*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system, featuring Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. Here’s a detailed look at both characters to help you decide which one to play as in different scenarios.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke overlooks a coastal vista in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft
Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, especially from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his physical prowess and combat skills make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*. His unique background and stature set him apart, allowing him to dominate many foes in Feudal Japan with ease.
Yasuke excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both basic and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, he can use a bow and arrow, making him effective at range. However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, and climbing and shimmying are slower than other protagonists. While he can theoretically reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many of these points are difficult or impossible for him to access, which can be frustrating during exploration.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe and Yaya team up to fight in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate environments with ease. Armed with ninja skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe can master stealth by investing Mastery points effectively.
While Naoe excels at remaining undetected, her combat abilities are less robust. She has lower health and weaker melee attacks compared to Yasuke. Facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming, and the best strategy often involves escaping combat to re-enter stealth mode. Once back in the shadows, Naoe can execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations, aligning with the series' traditional gameplay.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Naoe and Yasuke team up in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of missions or quests. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist excels in different scenarios.
For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for missions requiring assassinations once you reach Knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've explored a region and identified its most dangerous targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's perfect for storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open combat.
In missions involving heavy combat, Yasuke is the clear choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in tasks focused on traversal, exploration, and stealth. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately come down to which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
