In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, mastering Naoe's diverse skill set is key to becoming a formidable assassin. Whether you're sneaking through the shadows or engaging in direct combat, Naoe's versatility allows for multiple approaches to eliminating your targets. Here’s a guide to the best skills to prioritize for Naoe, up to Knowledge Rank 3, to enhance your gameplay experience.
Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Katana
- Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills transform Naoe into a defensive powerhouse, perfectly suited for countering aggressive enemies. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, these skills will allow you to capitalize on your defensive maneuvers, delivering devastating counterattacks and finishing moves with Eviscerate.
Kusarigama
- Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)
Equipped with these skills, Naoe becomes exceptionally effective against both groups and single targets. Entanglement is key for building afflictions, and with upgrades, you can even manipulate larger enemies for increased damage. These skills also enhance your ability to manage multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering powerful attacks.
Tanto
- Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
- Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
These skills amplify your damage output with the tanto, focusing on exploiting vulnerable enemies and delivering lethal strikes. Even armored foes will dread your blade, as you masterfully target their weak points with your R2/RT attack, spinning behind them for maximum effect.
Tools
- Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
These tools are essential for manipulating guards and clearing paths to your targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, and the Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away. Kunai extends your assassination range, while the Smoke Bomb offers a quick escape or a chance to chain assassinations.
Shinobi
- Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills keep you undetected and agile, aiding your stealthy navigation towards your objectives. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time gives you a crucial edge in crowded environments.
Assassin
- Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)
These skills are best paired with the Tanto, enhancing your ability to swiftly eliminate targets with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations and increased damage against tougher foes make you a lethal assassin, though be cautious not to become overconfident as stronger enemies may resist your initial attempts until further skill upgrades.
With these skills prioritized, Naoe will be well on her way to becoming Japan's most feared assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
