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

The introduction of dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* marks a significant shift in the franchise, offering players the choice between Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Here's a detailed look at which character you should consider playing based on your preferred gameplay style.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke brings a fresh perspective to the *Assassin’s Creed* series, leveraging his Samurai skills and formidable stature to offer a unique gameplay experience. His powerful presence on the battlefield makes him an exceptional choice for players who enjoy engaging in direct combat. Inspired by From Software's melee combat style, Yasuke's gameplay feels like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*, providing a thrilling challenge.

Yasuke's prowess in crowd control and melee combat allows him to dominate both base and higher-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo who guard castles. His ability to wield a Bow and Arrow also extends his effectiveness to ranged combat, making him a versatile fighter.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come at the expense of traditional Assassin skills. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection. Additionally, his limited parkour abilities make exploration and reaching synchronization points more challenging, which can be frustrating for players focused on stealth and exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience, excelling in stealth and parkour. Her agility and ninja skills make her the perfect choice for players who prefer a more covert approach. By investing Mastery points in Assassin and Shinobi skills, Naoe can become a master of stealth, executing hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations with finesse.

While Naoe thrives in stealth, her lower health and weaker melee abilities make direct combat a significant challenge. Facing even a small group of enemies can be overwhelming, often forcing players to retreat and re-enter stealth mode to survive. For those skilled in evasion and quick strikes, Naoe can still hold her own, but her true strength lies in remaining undetected.

When Should You 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 demands of the game's missions. The story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode, but when given the choice, each protagonist has clear advantages in different scenarios.

For exploration and discovery, Naoe is the superior choice. Her high mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering the secrets of feudal Japan. She excels in missions requiring stealth and assassination, especially once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in relevant Mastery skills.

On the other hand, Yasuke becomes essential when engaging in open combat, particularly against formidable foes like the Daimyo in castles. His ability to handle these high-value targets with brute force and precision makes him invaluable in combat-heavy scenarios.

Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe will depend on whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the more direct combat of newer RPG titles, as well as which character's personality resonates with you more.

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