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

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the series with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each offering a unique gameplay experience due to their distinct strengths and weaknesses. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose to play based on different game scenarios.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, a towering figure in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. His Samurai skills and physical prowess make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Inspired by From Software's melee combat mechanics, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a *Dark Souls* boss, allowing for powerful crowd control and devastating melee attacks.

Yasuke's advantages shine in open combat scenarios. He can easily handle base enemies and, as you progress and level him up, can swiftly take down higher-tier adversaries like the Daimyo who guard castles. His ability to use a bow and arrow adds versatility, making him effective at range as well.

However, Yasuke's strengths come with trade-offs. He struggles with the stealth and agility expected of an Assassin. His assassinations are slower and more risky, leaving him vulnerable. His parkour abilities are limited, and reaching synchronization points to reveal the map can be challenging or even impossible for him, which can hinder exploration efforts.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the series. Her expertise lies in stealth and parkour, making her incredibly nimble and adept at navigating the game world. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth takedowns and become nearly invisible when players invest in the right Mastery skills.

While Naoe excels in staying unseen, her combat capabilities are less robust. She has lower health and weaker melee attacks compared to Yasuke, making direct confrontations risky. Facing even a few enemies can be overwhelming, often necessitating a retreat to re-enter stealth mode. Her strengths lie in executing hidden blade assassinations, aerial takedowns, and fluid parkour movements.

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 the situation and personal preference. The game's narrative may dictate which character you play in certain missions, especially in canon mode. However, when given the choice, each protagonist excels in specific scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for uncovering new areas, synchronizing viewpoints, and exploring feudal Japan's provinces. She's particularly effective for assassination-focused missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

When it comes to combat, especially against formidable foes like the Daimyo within castles, Yasuke is your go-to character. His ability to handle high-tier enemies with brutal force or in open combat makes him invaluable for securing valuable loot from these strongholds.

In missions requiring heavy combat, Yasuke is the better option, while Naoe is unmatched in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately come down to which personality and gameplay style you prefer—whether it's the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth approach or the new RPG combat dynamics.

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