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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a significant shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing their unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. Here's a detailed look at which character you might want to play as based on your preferred gameplay style.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his powerful stature and combat skills make him a formidable force on the battlefield. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's melee combat, making Yasuke's gameplay feel like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, capable of handling both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range as well.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed compared to Naoe's, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying speeds than previous protagonists. While he can theoretically reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many of these points are either impossible or extremely difficult for him to access, which can be frustrating during exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the *Assassin’s Creed* series. She excels in stealth and parkour, moving with incredible agility and ease. With her ninja skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe can become a stealth master by investing in Mastery points.

While Naoe is adept at staying hidden, she struggles when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make combat challenging, especially against multiple enemies. Skilled players might manage to fight their way out of encounters, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. Once back in the shadows, Naoe can execute the series' signature hidden blade takedowns, aerial assassinations, and parkour maneuvers.

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. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist excels in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for assassination-focused contracts and quests, especially after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's well-suited for storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive combat, Yasuke is the clear choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG elements.

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