The dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, introduce a significant shift in the franchise's gameplay dynamics. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, offering players varied ways to experience the game's rich setting of Feudal Japan. Here’s a detailed look at each protagonist to help you decide when to play as either Yasuke or Naoe.
Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, thanks to his unique gameplay mechanics. As a Samurai, Yasuke's large and powerful build makes him a formidable force in combat. His prowess in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is inspired by From Software's melee combat style, reminiscent of controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*. Yasuke excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo patrolling castles with ease. He can also use a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks; his assassinations are slower and more exposed, making stealth less viable. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points in the game are challenging or even inaccessible to Yasuke, which can hinder exploration and map revelation.
Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons
Naoe the Igan Shinobi embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay, excelling in stealth and parkour. Her nimbleness allows for seamless movement across the game world. With her ninja-like skills and Assassin weapons, Naoe becomes a master of stealth when players invest in Mastery points.
Despite her strengths in stealth, Naoe faces challenges when detected. Her lower health and less potent melee abilities mean that facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. In such situations, retreating to regain anonymity is often the best strategy, allowing her to return and execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations characteristic of the series' traditional gameplay.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference, though the story may dictate character availability during certain quests, especially in canon mode. Here are some guidelines for when to use each protagonist:
For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her higher mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She shines in contracts and quests that involve assassinating targets, particularly once you reach Knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once a region is well-understood and its most dangerous targets are identified, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is particularly effective in storming castles to defeat Daimyo Samurai lords and claim high-value loot. His brutal assassinations and prowess in open sword fights make him a better fit for missions requiring direct combat.
Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe for most of your playthrough will likely depend on which character's personality resonates with you more, and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth gameplay or the newer RPG-style combat.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.
