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. With Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, players are presented with two distinct gameplay experiences, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Here's a guide to help you decide which character to play as in various scenarios.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, as depicted in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, brings a unique flavor to the series. His formidable stature and samurai skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat, playing as Yasuke feels akin to controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*. His background and physical prowess set him apart in the game's Feudal Japan setting, enabling him to excel in crowd control and deliver devastating melee attacks. As you progress and level him up, Yasuke can effortlessly take down higher-tier enemies, including the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his proficiency with a bow and arrow makes him a versatile combatant, effective at both close and long range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks like quick assassinations, which leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. While he can reach synchronization points to uncover more of the map, many of these points are challenging or inaccessible to him, which can hinder exploration and add frustration when navigating new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the series. Her expertise in stealth and parkour allows her to navigate the game world with unparalleled agility. Naoe's combination of ninja skills and assassin weaponry makes her a stealth master, particularly when players invest in her Mastery points.

Despite her prowess in remaining undetected, Naoe faces challenges when spotted by enemies. With lower health and less powerful melee capabilities than Yasuke, she can struggle against even a small group of foes. Skilled players might manage to fight their way out of trouble, 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 and aerial assassinations with ease.

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

The choice of protagonist in *Assassin's Creed Shadows* often boils down to personal preference, though certain missions and story segments may dictate which character you play. When given the option to switch between Yasuke and Naoe, consider the following scenarios for optimal gameplay:

For exploration and map discovery, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering the secrets of feudal Japan. She excels in missions that involve stealthy assassinations, particularly once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in her Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've familiarized yourself with a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is particularly effective against the Daimyo Samurai lords found in castles, allowing you to secure valuable loot with his brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.

If a mission requires extensive open combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, Naoe shines in scenarios that demand stealth, exploration, and discovery. Outside these specific situations, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality resonates with you more, as well as your preference for classic *Assassin's Creed* gameplay versus the newer RPG elements.

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