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

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer a diverse range of problem-solving approaches, and the skill system is no exception. For those eager to harness the full potential of Yasuke in the early stages of the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here’s a guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring he remains a formidable force on the battlefield.

Best Skills to Get First for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Long Katana

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• 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 Yasuke to not only defend and counterattack effectively but also to deliver powerful strikes and regain lost health during combat. This combination will ensure Yasuke remains robust and resilient through various encounters in the early game.

Naginata

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• 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 the Naginata, Yasuke can keep enemies at a distance while still dealing significant damage and increasing his critical hit chance. These skills are especially effective against groups, allowing Yasuke to control crowds and clear paths when necessary.

Kanabo

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• 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 enhance Yasuke's power and speed, enabling him to swiftly dispatch enemies. Crushing Shockwave is particularly useful against crowds, while Spine Breaker provides a strategic moment to heal and regroup before delivering devastating blows.

Teppo

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• 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)

The Teppo skills are perfect for initiating and concluding fights with significant damage. Enhancing reload speed and slowing time during combat allows Yasuke to control the battlefield, using Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo to create space before switching to melee for the final blow.

Samurai

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• 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 devastating assassinations, not just limited to Naoe, and take down even elite enemies. The Regeneration skill is invaluable for restoring health with each kill, while Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection in tight situations.

Bow

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• 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 become aware of his presence. With faster reload and draw speeds, even armored enemies can be taken down efficiently.

By focusing on these skills early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll ensure Yasuke is well-equipped to handle any challenge thrown his way. For more tips and guides on the game, be sure to explore the resources available at The Escapist.