Top Initial Skills for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to gameplay, and this extends to the skill sets available for Yasuke, the formidable samurai. To maximize Yasuke's potential early in the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here's a guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring he remains a dominant force on the battlefield from the outset.

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

Long Katana

• Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills enable Yasuke to defend, counterattack, and regain health simultaneously, ensuring he remains robust and effective in combat. This combination will keep him healthy and ready for any challenge in the early stages of the game.

Naginata

• Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

The Naginata's skills allow Yasuke to keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage and increasing critical hit chances. These are particularly effective in crowd control situations, and the Impale ability can be used to clear paths or group enemies for focused attacks.

Kanabo

• Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
• Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

With these skills, Yasuke gains increased power and speed, making him a formidable opponent capable of melting through enemies. Crushing Shockwave is excellent for crowd control, while Spine Breaker provides a window for healing and regrouping before delivering devastating ground strikes.

Teppo

• Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

The Teppo skills enhance Yasuke's ranged combat capabilities, allowing him to deal massive damage and control the battlefield. Slowing down time and improving reload speed are key, and Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo can create space before switching to melee for the final blow.

Samurai

• Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

These skills make Yasuke a lethal assassin, capable of taking down even elite enemies. Regeneration ensures he stays in the fight longer, and Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection when needed.

Bow

• Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's ability to eliminate threats from a distance, even those with armor, through faster reloads, increased arrow capacity, and silent, precise shots.

By focusing on these skills early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll ensure Yasuke remains a powerful and versatile warrior, ready to tackle any challenge the game throws at him. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the resources available at The Escapist.