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

Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a significant change to the franchise: dual protagonists. Yasuke, the samurai, and Naoe, the shinobi, offer vastly different playstyles. Choosing the right character depends on your approach to the game.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Gameplay-wise, Yasuke is a unique and compelling protagonist. His samurai skills and imposing physique make him a formidable force, a true powerhouse in Assassin's Creed Shadows' FromSoftware-inspired combat system. Think of controlling a Dark Souls boss—that's the kind of power Yasuke brings to the table. His crowd control is exceptional, and his melee attacks are devastatingly effective against both standard enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo patrolling castles. He's also proficient with a bow and arrow, offering a ranged combat option.

However, Yasuke's strengths come at a cost. He struggles with the stealth aspects typically associated with Assassins. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable. While he possesses parkour abilities, they are significantly less refined than those of previous protagonists, making navigation and reaching synchronization points challenging and sometimes frustrating.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga shinobi, embodies the classic Assassin's Creed assassin. She excels at stealth and parkour, navigating the environment with incredible agility. With skill investment, she becomes a master of stealth, utilizing ninja-like skills and assassin tools.

But Naoe's stealth prowess is offset by her fragility. She possesses lower health and weaker melee abilities than Yasuke. Direct combat can be overwhelming, making evasion and strategic retreats crucial to survival. Her strength lies in unseen takedowns, aerial assassinations, and the fluid parkour that fans expect from the series.

When to Play as Each Protagonist

The choice often comes down to personal preference, with story missions sometimes dictating which character is available. However, each excels in specific situations.

For exploration, synchronization, and uncovering the map, Naoe's superior mobility and speed are invaluable. She's also ideal for assassination contracts and quests, especially after investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

When facing challenging enemies like the Daimyo in castles, Yasuke's raw power shines. He's better equipped for open combat and can efficiently eliminate high-value targets.

In short: Naoe for exploration and stealth, Yasuke for intense combat. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferred playstyle and which character's personality resonates most with you.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th.