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 in the franchise's history. Players can now choose between Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay experience. Here's a detailed look at each character to help you decide which to play as.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay standpoint. As a Samurai, Yasuke's formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. The game's melee combat, inspired by From Software's style, feels like controlling a boss from *Dark Souls*. Yasuke's unique background and physical attributes set him apart, enabling him to dominate crowds and deliver powerful melee attacks with ease. As you level him up, he becomes even more effective against higher-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, his ability to use a bow and arrow adds versatility to his ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposing than Naoe's, making stealthy approaches challenging. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points in the game are either inaccessible or difficult for Yasuke to reach, which can hinder exploration.

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 excels in navigating environments with ease, thanks to her superior parkour skills and ninja-like abilities. When players invest in her Mastery points, Naoe becomes a master of stealth, using her hidden blades and other Assassin tools effectively.

Yet, Naoe's strengths in stealth come with vulnerabilities in direct combat. She has lower health and weaker melee abilities compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. When detected, the best strategy often involves retreating to regain anonymity before returning to execute stealth kills.

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

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference, though the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, especially in canon mode. When you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist has specific scenarios where they shine.

Use Naoe for exploration and discovery. Her agility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering the secrets of feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for assassination-focused missions once you've reached knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Switch to Yasuke when combat becomes the focus. He's the better choice for tackling castles and confronting high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords. Yasuke's prowess in melee combat and ability to handle multiple enemies make him invaluable for missions requiring brute force.

Ultimately, your choice of protagonist will depend on whether you prefer the classic stealth gameplay of *Assassin’s Creed* or the new RPG elements, as well as which character's personality resonates with you more.

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