Choose Yasuke or Naoe: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Guide

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking change with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the series. Here's a detailed look at which protagonist you should choose based on your gameplay preferences.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, especially from a gameplay perspective. His skills as a Samurai, combined with his powerful stature, make him a formidable force on the battlefield. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the melee combat draws inspiration from From Software's style, allowing players to experience combat as if controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks. As you progress and level him up, Yasuke can easily overpower higher-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, his proficiency with a bow and arrow makes him effective at ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs in stealth and agility. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, making him less suited for the traditional Assassin role. His parkour abilities are also limited; climbing and shimmying are significantly slower than in previous *Assassin’s Creed* games. While he can theoretically reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many are either inaccessible or challenging for him to reach, which can hinder exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth and agility. She excels in navigating the world with ease, thanks to her superior parkour and stealth capabilities. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe can become a master of stealth, leveraging her ninja-like skills and Assassin weapons.

However, Naoe's strengths in stealth come with vulnerabilities in direct combat. She has lower health and less potent melee abilities than Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. Skilled players can manage to fight their way out of trouble, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode to perform hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations, hallmarks of the series.

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

Choosing which protagonist to play as in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game's missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when you have the flexibility to switch between Yasuke and Naoe, each has clear advantages in different scenarios.

For exploration and uncovering the mysteries of Feudal Japan, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas. She's also highly effective in missions requiring stealth, especially once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

When it comes to combat, particularly against high-value targets like the Daimyo in castles, Yasuke is your go-to protagonist. His ability to handle multiple enemies and deliver brutal assassinations or engage in open sword fights makes him indispensable for such encounters.

In missions that involve heavy combat, Yasuke is the better choice, while Naoe shines in tasks requiring traversal, exploration, and stealth. Ultimately, your choice of protagonist for most of your playthrough will hinge on which character's personality resonates with you more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth experience or the more recent RPG elements.

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