Yasuke vs. Naoe: Who to Choose in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual-protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, marking a significant evolution in the franchise. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, influencing how players approach the game. Let's delve into the pros and cons of each protagonist and when to choose them for the best experience.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke, a towering figure in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, offers a gameplay experience that stands out from the series' typical assassin archetype. His Samurai skills and robust physique make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Yasuke's combat style, inspired by From Software's *Dark Souls*, allows players to feel like they're controlling a powerful boss character.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, capable of taking down base enemies and even higher-tier foes like patrolling Daimyo with ease. Additionally, his ability to use a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness to ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed compared to traditional assassins, making stealth missions challenging. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying than previous protagonists. This can make reaching synchronization points to reveal the map a frustrating endeavor, as some points may be inaccessible to him.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimble movements and parkour skills make her ideal for traversing the game world swiftly and silently. Equipped with ninja-like abilities and assassin's tools, Naoe can master stealth by investing Mastery points effectively.

While Naoe excels in remaining unseen, her combat capabilities are less impressive. She has lower health and weaker melee attacks, making direct confrontations with multiple enemies risky. Skilled players might navigate these encounters with slashes, dodges, and parries, but often, the best strategy is to retreat, regain anonymity, and return for stealthy takedowns and aerial assassinations.

When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the demands of the current mission or quest. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available, but when given the choice, specific scenarios call for one over the other.

For exploration and discovery, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and exploring new provinces in Feudal Japan. She is particularly effective in assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've familiarized yourself with a region and identified its most formidable targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is exceptionally suited for storming castles and defeating powerful Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or in open sword fights.

In scenarios requiring heavy combat, Yasuke is the preferable choice. Conversely, for tasks centered around traversal, exploration, and stealth, Naoe shines. Beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.