*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your playstyle and the game's demands.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* adopts a From Software-inspired melee combat system, allowing Yasuke to feel like a boss character from *Dark Souls*.
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, making him highly effective against both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, enhancing his effectiveness at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed compared to Naoe's, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying speeds. While he can 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, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the *Assassin’s Creed* series. She excels in stealth and parkour, offering unparalleled agility and ease of movement. With her ninja skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.
While Naoe is adept at staying hidden, she struggles when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make direct combat challenging. Facing even a small group of enemies can be overwhelming, and the best strategy often involves retreating to regain anonymity before executing stealth takedowns, aerial assassinations, and parkour maneuvers.
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 specific demands of the game's missions. The story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist has clear advantages 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 is also highly effective for assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've explored a region and identified its most formidable targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is particularly effective in storming castles and defeating Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.
In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best choice. Conversely, Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.
