*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking change with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your playstyle and mission objectives.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly in terms of gameplay. His Samurai skills and imposing stature make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat style, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*. His unique background and physical prowess distinguish him from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting.
Yasuke excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, making him highly effective against both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his ability to use a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more conspicuous, increasing the risk of detection. His parkour abilities are also limited compared to traditional Assassins, with slower climbing and shimmying. Many synchronization points are challenging or inaccessible for him, which can hinder exploration and map revelation.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the classic Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the series. She excels in stealth and parkour, her agility allowing her to navigate the game world with ease. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe can become a stealth master, utilizing ninja skills and Assassin weaponry to devastating effect.
While Naoe's stealth capabilities are unmatched, her combat prowess is less impressive. She has lower health and weaker melee abilities, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. Her best strategy when detected is often to flee and re-enter stealth to perform classic Assassin takedowns like hidden blade assassinations and aerial kills.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the demands of the mission. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when given the choice, each protagonist has clear advantages in specific scenarios.
Naoe is ideal for exploration and discovery. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. She is also highly effective for assassination missions once you've achieved knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've familiarized yourself with a region and identified its key targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is particularly effective against the Daimyo Samurai lords in castles, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights. If a mission involves significant open combat, Yasuke is your best choice.
Outside of 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* is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th.
