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

The introduction of dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* marks a significant shift in the franchise's history. With Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, players are presented with two characters whose strengths and weaknesses diverge dramatically, offering unique gameplay experiences. Here’s a guide on when to play as each protagonist to maximize your enjoyment and effectiveness in the game.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, especially from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai with a commanding presence, Yasuke brings a unique playstyle to the table. His large, formidable stature makes him a powerhouse on the battlefield. The game's melee combat, inspired by From Software's mechanics, feels like controlling a boss from *Dark Souls* when you're in Yasuke's shoes.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart from other warriors in the feudal Japan setting of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, making short work of base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo in castles as he levels up. Yasuke also wields a bow and arrow, making him versatile in ranged combat.

However, Yasuke struggles with traditional Assassin skills. His assassinations are slower and more conspicuous than Naoe's, leaving him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to past protagonists. While he can theoretically reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many of these points are either inaccessible or extremely challenging for Yasuke, which can be frustrating during exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe the Igan Shinobi embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* archetype, with a focus on stealth and agility. Her nimbleness allows her to navigate the world with ease, and her ninja-like skills combined with Assassin weapons make her a stealth master once players invest in the appropriate Mastery points.

Naoe shines when it comes to staying hidden, but she struggles when detected. With lower health and less potent melee abilities than Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. Skilled players might manage to survive encounters, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, allowing Naoe to execute her signature hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.

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

The choice of protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often comes down to personal preference, though the story may dictate character availability during specific quests, particularly in canon mode. When given the freedom to switch, each character 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 viewpoints, and discovering new areas in feudal Japan. She's also highly effective for missions that require stealthy assassinations, especially after reaching knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its most formidable targets, switch to Yasuke for combat. He's the go-to character for storming castles and taking down Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights. Yasuke's prowess makes him the ideal choice for missions involving open combat.

Ultimately, while Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth, and Yasuke dominates in open combat, both characters are capable in various situations. Your choice might depend on which personality resonates with you more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth experience or the newer RPG-style combat.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th.