Top Initial Skills for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In a game like *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players are presented with a variety of ways to eliminate targets. For Naoe, stealth and precision define her playstyle, making her an ideal choice for those who prefer working in the shadows and using calculated tactics to succeed. That said, she is still capable in direct combat scenarios—provided you plan your approach carefully. To help you maximize her potential from the early stages, here are the best skills to prioritize for Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

When focusing on early-game progression, we’re highlighting skills up to Knowledge Rank 3. These can be unlocked relatively fast if you engage consistently with open-world activities in the starting regions.

Katana

Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These abilities turn Naoe into a highly defensive fighter capable of punishing aggressive enemies. If you're skilled at dodging and counterattacking, these upgrades will allow you to deal more damage through counters and finish off foes efficiently with Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)

With these skills, Naoe becomes a powerful force when facing multiple enemies or even single tough targets. Entanglement helps build affliction quickly, while Big Catch enables you to toss large enemies around for additional damage. The rest of the skill set enhances crowd control and area-of-effect combat effectiveness.

Tanto

Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

Focusing on critical damage and positioning, these skills make the tanto one of the most effective weapons for exploiting vulnerabilities. Even armored enemies won't stand a chance once you learn how to use R2/RT to reposition behind them and strike for maximum impact.

Tools

Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)

These tools give you full control over enemy behavior, allowing you to manipulate guards and create openings for assassinations. Use Shurikens to trigger traps or destroy alarms, the Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away, and Kunai for long-range takedowns. Smoke Bombs provide escape routes or cover for chaining assassinations together.

Shinobi

Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These abilities enhance mobility and stealth efficiency. Faster climbing, reduced fall damage, and the ability to slow time during intense moments make navigating and surviving enemy zones much easier.

Assassin

Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Ideal when paired with the Tanto, these skills improve assassination mechanics significantly. Double kills and taking down stronger enemies become much smoother, though caution is advised against high-health targets until further skill upgrades are obtained.

And that’s it—the essential early-game skills to unlock first for Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. By investing wisely across each skill tree, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master shinobi assassin. For more guides and tips, visit [ttpp] regularly for updated walkthroughs and strategy content.