Switching Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: When and How?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces two compelling protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. However, the transition between these characters might leave some players curious about when and how they can switch between them. Here's a detailed breakdown of when you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* boasts a vast open world, the game's prologue is quite linear. During the initial 90-minute prologue, players will switch between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined points. After completing the prologue, you'll remain locked as Naoe for several hours. If you're eager to step into Yasuke's shoes and fulfill your Samurai dreams right away, you'll need to wait until nearly the end of the first act. The early game focuses solely on Naoe, with Yasuke making his playable debut in the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable again in the Fire and Lightning Quest, and upon completing Act I, players can switch between the two characters more freely.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In my playthrough, it took about 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to freely switch between protagonists. I engaged in numerous side activities during this period. However, if you focus primarily on the main storyline, you can likely reach this point within 6 to 8 hours and fully experience *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*’ dual protagonists.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you unlock the ability to freely play as either Naoe or Yasuke, switching between them is straightforward. The simplest method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, you'll see two options: one to fast travel and another to fast travel as the other protagonist. Choosing the latter will spawn you at the desired location as the alternate character. This feature is available at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, you may be presented with the option to choose which protagonist to play as, further enhancing your control over the narrative.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

After Act I, players enjoy considerable freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked, ensuring that certain scenes and quests remain character-specific.

Each character also has unique quests and activities that delve into their backstory before they met. These quests are exclusive to either Naoe or Yasuke and are marked with distinctive symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe. Some side activities are also character-specific, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

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