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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, marking a significant shift in the franchise. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses, influencing how and when you should play as them. Let's dive into the details to help you decide which protagonist to choose for your adventure in Feudal Japan.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, a towering figure in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, brings a fresh gameplay dynamic to the series. As a Samurai, Yasuke's prowess in melee combat is unmatched, making him feel like a boss character from *Dark Souls*. His unique background and physical strength set him apart, allowing him to dominate in open combat and crowd control with powerful attacks. As you progress and level him up, Yasuke can easily take down high-tier enemies like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, his ability to use a Bow and Arrow makes him versatile at both close and long range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in combat come with trade-offs. Traditional Assassin skills like stealth and parkour are not his forte. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable, and his parkour abilities are limited, making exploration and synchronization challenging. Many synchronization points are either inaccessible or difficult for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when exploring new areas.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her stealth and parkour skills. Her agility and nimbleness make her perfect for navigating the world of Feudal Japan with ease. Naoe's mastery of ninja and Assassin techniques allows her to excel in stealth missions, especially once you invest in her Mastery points.

On the downside, Naoe's effectiveness diminishes when detected. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities compared to Yasuke, she struggles in direct combat. Facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming, and the best strategy often involves retreating to regain anonymity before executing stealth takedowns and assassinations.

When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of the mission. The story may dictate which character you play as in certain quests, particularly in canon mode. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

For exploration and mapping out new areas, Naoe is your best bet. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and discovering the intricacies of Feudal Japan. She is also the go-to character for assassination-focused missions, especially once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in her Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've explored a region and identified high-value targets, switch to Yasuke for combat. He excels at storming castles and defeating powerful enemies like Daimyo Samurai lords, making him indispensable for missions requiring brute force and direct confrontation.

In missions that demand open combat, Yasuke is the clear choice. Conversely, Naoe is perfect for tasks requiring stealth, traversal, and discovery. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality resonates with you and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the more action-oriented RPG style.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.