In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer a dynamic approach to gameplay, and this is especially true for Yasuke, whose prowess in combat is unmatched. To harness his full potential early in the game, choosing the right skills is crucial. Here’s a guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring you maximize his effectiveness from the start.
Best Skills to Get First for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Long Katana
- 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)
These skills will allow Yasuke to not only defend and counter effectively but also to deal significant damage while recovering lost health. This combination is essential for maintaining Yasuke's health during prolonged combat encounters.
Naginata
- 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)
With the Naginata, Yasuke can keep enemies at a distance while still inflicting substantial damage. These skills enhance his ability to handle crowds, increase critical hit chances, and use Impale to clear space or group enemies for focused attacks.
Kanabo
- 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)
These skills empower Yasuke with increased speed and devastating power, allowing him to dominate in battle. Crushing Shockwave is particularly effective against groups, while Spine Breaker provides a strategic advantage by allowing time to heal and regroup before unleashing a powerful attack.
Teppo
- 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 skills enable Yasuke to deal massive damage, control the battlefield, and swiftly transition between ranged and melee combat. Enhancing reload speed and slowing down time during crucial moments can turn the tide of any fight.
Samurai
- 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)
Yasuke’s Samurai skills enhance his ability to perform lethal assassinations, even on elite enemies. Coupled with Regeneration for health recovery and Impenetrable Defense for added protection, these skills ensure Yasuke remains a formidable force on the battlefield.
Bow
- 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 archery, allowing him to take out enemies silently and efficiently. Faster reloads and draw speeds, combined with increased ammunition capacity and silent arrows, make the Bow a versatile tool for stealth and combat.
That’s everything you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Equip these skills to unleash Yasuke’s full potential and dominate the battlefield. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out the rest of The Escapist.
