Top Skills to Prioritize for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer players a dynamic approach to gameplay, and this extends to the skill development for Yasuke, the powerful samurai. To maximize Yasuke's potential from the early stages of the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here's a detailed guide on the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke to ensure he dominates the battlefield right from the start.

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

Long Katana

• 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 allow Yasuke to not only defend and counterattack effectively but also to strike with significant force while regaining lost health. This combination ensures Yasuke remains healthy and formidable throughout combat scenarios.

Naginata

• 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's advantage lies in keeping enemies at a distance while inflicting substantial damage and critical hits. These skills are especially effective against groups, and using Impale can help manage close encounters or gather enemies for concentrated attacks.

Kanabo

• 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)

With these skills, Yasuke can increase his attack power and speed, effectively taking down most adversaries. Crushing Shockwave is particularly useful for crowd control, and Spine Breaker can provide crucial moments for healing and regrouping before unleashing a devastating ground strike.

Teppo

• 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)

Utilizing the Teppo's high damage output, these skills help Yasuke even the odds in combat by slowing time and enhancing reload speed. Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo can create space, allowing Yasuke to transition to melee weapons for finishing blows.

Samurai

• 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 aren't exclusive to Naoe; Yasuke can also take down elites with his unique approach. The Regeneration skill provides continuous health recovery, while Impenetrable Defense offers crucial protection in tight situations.

Bow

• 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 become aware of his presence. With faster reload and draw speeds, even armored enemies can be taken down efficiently.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the early stages of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. By focusing on these abilities, you'll set Yasuke up for success and ensure he remains a formidable force on the battlefield. For more tips and strategies, don't forget to explore additional resources at The Escapist.