Should You Play as Yasuke or Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your playstyle and the game's demands.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's melee combat, making Yasuke's gameplay feel like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, capable of handling both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo patrolling castles with ease. Additionally, Yasuke's proficiency with a bow and arrow makes him effective at range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed compared to Naoe's, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying, which can hinder exploration. Many synchronization points in the game are difficult or impossible for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when exploring new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the game world with ease. With a blend of ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.

While Naoe excels at staying hidden, she struggles when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make combat challenging, especially against multiple enemies. Skilled players can use her to slash, dodge, and parry, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. Once back in the shadows, Naoe can execute the classic hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations that fans love.

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. 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 excels 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's 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 toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's particularly effective in storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best choice. 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 classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth 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.