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 for the franchise, offering players a choice between Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the game, tailored to different playstyles. Let's delve into the pros and cons of each protagonist to help you decide when to play as Yasuke or Naoe.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, not just for his backstory but also for his unique gameplay mechanics. As a Samurai, Yasuke is a powerhouse on the battlefield. His robust stature and formidable skills allow him to dominate in melee combat, drawing inspiration from the intense battles of *Dark Souls*. Yasuke excels at crowd control and can easily dispatch both regular enemies and high-tier foes like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his ability to use a bow and arrow makes him effective at range, adding versatility to his combat style.

However, Yasuke's strengths in combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more conspicuous, making him less ideal for stealth missions. His parkour abilities are limited, and climbing and shimmying are noticeably slower compared to previous protagonists. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to reach synchronization points, which are crucial for map exploration but can be inaccessible or challenging for Yasuke.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. She is exceptionally adept at parkour, making her the perfect choice for navigating the intricate landscapes of feudal Japan. Her mastery in stealth allows her to remain unseen, and with the right investment in Mastery points, she can become a formidable assassin.

However, Naoe's strengths in stealth come with vulnerabilities in open combat. She has lower health and less powerful melee attacks, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. When detected, the best strategy is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, allowing her to execute her signature hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.

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 the specific task at hand and personal preference. The narrative may also dictate which character is available for certain missions, particularly in canon mode. Here’s when each protagonist shines:

Play as Naoe during exploration phases. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering new areas, synchronizing viewpoints, and discovering the secrets of feudal Japan. She is also highly effective for assassination contracts once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in the necessary Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Switch to Yasuke when you need to engage in direct combat. After mapping out a region and identifying its toughest targets, Yasuke's prowess in battle makes him the go-to character for storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like Daimyo. His brutal assassinations and strong melee capabilities are unmatched in these scenarios.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the better choice, while Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Ultimately, your preference for either the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG combat style will influence which protagonist you favor throughout your playthrough.

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