*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the franchise. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose for your gameplay experience.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, primarily due to his gameplay mechanics. As a Samurai, Yasuke's formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. With *Assassin’s Creed Shadows'* melee combat inspired by From Software, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a *Dark Souls* boss.
Unlike typical Samurai, Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart, allowing him to dominate various warriors across the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, Yasuke's proficiency with a Bow and Arrow makes him versatile at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks such as quick assassinations, leaving him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited, and his slower climbing and shimmying can hinder exploration. Many synchronization points in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* are challenging for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when trying to uncover new areas.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimble nature allows for seamless traversal and parkour, making her ideal for players who enjoy the series' traditional gameplay. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.
While Naoe excels in remaining undetected, her effectiveness diminishes when discovered. With lower health and less potent melee abilities than Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. The best strategy is often to escape combat and return to perform stealth takedowns and aerial assassinations, aligning with the series' iconic moments.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game's missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.
For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and discovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She is particularly effective for assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, switch to Yasuke for combat. He is exceptionally suited for storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.
In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the go-to character. Conversely, Naoe is your best bet for traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Outside these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.
