Choosing Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Who to Play?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual-protagonist system, featuring Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your gameplay preferences and the tasks at hand.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, a towering figure in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, offers a gameplay experience unlike any other in the series. His Samurai skills and imposing presence make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a *Dark Souls* boss, with his powerful melee attacks and crowd control abilities. Yasuke excels not only against regular enemies but also against higher-tier foes such as the Daimyo in castles. Additionally, he can wield a bow and arrow effectively, making him versatile in both close and ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with stealth and speed, crucial elements of traditional *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay. His assassinations are slower and more risky, leaving him vulnerable. His parkour abilities are limited, making navigation and exploration challenging. Many synchronization points in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* are difficult or impossible for Yasuke to reach, which can hinder map discovery and exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. She moves with incredible nimbleness, making her ideal for parkour and silent takedowns. Naoe's mastery of ninja skills and Assassin weaponry allows her to excel in stealth missions, especially after investing in Mastery points to enhance her abilities.

On the flip side, Naoe's effectiveness wanes in direct combat. She has lower health and weaker melee capabilities compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies daunting. When detected, the best strategy often involves fleeing to regain stealth, rather than engaging in prolonged fights. However, once back in the shadows, Naoe can execute the iconic hidden blade assassinations and aerial takedowns that fans love.

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

The choice between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on the player's personal preference and the game's narrative demands. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character you use for certain quests. However, when given the freedom to switch, each protagonist shines in specific scenarios.

For exploration and map discovery, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. She's also the go-to for assassination contracts, especially after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes invaluable. He's perfect for storming castles and confronting high-level enemies like the Daimyo Samurai lords. His brute strength and combat prowess make him the best choice for missions involving open combat and direct confrontations.

Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe for most of your playthrough will hinge on which character's personality and gameplay style you connect with more, as well as whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth experience or the new RPG elements.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th, available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.