*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 gameplay experience. Here's a detailed look at which character you might want to play as, depending on your playstyle and objectives in the game.
Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, especially from a gameplay perspective. As a Samurai, his imposing stature and combat skills make him a formidable force on the battlefield. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's melee combat style, allowing Yasuke to feel like you're controlling a *Dark Souls* boss.
Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess distinguish him from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers powerful melee attacks, making short work of base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, Yasuke can use a bow and arrow, enhancing his effectiveness at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat are counterbalanced by his limitations in traditional Assassin activities. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, making climbing and shimmying slower than previous protagonists. While Yasuke can theoretically reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many of these points are challenging or impossible for him to access, which can be frustrating during exploration.
Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimbleness and parkour skills allow her to navigate the game world with ease. Equipped with ninja-like abilities and Assassin weapons, Naoe can master stealth with the right allocation of Mastery points.
While Naoe excels at staying hidden, she struggles significantly when detected. With lower health and less powerful melee capabilities compared to Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. The best strategy often involves escaping combat to regain anonymity before returning to execute stealthy takedowns, aerial assassinations, and other signature moves of the series.
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 missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is playable for certain quests. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist shines in distinct scenarios.
For exploration, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering new areas in feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for assassination contracts and quests, especially once you've invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills at Knowledge Level 2.
Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He's well-suited for storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like the Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.
For missions involving extensive combat, Yasuke is the better choice, while Naoe excels in stealth, traversal, and discovery. Beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately come down to which personality resonates with you more and whether you prefer the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.
