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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system, featuring Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. Here’s a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your gameplay preferences and mission objectives.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, as seen overlooking a coastal vista in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft, is a fascinating protagonist from a gameplay standpoint. As a Samurai with a powerful build, Yasuke offers a unique playstyle. His combat mechanics, inspired by From Software's approach, make him feel like a boss character from *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke stands out in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* due to his exceptional combat skills. He excels in crowd control and delivers powerful melee attacks, making him highly effective against both basic and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo in castles. Additionally, Yasuke’s ability to use a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness to ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with limitations in traditional Assassin skills. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, and his parkour abilities are less agile compared to previous protagonists. Synchronization points, crucial for map exploration, can be challenging or even inaccessible for Yasuke, which can hinder exploration in new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, aligns more closely with the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience. She excels in stealth and parkour, offering nimble movement and ease of traversal. With her ninja-like skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe can master stealth gameplay by investing in Mastery points.

While Naoe is unparalleled in remaining unseen, her combat prowess is limited. She has lower health and weaker melee abilities compared to Yasuke, making direct confrontations challenging. When detected, the best strategy is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, allowing Naoe to execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations effectively.

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 and the specific requirements of the mission or quest. The story may dictate which character is playable during certain segments, especially in canon mode. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

For exploration and map synchronization, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war and discovering new areas in feudal Japan. Naoe’s effectiveness in assassination missions increases significantly once you reach Knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

When it comes to combat, especially in fortified locations like castles with Daimyo Samurai lords, Yasuke is your go-to character. His ability to handle tough enemies in both brutal assassinations and open sword fights makes him the better option for clearing high-value targets and securing valuable loot.

For missions requiring extensive combat, Yasuke is the preferred choice, while Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Ultimately, your choice between Yasuke and Naoe for most of your playthrough may depend on which character’s personality resonates with you more, and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG combat elements.

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