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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the series with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay, making your choice of protagonist pivotal to your experience in Feudal Japan. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide when to play as each character.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, a formidable Samurai in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, stands out with his powerful stature and combat prowess. His gameplay mechanics, inspired by From Software's style, allow players to feel like they're controlling a boss from *Dark Souls*. Yasuke excels in open combat, effortlessly managing crowds and dealing devastating melee attacks. His ability to use a Bow and Arrow also makes him effective at range, and as you level him up, he can quickly dispatch high-tier enemies like the Daimyo who patrol castles.

However, Yasuke's strengths in combat come with notable drawbacks. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection, and his parkour abilities are limited compared to other protagonists. Climbing and shimmying are slower, and many synchronization points are challenging or inaccessible for him, which can be frustrating during exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility allows her to navigate the world with ease, making her perfect for players who enjoy a more traditional Assassin gameplay. Naoe's mastery of stealth, combined with her Assassin and Shinobi skills, makes her a formidable force when undetected.

Despite her strengths in stealth, Naoe struggles in direct combat. With lower health and weaker melee abilities, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. When detected, the best strategy often involves retreating to re-enter stealth mode, allowing her to perform her signature hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.

When to Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the mission. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the story sometimes dictates which character you can use, particularly in canon mode. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

Opt for Naoe during exploration phases. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She's also your go-to for missions requiring stealthy assassinations, especially after reaching knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, switch to Yasuke for combat-heavy missions. He's perfect for storming castles and taking down Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights. If a mission involves a lot of open combat, Yasuke is your best choice.

Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe will often come down to your preferred playstyle and the character's personality that resonates with you more. Whether you lean towards the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* stealth approach or the newer RPG combat style, both protagonists offer a rich and engaging experience.

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