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 with unique strengths and weaknesses that redefine the gameplay experience. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose to play as in different scenarios.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as a unique protagonist in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, thanks to his formidable samurai skills and imposing stature. His gameplay is reminiscent of controlling a boss character in *Dark Souls*, with *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* adopting From Software's inspired melee combat system.

Yasuke's prowess in combat is unmatched. His ability to handle crowds and deliver powerful melee attacks makes him a powerhouse, capable of taking down base enemies and higher-tier adversaries like the Daimyo patrolling castles with relative ease. Additionally, his proficiency with a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness to ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more conspicuous, leaving him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, making his climbing and movement slower than traditional *Assassin’s Creed* protagonists. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to reach synchronization points, which are often inaccessible or challenging for Yasuke to navigate.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and mastery of ninja skills make her an ideal choice for players who enjoy the classic assassin gameplay.

Naoe excels in stealth, using her speed and nimbleness to navigate the environment with ease. Her ability to remain unseen and execute precise assassinations makes her a formidable shadow in Feudal Japan. Investing in Mastery points enhances her stealth capabilities, making her a master of the hidden blade and aerial assassinations.

However, Naoe's strengths in stealth come at the cost of her combat prowess. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities, she can struggle when detected, often requiring players to retreat and re-enter stealth to survive encounters with multiple enemies.

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

The choice between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the mission or quest. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the story may dictate which character is available for certain missions, especially in canon mode. However, when given the option to switch, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

For exploration and uncovering the map, 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 the go-to character for assassination-focused contracts and quests, particularly after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified key targets, Yasuke becomes invaluable in combat situations. He is particularly effective against high-value targets like the Daimyo in castles, where his brute force and combat skills allow him to handle both stealthy assassinations and open battles with ease.

Ultimately, if a mission involves extensive combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, Naoe is perfect for missions requiring traversal, exploration, and stealth. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may come down to which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth 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.