Should You Play as Yasuke or Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system, a first for the franchise. Yasuke, the Samurai, and Naoe, the Shinobi, offer drastically different gameplay experiences, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right character for the task is key to mastering the game.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke presents a unique and powerful gameplay experience. His samurai skills and imposing physique make him a force to be reckoned with in combat. Inspired by the combat of FromSoftware titles, Yasuke feels like controlling a boss character, dominating enemies with powerful melee attacks and exceptional crowd control. He’s a true powerhouse, easily dispatching even high-level enemies like the Daimyo patrolling castles, and his bow and arrow provide effective ranged options.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat are counterbalanced by weaknesses in stealth and traversal. His assassinations are slower and more exposed than Naoe's, and his parkour abilities are significantly limited. While he can technically reach synchronization points, many prove exceptionally challenging or even impossible for him to access, hindering exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe embodies the classic Assassin's Creed assassin. Her agility, stealth, and parkour skills allow for effortless traversal and silent takedowns. With skill investment, she becomes a master of stealth, perfectly executing hidden blade assassinations and aerial takedowns.

But Naoe's stealth prowess comes at a cost. Her lower health and weaker melee abilities make open combat a risky endeavor. Facing multiple enemies can quickly overwhelm her, making stealth the preferred approach. When discovered, escaping to regain anonymity is often the best strategy before returning for a more tactical approach.

When to Play as Each Protagonist

While personal preference often dictates protagonist choice, certain situations favor each character. The story itself may also dictate which character is available for specific quests, particularly in canon mode.

For exploration, synchronization, and uncovering the map, Naoe’s superior mobility and speed are invaluable. She excels at contracts requiring assassinations, especially after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

However, when facing challenging combat encounters, particularly in castles against powerful Daimyo, Yasuke’s raw power and combat prowess shine. He efficiently eliminates these high-value targets through brutal assassinations or open combat.

In short, choose Naoe for stealth, exploration, and assassination; choose Yasuke for powerful combat. Ultimately, the best protagonist often depends on the task at hand and your preferred playstyle. Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a compelling choice, allowing players to experience feudal Japan through two distinct yet equally engaging perspectives.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.