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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift with its dual protagonists, 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 play based on your gameplay preferences.

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 standpoint. His prowess as a Samurai, combined with his imposing physical presence, makes him a formidable force on the battlefield. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Yasuke's melee combat is heavily inspired by From Software's style, reminiscent of controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical attributes set him apart from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of dispatching both base and high-tier enemies like the Daimyo patrolling castles with ease. Additionally, Yasuke can wield a Bow and Arrow, enhancing his effectiveness at range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come at the cost of traditional Assassin skills. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, making stealth more challenging. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. While he can theoretically reach synchronization points to uncover more of the map, many of these points are either inaccessible or extremely difficult for him to navigate, which can be frustrating during exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype seen in previous *Assassin’s Creed* titles. She excels in stealth and parkour, offering players a nimble and agile experience. Her mastery of ninja-like skills and Assassin weapons allows her to become a stealth expert when players invest in her Mastery points.

While Naoe's stealth capabilities are top-notch, she struggles in direct combat. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities, facing even a small group of enemies can be overwhelming. Skilled players might manage to survive encounters through precise slashes, dodges, and parries, but the best strategy often involves escaping to re-enter stealth and execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.

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 mission or quest. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is playable for certain segments. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her higher mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and discovering new areas in feudal Japan. She excels in missions requiring stealth, particularly when assassinating targets after reaching knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its most formidable foes, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's particularly effective against the Daimyo Samurai lords found in castles, capable of defeating them through brutal assassinations or direct combat with relative ease.

For missions involving extensive open combat, Yasuke is the better option. Conversely, Naoe is superior for traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality resonates with you more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay or the newer RPG elements.

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