In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe’s versatility shines through her ability to navigate both stealthy assassinations and direct confrontations. To maximize her potential, here are the top skills to prioritize early on, up to Knowledge Rank 3, which you can achieve quickly by engaging in the game's open world activities.
Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Katana
- Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
With these skills, you'll transform Naoe into a defensive powerhouse, adept at punishing aggressive foes. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, you'll find ample opportunities to counterattack, amplify your damage, and decisively end fights with Eviscerate.
Kusarigama
- Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)
These skills empower Naoe to dominate both groups and single targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even large enemies for increased damage. The other skills facilitate crowd control, keeping enemies at bay while delivering powerful attacks.
Tanto
- Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
- Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
These skills focus on maximizing damage with the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will tremble before your blade, as you exploit their weaknesses and target their backs for devastating strikes.
Tools
- Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
These tools allow Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, clearing the way to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarms or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb to either escape or execute a series of assassinations.
Shinobi
- Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills enhance Naoe's stealth capabilities, allowing her to move unseen and reach her objectives without alerting enemies. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time provides crucial margins for error in crowded areas.
Assassin
- Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)
These skills, best paired with the Tanto, streamline Naoe's assassination techniques. Swift strikes with the Hidden Blade become more efficient, and dual assassinations prove invaluable. However, remain cautious as you'll encounter enemies with higher health that may resist your initial assassination attempts until further skill upgrades.
Mastering these skills will transform Naoe into Japan's most formidable assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more guidance, be sure to check out resources on The Escapist.
