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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a significant shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, influencing your gameplay experience in Feudal Japan. Let's delve into the pros and cons of each protagonist to help you decide when to play as each.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in the *Assassin’s Creed* series from a gameplay perspective. His Samurai skills and imposing stature make him a formidable force. Yasuke's gameplay resembles controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*, thanks to *Assassin’s Creed Shadows'* From Software-inspired melee combat system. His background and physical prowess set him apart from other warriors in the game, allowing him to easily handle groups of enemies with his powerful melee attacks.

Yasuke excels in crowd control and can effectively take down even high-tier enemies like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his ability to use a Bow and Arrow makes him versatile at both close and long range. However, Yasuke struggles with traditional Assassin tasks. His assassinations are slower and more risky, leaving him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, and climbing to synchronization points can be challenging or even impossible for him, which can be frustrating when exploring new areas.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimble nature allows her to navigate the world with ease, making her an ideal choice for players who enjoy stealth gameplay. Naoe's mastery of ninja and Assassin skills enables her to become a stealth expert, especially when players invest in her Mastery points.

However, Naoe's effectiveness drops significantly when detected. With lower health and weaker melee abilities compared to Yasuke, she can struggle against multiple enemies. It's often better to escape combat and return to strike from the shadows, using hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations that fans of the series have come to love.

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

The choice between Yasuke and Naoe often comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of the game. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character you play as during certain quests. However, when you have the flexibility to switch between them, each protagonist has clear advantages in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is your best bet. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. When it comes to assassination contracts and quests, Naoe shines, particularly after reaching knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've mapped out a region and identified its most formidable targets, switch to Yasuke for combat. He excels at taking down high-value enemies like the Daimyo within castles, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights. For missions and side activities that involve a lot of open combat, Yasuke is the better choice.

Ultimately, beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable. Your choice for most of your playthrough will likely hinge on which character you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth 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.