In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is rooted in stealth and precision, though she's also capable of handling direct confrontations with the right strategy. To maximize her potential, here are the top skills to prioritize for Naoe, focusing on skills up to Knowledge Rank 3, which you can achieve quickly by engaging in the game's early open-world activities.
Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Katana
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- 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, ready to counter aggressive enemies effectively. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, these skills will allow you to capitalize on your defensive maneuvers, deal significant damage, and finish fights decisively with Eviscerate.
Kusarigama
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- 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)
These skills make Naoe formidable against both groups and single targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even large enemies for extra damage. The other skills help manage multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering powerful attacks.
Tanto
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- 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 focus on maximizing damage with the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will fear your blade, as these skills allow you to target their weak points effectively.
Tools
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- 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 enable Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, clearing paths to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarms or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away, and Kunai for long-range kills. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb to escape or chain assassinations.
Shinobi
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- 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 enhance Naoe's ability to remain undetected and navigate towards her objectives. Faster climbing, reduced fall damage, and the ability to slow time provide crucial advantages in crowded areas.
Assassin
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- 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 particularly effective when paired with the Tanto, enabling swift and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations and enhanced damage against larger foes make Naoe a formidable assassin, though caution is advised against enemies with higher health until further skill upgrades are obtained.
With these skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming the ultimate assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
