*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which character to play as in different scenarios.
Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most fascinating protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay perspective. His Samurai skills and imposing presence make him a formidable force on the battlefield. With *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat, controlling Yasuke feels akin to commanding a boss in *Dark Souls*.
Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers powerful melee attacks, making light work of base enemies and higher-tier foes like patrolling Daimyo in castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a Bow and Arrow, making him effective at range as well.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come at the cost of traditional Assassin skills. His assassinations are slower and more exposing, and his parkour abilities are limited. Climbing and shimmying are notably slower compared to previous protagonists, and many synchronization points are either inaccessible or challenging for him to reach, which can be frustrating when exploring new areas.
Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the quintessential Assassin from the *Assassin’s Creed* series, excelling in stealth and parkour. Her nimbleness allows her to navigate environments with ease. By investing Mastery points in ninja and Assassin skills, Naoe becomes a stealth master, capable of executing hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.
However, Naoe's effectiveness diminishes when she's detected. With lower health and less potent melee abilities, she struggles against multiple enemies. While a skilled player can manage to fight their way out of encounters, it's often safer to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. This approach aligns well with the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience fans love.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, your choice of protagonist often depends on personal preference, though the story may dictate character availability during certain quests, especially in canon mode. Here are some clear scenarios where each character shines:
Choose Naoe for exploration. Her higher mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering the mysteries of Feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for assassination contracts and quests once you reach knowledge Level 2 and invest in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've familiarized yourself with a region and identified its most formidable targets, switch to Yasuke for combat. He's the go-to character for storming castles and taking down Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.
For missions involving heavy combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, so 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 more recent RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
