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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to two compelling protagonists, Naoe the Shinobi and Yasuke the Samurai. As the game approaches its launch, many are curious about when and how they can switch between these characters. Here's a detailed look at when you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Recommended Videos Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a vast open world, the game starts with a linear prologue that lasts about 90 minutes. During this time, players will switch between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. After completing the prologue, you'll continue playing as Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to experience the Samurai fantasy, you'll need to wait until near the end of the first act. The initial part of the game focuses solely on Naoe, with Yasuke making his first playable appearance during the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes the playable character for the Fire and Lightning Quest, and after completing this quest and Act I, players gain the freedom to 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 around 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to freely switch between protagonists. This duration included a lot of side content. However, if you focus on the main storyline, you can likely reach this point in about 6 to 8 hours.

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

Once you've unlocked the ability to play as both Naoe and Yasuke freely, switching between them is straightforward. You can switch characters by fast traveling to a location on the map. When selecting a fast travel point, you'll see two options: one to fast travel as your current character and another to switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This feature works with various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the mission is presented.

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

In the expansive world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you have the freedom to choose your preferred protagonist after Act I. However, specific story moments and major quests will lock you into playing as either Naoe or Yasuke.

It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. These quests delve into the backstories of Naoe and Yasuke before they met and are exclusive to one character. Similarly, certain side activities must be completed by either Naoe or Yasuke, indicated by unique symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.

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