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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking feature with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, marking a significant shift in the franchise's history. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, influencing how players approach the game. Here's a detailed look at which protagonist you should choose based on your gameplay preferences.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. His skills as a Samurai and formidable stature set him apart. Yasuke is a powerhouse, excelling in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows’* From Software-inspired melee combat, making him feel like you're controlling a boss from *Dark Souls*.

His unique background and physical attributes distinguish him from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting, allowing him to dominate in combat. Yasuke is excellent at crowd control and possesses powerful melee attacks, making him adept at handling both base and higher-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, his ability to use a Bow and Arrow makes him effective at range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks, such as quick assassinations, which take longer and leave him vulnerable. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points in the game are challenging or impossible for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when exploring new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and ease of movement make her the ideal choice for players who enjoy sneaking around. Naoe's combination of ninja skills and Assassin weapons allows her to become a stealth master with the right investment in Mastery points.

While Naoe excels at remaining unseen, her combat abilities are less robust. She has lower health and weaker melee attacks compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. Skilled players can navigate these situations with slashes, dodges, and parries, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. Once back in the shadows, Naoe can execute the hidden blade takedowns, aerial assassinations, and parkour moves that fans of the series expect.

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's missions. 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 superior 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-focused contracts and quests, especially after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified its most formidable targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He excels at storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best option. Conversely, Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside 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 traditional Assassin’s Creed 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.