Home News Top Initial Skills for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Top Initial Skills for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

by Owen May 20,2025

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players are treated to a dynamic gameplay experience with dual protagonists, offering varied approaches to tackling challenges. For those eager to harness the full potential of Yasuke in the early stages of the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring you can unleash his prowess from the outset.

Best Skills to Get First for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Long Katana

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Long Katana Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills are essential for Yasuke, enabling him to defend, counter, and strike with powerful attacks while simultaneously regaining health. This combination ensures you remain robust during combat encounters, allowing you to last longer in battles and tackle foes with confidence.

Naginata

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Naginata Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
  • One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
  • Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

The Naginata skills allow Yasuke to keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage and increasing critical hit chances. These are particularly effective against groups, and the Impale ability can be used to control the battlefield, creating opportunities for concentrated damage or clearing a path.

Kanabo

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Kanabo Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
  • Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
  • Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
  • Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills amplify Yasuke's power and speed, making him a formidable opponent. Crushing Shockwave is especially useful in crowd control situations, while Spine Breaker offers a tactical advantage, allowing time for healing and regrouping before delivering devastating ground strikes.

Teppo

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Teppo Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
  • Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
  • Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
  • Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

The Teppo skills are excellent for starting and finishing fights, leveraging high damage output to level the playing field. Enhancing reload speed and slowing time are key to maximizing effectiveness, and Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo can create space before transitioning to melee combat for the final blow.

Samurai

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Samurai Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
  • Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
  • Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Assassinations are not exclusive to Naoe; Yasuke can also take down elite enemies with his specialized moves. The Regeneration skill is a versatile asset, replenishing health with every kill, while Impenetrable Defense offers a crucial lifeline in dire situations.

Bow

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Bow Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
  • Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
  • Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
  • Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
  • Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's ability to eliminate threats before they even notice him. Faster reload and draw speeds, combined with the ability to penetrate armor, make these skills invaluable for stealthy engagements and long-range combat.

With these skills prioritized early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Yasuke can dominate the battlefield, ensuring you're well-equipped to handle any challenge that comes your way. For more tips and guides on the game, be sure to explore the resources available at The Escapist.

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