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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your playstyle and the game's demands.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. The melee combat in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, inspired by From Software's style, feels like controlling a boss from *Dark Souls* when playing as Yasuke.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and delivers powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range as well.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed compared to Naoe's, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying, which can hinder exploration. Many synchronization points are difficult or impossible for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when trying to uncover new areas.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the game world with ease. By investing Mastery points in ninja and Assassin skills, Naoe can become a master of stealth, executing hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations with finesse.

While Naoe excels in remaining unseen, she struggles when detected. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities than Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. The best strategy often involves escaping combat to regain anonymity before returning to strike from the shadows.

When Should You 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 game. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist excels in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in feudal Japan. She is particularly effective for assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its most dangerous targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is well-suited for storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG elements.

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