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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to two compelling protagonists, Naoe the Shinobi and Yasuke the Samurai, offering a unique dual narrative experience. However, the game's structure regarding protagonist selection has sparked curiosity among fans. Let's delve into when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts a vast open-world setting, the game begins with a linear prologue lasting approximately 90 minutes. During this introduction, players will experience alternating moments between Naoe and Yasuke. However, once the prologue concludes, the narrative shifts to focus solely on Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to dive into the Samurai experience right away, patience is required. Players are locked into Naoe's perspective until the end of the game's first act, which centers entirely around her storyline. Yasuke remains out of the picture until the "Temple of the Horseman" quest. He then becomes playable during the "Fire and Lightning" quest. After completing these quests and Act I, players gain the freedom to switch between the two protagonists at will.

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 between protagonists took about 10 hours. This duration included engaging in various side activities. If players aim to focus primarily on the main storyline, they might unlock this feature in approximately 6 to 8 hours.

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

Once players unlock the ability to play as either Naoe or Yasuke freely, switching between them becomes straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, players see two options: one to fast travel as the current character and another to switch to the other protagonist upon arrival. This feature is available at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, certain story quests present choices that allow players to decide which protagonist to play as during specific missions.

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

After Act I, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers significant freedom in choosing between Naoe and Yasuke in its open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked to enhance narrative coherence.

It's also important to note that each protagonist has unique quests and activities tied to their backstory before they met. These quests are exclusive to either Naoe or Yasuke and are marked by distinct symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi's hood for Naoe.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising a rich dual-protagonist experience that blends the stealth of a Shinobi with the power of a Samurai.