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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a significant shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay, making the choice of protagonist crucial for different scenarios within the game.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, particularly from a gameplay perspective. His skills as a Samurai and his imposing physical presence make him a formidable force on the battlefield. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the melee combat draws inspiration from From Software's style, akin to controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*. Yasuke's unique background and abilities set him apart in Feudal Japan, allowing him to dominate in combat scenarios with ease. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, Yasuke can wield a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range as well.

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

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimbleness and mastery of parkour make her ideal for navigating the game's world effortlessly. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe becomes a stealth expert as players invest in Mastery points.

While Naoe excels in staying hidden, she faces challenges when detected. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities compared to Yasuke, confronting even a few enemies can be overwhelming. Skilled players may manage to fight their way out, but retreating to re-enter stealth mode is often the safer choice. Once back in stealth, Naoe can execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations, satisfying fans of the series' traditional gameplay.

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

The choice of protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference, but the story may dictate which character is available for specific quests, especially in canon mode. However, there are clear situations where each protagonist excels.

Naoe is the better choice for exploration due to her superior mobility and speed. She efficiently clears the fog of war, synchronizes, and discovers new areas in feudal Japan. For missions requiring assassinations, Naoe is highly effective once you've reached knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He excels at taking down high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords within castles, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.

For missions involving extensive open combat, Yasuke is the optimal choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and discovery. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and the choice often boils down to which personality resonates more with the player and whether they prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* 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.