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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking change to the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the game, influencing how you approach various missions and gameplay elements. Here's a detailed look at which protagonist you should play as in different scenarios.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke overlooks a coastal vista in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, not just for his narrative but also for his gameplay mechanics. As a Samurai, Yasuke's imposing stature and combat prowess make him a formidable force on the battlefield. The game's melee combat, inspired by From Software's style, allows Yasuke to dominate in encounters, reminiscent of controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical attributes set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, making him ideal for handling both base and higher-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo who patrol castles. Additionally, Yasuke's ability to use a bow and arrow adds versatility to his combat style, enabling effective ranged attacks.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks like stealth assassinations, which take longer and leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are also limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. This can make reaching synchronization points challenging, as many are difficult or impossible for Yasuke to access, potentially hindering exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe and Yaya team up to fight in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

Naoe the Iga Shinobi embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience, excelling in stealth and parkour. Her agility and ninja-like skills allow for seamless navigation and covert operations. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe can become a stealth master, utilizing a variety of Assassin tools and techniques.

Despite her prowess in stealth, Naoe faces challenges when detected. She has lower health and less potent melee abilities compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies particularly difficult. Her best strategy often involves escaping combat to regain anonymity, then returning to execute precise assassinations and aerial takedowns, hallmarks of the series.

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

Naoe and Yasuke team up in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the mission. The game's narrative may dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in different contexts.

For exploration, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for uncovering new areas, synchronizing viewpoints, and exploring the vast landscapes of feudal Japan. When it comes to assassination contracts and quests, Naoe's stealth abilities become crucial, especially once you've achieved knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've mapped out a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's particularly effective against castle-dwelling Daimyo Samurai lords, capable of taking them down through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights. For missions involving extensive open combat, Yasuke's prowess is unmatched.

Ultimately, the choice between Naoe and Yasuke will hinge on your preferred playstyle and the mission at hand. Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth, while Yasuke dominates in direct combat scenarios. Beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable, allowing players to choose based on which personality they connect with more and whether they favor the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* stealth approach or the more action-oriented RPG elements.

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