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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual-protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the franchise. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose to play based on your gaming style and the specific challenges you face.

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 compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, especially from a gameplay standpoint. His Samurai skills combined with his imposing physique make him a unique and formidable force. Yasuke's combat style, inspired by From Software's mechanics, feels like you're controlling a *Dark Souls* boss. His exceptional prowess in melee combat allows him to dominate crowds and swiftly dispatch high-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo in castles. Additionally, Yasuke's ability to use a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness to ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat are counterbalanced by his limitations in traditional Assassin activities. His assassinations are slower and more vulnerable, and his parkour abilities are less agile than those of previous protagonists. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to reach synchronization points, as many are either inaccessible or challenging for Yasuke to reach, impacting exploration in new provinces.

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 with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimbleness and mastery of ninja skills and Assassin weaponry make her a stealth powerhouse. By investing in Mastery points, players can enhance Naoe's abilities, turning her into a master of covert operations.

Yet, Naoe's effectiveness diminishes when she's detected. Her lower health and weaker melee capabilities mean that facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. The best strategy when discovered is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, allowing Naoe to execute the precise assassinations and parkour maneuvers fans love.

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 game's narrative, especially in canon mode. However, there are clear scenarios where each protagonist excels.

For exploration, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for uncovering the map, synchronizing, and exploring the vast landscapes of feudal Japan. She's particularly effective in assassination-focused missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

On the other hand, once you've mapped out a region and identified its most formidable foes, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's exceptionally suited for storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open combat.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, for tasks centered around traversal, exploration, and stealth, Naoe shines. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are versatile enough to handle most situations, leaving the choice largely to the player's preference for either the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth experience or the new RPG combat dynamics.

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