Top Skills to Prioritize for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer varied gameplay experiences, and Yasuke's early skills can set the foundation for a powerful playthrough. Here's a guide on the best skills to unlock early for Yasuke, ensuring you leverage his combat prowess from the start.

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

Long Katana

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

• Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

With these skills, Yasuke can effectively defend himself while punishing foes, delivering powerful strikes, and simultaneously regaining lost health. This combination ensures you remain healthy during combat encounters for an extended period.

Naginata

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

• Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills allow Yasuke to keep enemies at bay while still inflicting significant damage and increasing critical hit chances. This setup is especially effective against groups, and using Impale can help clear a path or gather enemies for focused attacks.

Kanabo

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

• Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
• Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

By utilizing these skills, Yasuke can enhance his power and speed, effectively melting through enemies. Crushing Shockwave is particularly useful against crowds, while Spine Breaker can provide breathing room for healing and regrouping before delivering devastating ground strikes.

Teppo

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

• Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

The Teppo's high damage output can level the playing field in combat. Skills that slow time and enhance reload speed work synergistically, and using Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo can create space before switching to melee weapons for the final blow.

Samurai

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

• Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Assassinations aren't just for Naoe; Yasuke can take down even elite enemies with these skills. The Regeneration passive is universally beneficial, restoring health with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense can offer crucial protection in tight spots.

Bow

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

• Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's ability to eliminate threats before they become aware of him. Even armored foes can be taken down with focused fire and faster reload and draw speeds.

That's everything you need to know about the best early skills to unlock for Yasuke in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides on the game, be sure to check out the rest of The Escapist.