode an extremely dangerous and untenable form for both Naruto and Kurama.
The Baryon mode was introduced during Naruto's battle with Isshiki, a member of the Otsutsuki clan, and arguably the most powerful character ever introduced into the series. While Baryon mode allowed Naruto to gain the upper hand in the battle, it ultimately resulted in the death of Kurama in Boruto, leaving him significantly weakened.
How Baryon Mode Will Behave in Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
Thus far, the only information fans have about Baryon mode in Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is from a short teaser gameplay trailer. Luckily, that short trailer does reveal that the Baryon mode will be an Awakening like in Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. While many were anticipating Bayon mode as a separate character, it appears from the footage that Baryon mode will be an Awakening available to Naruto in his Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
The other Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections character that is revealed in the trailer is Shadow Kage Sasuke, bearing his left-eye Rinnegan and new Kusanagi sword. Since Sasuke is an extremely powerful character in his own right, his inclusion acts as a useful measuring stick for the power of Naruto's Baryon mode. As expected, the Baryon mode seems to be extremely fast and hard-hitting (though no health meters are shown), and comes equipped with a powerful Rasengan finishing move. It's likely that except for characters like Isshiki and other members of the Otsutsuki clan, Baryon mode Naruto will likely be the most overpowered character in the game.
It's possible that the Baryon mode will slowly drain the player's health bar or negatively affect Naruto in some fashion in order to reflect the taxing nature of Baryon mode. It could also appear as an extremely short-duration transformation. Regardless, Baryon mode looks to set the stage for exciting combo possibilities and faster-paced gameplay when compared to the title's predecessors.
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections will be released in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.