Choosing Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, offering players distinct gameplay experiences. Here's a detailed look at which protagonist you should choose based on your playstyle and the game's demands.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's melee combat, making Yasuke's combat feel like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, capable of handling both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed compared to Naoe's, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying than previous protagonists. While he can reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many of these points are difficult or impossible for him to access, which can be frustrating during exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the series. She excels in stealth and parkour, moving with incredible agility and ease. With her ninja skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe can become a stealth master by investing Mastery points effectively.

While Naoe is adept at staying hidden, she struggles when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make combat challenging, especially against multiple enemies. Skilled players can navigate combat with her, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode to execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.

When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist excels in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She is particularly effective for assassination contracts and quests once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its most dangerous targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is well-suited for storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the clear choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG elements.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.