Top Skills to Acquire Early for Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to tackling challenges, and this extends to the skill sets available to enhance your gameplay. For players eager to harness Yasuke's full potential early in the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Below, we outline the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring you can dominate the battlefield 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 you to defend effectively, retaliate powerfully, and even regain health during combat. Mastering these will keep you robust throughout your early encounters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

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)

With these skills, you can keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage. The Naginata’s reach is particularly effective against crowds, and using Impale can help you clear space or gather foes 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)

These skills boost your power and speed, enabling you to swiftly overcome most adversaries. Crushing Shockwave is excellent for managing crowds, while Spine Breaker provides a window to heal and regroup before delivering a devastating blow.

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)

Utilize the Teppo’s immense damage to level the playing field. Enhancing reload speed and slowing time are key, and using Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo can create openings for a swift transition to melee combat.

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)

Yasuke can execute lethal assassinations not just limited to Naoe, making him a formidable force against even elite enemies. The global Regeneration skill aids in maintaining your health, and Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection in tight spots.

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 detect him. Even armored foes can be taken down with precision shots, thanks to faster reloads and draw speeds.

That’s everything you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Equip these early on to maximize your effectiveness and enjoy a commanding presence on the battlefield. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.