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

The introduction of dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* marks a significant evolution in the franchise. Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi bring distinct gameplay experiences with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Here's a guide to help you decide which character to play as in different situations.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay standpoint. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat style, Yasuke's gameplay feels like commanding a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess distinguish him from other warriors in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*’ Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, capable of swiftly handling both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his proficiency with a Bow and Arrow enhances his effectiveness at range.

However, Yasuke struggles with traditional Assassin tasks. His assassinations are slower and more exposing than Naoe's, and his parkour abilities are limited. Climbing and shimmying are notably slower for Yasuke, and reaching many synchronization points to reveal more of the map can be challenging or even impossible, which can hinder exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth and parkour experience. Her agility and mastery of stealth make her the perfect choice for navigating the world discreetly. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe can become a stealth expert, utilizing ninja skills and Assassin weaponry to execute missions flawlessly.

While Naoe excels in stealth, her combat capabilities are less robust. She has lower health and weaker melee attacks compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. When detected, it's often best to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, allowing Naoe to perform her signature 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's missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is playable for certain quests. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

Naoe is your go-to character for exploration and discovery. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering the secrets of feudal Japan. She is particularly effective in assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've mapped out a region and identified key targets, Yasuke becomes the preferred choice for combat-focused missions. He is exceptionally suited for storming castles and confronting high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive combat, Yasuke is the clear choice. Conversely, Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your preference may hinge on which personality you connect with more, as well as your preference for traditional *Assassin’s Creed* 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.