*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, allowing players to choose their preferred playstyle. Here’s a detailed look at each protagonist and when you should play as them.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, especially from a gameplay standpoint. As a Samurai with a formidable presence, Yasuke’s combat prowess is unparalleled. Drawing inspiration from From Software’s melee combat system, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a *Dark Souls* boss. His background and physical stature set him apart from other warriors in *Shadows*’ Feudal Japan, allowing him to dominate in combat.
Yasuke excels at crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks. He can easily handle base enemies and, with leveling up, efficiently take down higher-tier foes like the Daimyo in castles. Additionally, his ability to use a Bow and Arrow makes him effective at ranged combat.
However, Yasuke’s strengths in open combat come at the cost of stealth and mobility. His assassinations are slower and more exposed than Naoe’s, making him less suited for traditional Assassin roles. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to past protagonists. Many synchronization points are challenging or inaccessible to Yasuke, which can hinder exploration.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype seen in previous *Assassin’s Creed* games. She excels in stealth and parkour, offering unmatched agility and ease of movement. Her ninja skills and Assassin weapons make her a stealth master, particularly when Mastery points are invested wisely.
While Naoe is a stealth expert, her combat abilities are less robust. She has lower health and weaker melee attacks compared to Yasuke. Facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming, often making it better to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. Her strengths lie in executing hidden blade takedowns, aerial assassinations, and parkour, hallmarks of the series’ beloved gameplay.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game’s quests. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character you play. However, when you can switch freely, each protagonist has clear advantages in certain situations.
Use Naoe for exploration and discovery. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and exploring feudal Japan’s provinces. She is particularly effective for assassination contracts once you reach Knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Switch to Yasuke when engaging in combat, especially in castles where you need to defeat powerful Daimyo Samurai lords to access valuable loot. Yasuke’s ability to handle brutal assassinations and open sword fights makes him the better choice for these encounters.
For missions requiring extensive combat, Yasuke is the go-to character. Conversely, Naoe is perfect for traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Outside these scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may come down to which personality and playstyle you prefer—whether you lean towards the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, offering players a rich and varied gameplay experience with its dual protagonists.
