Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two compelling protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, offering players a unique dual narrative experience. However, the process of switching between these characters has been a point of curiosity for many fans. Here's a detailed guide on when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts a vast open world, the game's prologue is quite linear. Over the course of about 90 minutes, players will experience set moments alternating between Naoe and Yasuke. After completing the prologue, however, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.
For those eager to dive into the Samurai experience with Yasuke, you'll need to be patient. The early game focuses entirely on Naoe, and Yasuke doesn't appear until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest, but only briefly. It's not until the end of Act I that players gain the freedom to switch between the two protagonists.
How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
In my playthrough, it took about 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to freely switch between protagonists. This duration included a significant amount of side content. If you're looking to rush through the first act to experience the dual protagonists sooner, you might achieve this in approximately 6 to 8 hours.
How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Once you've unlocked the ability to play as both Naoe and Yasuke freely, switching between them is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, you'll see two options: one to fast travel as your current character and another to switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This feature works across various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.
Additionally, during certain story quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the quest is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers considerable freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked, ensuring a tailored narrative experience.
It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, which are exclusive to one character. Additionally, some side activities are designated for either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising an immersive experience with its dual protagonists.
