Top Initial Skills for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is all about stealth and strategic assassination, yet she's also equipped for direct confrontations with the right preparation. To maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills to prioritize early on, up to Knowledge Rank 3, which you can achieve quickly by engaging in the game's initial open-world activities.

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

Katana

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• 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 skills turn Naoe into a defensive powerhouse, ready to counter aggressive enemies effectively. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, you'll have ample opportunities to counterattack, deal increased damage, and finish fights with Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

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• 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)

These skills make Naoe formidable against both groups and single targets. Entanglement is excellent for building afflictions, and with upgrades, you can manipulate even larger enemies for additional damage. The other skills enhance your ability to handle multiple foes and keep them at bay while delivering impactful strikes.

Tanto

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• 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)

These skills enhance Naoe's damage output with the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will fear your blade, and using your R2/RT attack to spin behind ensures you can target their backs for increased damage.

Tools

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• 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 allow Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, clearing paths to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away, and Kunai for long-range kills. If spotted, deploy a Smoke Bomb to escape or chain assassinations, giving you tactical flexibility.

Shinobi

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• 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 skills ensure Naoe remains unseen and reaches her objectives swiftly. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow time provides a crucial margin for error in crowded environments.

Assassin

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• 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)

Best utilized with the Tanto as a primary weapon, these skills make it easier for Naoe to eliminate targets swiftly with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations and enhanced damage against larger foes are invaluable, but remember to upgrade your skills to handle enemies with more health effectively.

By focusing on these skills within each tree, you can transform Naoe into the ultimate stealth assassin in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For further assistance, be sure to check out The Escapist.