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. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's melee combat, making Yasuke's gameplay feel like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

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

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

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her nimbleness allows her to navigate the game world with ease, making her a master of stealth when players invest in her Mastery points.

While Naoe excels at 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, then returning to execute stealth takedowns and aerial assassinations, hallmarks of the series.

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

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game. The story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist has clear advantages in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her higher mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She is also highly 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 excels at taking down high-value enemies like Daimyo Samurai lords in castles, whether 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. Beyond 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.