Top Skills to Acquire Early for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe embodies the art of stealth and assassination, thriving in the shadows while skillfully navigating through challenges. However, she can also hold her own in direct confrontations with strategic planning. For players aiming to maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills to prioritize up to Knowledge Rank 3, achievable through consistent engagement with the game's open-world activities.

Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Katana

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• 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)

These skills transform Naoe into a formidable defensive force, ideal for players adept at dodging and deflecting. They enable you to counter aggressive enemies effectively, enhance your damage output, and conclude battles decisively with Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

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• 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 position Naoe as a dominant force against both groups and single targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, and when upgraded, allows you to manipulate larger enemies for added damage. The other skills facilitate crowd control and maintain a safe distance from foes while delivering impactful strikes.

Tanto

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• 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)

With these skills, Naoe can significantly amplify her damage output, particularly against Vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread her blade, as these skills allow for precise and devastating strikes, especially when targeting the back.

Tools

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• 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 empower Naoe to manipulate guards, paving the way for her targets. Utilize Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to divert enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb to escape or initiate a chain of assassinations.

Shinobi

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• 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 ensure Naoe remains undetected and swiftly navigates to her objectives. Enhanced climbing speed and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time offers crucial leeway in navigating crowded areas.

Assassin

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• 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 are particularly effective when paired with a Tanto, enabling swift and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations are invaluable, as is the ability to take down larger foes. However, caution is advised, as more resilient enemies may resist assassination attempts until your skills are sufficiently upgraded.

Mastering these skills will position Naoe as the ultimate assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For further guidance, explore resources on The Escapist.