Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: When?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces players to two dynamic protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. However, the process of switching between these characters has been a bit of a mystery leading up to the game's launch. Let's dive into when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Recommended Videos Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* boasts a vast open world, the initial experience is quite linear. During the prologue, which lasts approximately 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined points. After completing the prologue, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to jump into the Samurai experience with Yasuke, there's a bit of a wait. You'll be exclusively playing as Naoe until you reach the end of the first act, which is centered around her narrative. Yasuke makes his playable debut during the Temple of the Horseman Quest and remains playable for the Fire and Lightning Quest. After completing these quests and Act I, players gain the freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke more freely.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to switch protagonists took around 10 hours. This included time spent on side content. If you're aiming to reach this point more quickly and experience the dual protagonists sooner, it's possible to do so in about 6 to 8 hours by focusing primarily on the main storyline.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you unlock the ability to switch between Naoe and Yasuke freely, the process is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, you'll see two prompts: one for standard fast travel and another to switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This feature is available at various points across the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as, adding a layer of personalization to your gameplay experience.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

After Act I, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers significant freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in its expansive open world. However, there are specific story-driven moments and major quests where the protagonist is fixed, ensuring that certain narrative elements are experienced as intended.

It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique missions that delve into their backstories before they met, and these are exclusive to each character. Side activities also have specific requirements, denoted by symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to release on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising an immersive experience with its dual protagonists.