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

The introduction of dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* marks a significant shift in the franchise's history. With Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, players can experience the game through two distinct perspectives, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here's a guide to help you decide which character to play as in different situations.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. His Samurai skills and formidable physique make him a unique force on the battlefield. Inspired by From Software's melee combat, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a boss character from *Dark Souls*. His background and physical prowess set him apart in the world of Feudal Japan within *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Yasuke excels in crowd control with powerful melee attacks, capable of handling base enemies and higher-tier foes like Daimyo in castles with ease as he levels up. Additionally, his ability to use a bow and arrow makes him effective at range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat are counterbalanced by his limitations in traditional Assassin roles. His assassinations are slower and more exposing, and while he has some parkour abilities, they are not as advanced as those of past protagonists. Accessing synchronization points can be challenging or even impossible for Yasuke, which can hinder exploration in new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the series. She excels in stealth and parkour, making her incredibly nimble and adept at navigating the game world. Her combination of ninja skills and Assassin weapons allows her to master stealth, especially when players invest in Mastery points.

Yet, Naoe's strengths in stealth are offset by her vulnerabilities in direct combat. With lower health and less powerful melee capabilities, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. When detected, the best strategy is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, returning later for precise assassinations and parkour-based takedowns.

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

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of the game's missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is playable for certain quests. However, when given the choice, each protagonist has clear advantages in different scenarios.

For exploration and discovering new regions in Feudal Japan, Naoe is the better choice due to her superior mobility and speed. She's ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering new areas. Naoe is also highly effective for assassination missions, especially after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once a region's layout and its dangerous targets are known, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat scenarios. He is particularly effective in storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open combat.

In missions requiring extensive combat, Yasuke is the optimal choice, while Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more, as well as your preference for classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay versus the newer RPG elements.

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