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

The dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* mark a significant shift in the franchise, introducing Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, influencing your gameplay experience significantly. Here’s a detailed look at which protagonist you should choose based on your playstyle and mission objectives.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke overlooks a coastal vista in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and powerful skills make him a unique force on the battlefield. Yasuke's gameplay feels akin to controlling a boss character in *Dark Souls*, thanks to *Assassin’s Creed Shadows'* From Software-inspired melee combat system.

Unlike typical Samurai, Yasuke's background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, making him versatile in ranged combat as well.

However, Yasuke struggles with traditional Assassin tasks. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable, and his parkour abilities are limited. While he can climb to synchronization points, many are either inaccessible or challenging for him to reach, which can be frustrating when exploring new areas.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe and Yaya team up to fight in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the game world with ease. With a blend of ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.

While Naoe excels at staying hidden, she faces challenges when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make direct combat risky. Facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming, and the best strategy often involves retreating to regain anonymity before executing stealth takedowns and aerial assassinations.

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

Naoe and Yasuke team up in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

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 you play as for certain quests. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist shines 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, and discovering new areas in feudal Japan. She is also highly effective for assassination missions, particularly after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is particularly effective against the Daimyo Samurai lords in castles, capable of defeating them through brutal assassinations or open sword fights more easily than Naoe.

For missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best choice. Conversely, Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the 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.