Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: When?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces players to two captivating protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. However, the transition between controlling these characters has been somewhat ambiguous. Here’s a comprehensive guide on when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers a vast open world, the game's prologue is more linear. Over the course of about 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke during designated moments. Once the prologue concludes, you’ll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to embody the Samurai spirit, you’ll need to be patient. The early stages of the game focus solely on Naoe, with Yasuke absent until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest, but only temporarily. It’s not until the completion of Act I that players gain the freedom to switch between the two characters.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to freely switch between protagonists took around 10 hours. This included exploring plenty of side content. However, if you’re aiming to progress quickly through the first act to enjoy both protagonists, you might achieve this in approximately 6 to 8 hours.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you unlock the ability to play as both Naoe and Yasuke freely, switching between them is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, you’ll see two options: one to fast travel as your current character, and another to switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This feature is available at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, you’ll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the quest is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

After Act I, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers significant freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked to ensure narrative coherence.

It’s also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, featuring only one character at a time. Additionally, some side activities are exclusive to either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by distinct symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.

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