Yasuke or Naoe: Who to Choose in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the introduction of dual protagonists marks a significant shift in the franchise's history. Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi bring unique gameplay dynamics with their distinct strengths and weaknesses. Here's a guide on which protagonist to choose for different scenarios.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly in terms of gameplay. As a Samurai, his imposing stature and combat skills make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Inspired by From Software's melee combat, controlling Yasuke feels like maneuvering a *Dark Souls* boss. His unique background and physical prowess set him apart from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting, enabling him to dominate crowds and execute powerful melee attacks. Yasuke is adept at handling both common foes and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo in castles, and he can also use a Bow and Arrow for effective ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come at the expense of traditional Assassin abilities. His assassinations are slower and riskier, leaving him vulnerable to detection. His parkour skills are limited, and climbing to synchronization points can be challenging, sometimes even impossible, which can hinder exploration and map revelation.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth and parkour gameplay. Her agility and nimbleness make her ideal for navigating the game world undetected. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.

However, Naoe's effectiveness diminishes when she's detected. She has lower health and weaker melee capabilities compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. Her best strategy in combat often involves retreating to regain anonymity and then executing stealth takedowns, such as hidden blade assassinations and aerial attacks.

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

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference, but the game's narrative may also dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode. When you have the flexibility to switch, each protagonist excels in specific situations.

Use Naoe for exploration and stealth missions. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering the map, synchronizing, and exploring the vast landscapes of Feudal Japan. She is particularly effective in assassination contracts and quests once you reach Knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Switch to Yasuke when you're ready to engage in combat, especially in areas with high-value targets like castles guarded by Daimyo Samurai lords. Yasuke's prowess in open combat and his ability to execute brutal assassinations make him the better choice for these encounters.

For missions involving open combat, Yasuke is your go-to character, while Naoe is perfect for traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Ultimately, the choice of protagonist may come down to which character's personality and gameplay style resonate with you more, whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.

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