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

The dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, represent a significant evolution in the franchise's gameplay dynamics. Each character brings a unique set of skills and challenges to the table, allowing players to choose their preferred playstyle. Let's delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each protagonist to help you decide when to play as each in your journey through Feudal Japan.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, not just for his narrative but also for his gameplay mechanics. As a Samurai, Yasuke is a powerhouse on the battlefield. His formidable stature and skills make him ideal for direct combat, especially with *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* adopting a From Software-inspired melee combat system reminiscent of controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical attributes set him apart from other warriors in the game. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks. As you progress and level him up, Yasuke can easily handle high-tier enemies, including the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his proficiency with a bow and arrow allows him to be effective at range.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks such as swift assassinations, which leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, making his climbing and movement slower compared to previous protagonists. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to reach synchronization points, which are often difficult or inaccessible for Yasuke, impacting your ability to explore new provinces efficiently.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimble movement and mastery of parkour make her ideal for navigating the game world with ease. Equipped with ninja skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe can become a stealth master, especially when players invest in her Mastery points.

While Naoe excels in remaining undetected, she faces challenges when confronted directly. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make it difficult to handle multiple enemies at once. Skilled players might manage to fight their way out of encounters, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. Once hidden, Naoe can execute the series' signature hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations with finesse.

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's story and missions. In canon mode, the narrative will dictate which character you control for certain quests. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in distinct scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the superior choice. Her higher mobility and speed make her perfect for uncovering new areas, synchronizing viewpoints, and mapping out the provinces of Feudal Japan. When it comes to assassination contracts and stealth-based missions, Naoe's effectiveness increases significantly once you reach Knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

After you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, switch to Yasuke for combat-heavy missions. He is exceptionally suited for storming castles and defeating high-ranking Daimyo Samurai lords. Yasuke's prowess in open combat and ability to execute brutal assassinations make him the ideal choice for missions requiring direct confrontation.

Ultimately, while Yasuke is your go-to for combat and Naoe excels at exploration and stealth, both characters are versatile enough to handle most situations. Your choice will likely hinge on which character's personality and playstyle resonate with you more, as well as your preference for the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience versus the newer RPG elements.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th, promising a rich and diverse gameplay experience with its dual protagonists.