*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 gameplay experience. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose to play as based on your preferred playstyle and mission objectives.
Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons
Yasuke, a standout protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, brings a fresh gameplay perspective with his formidable Samurai skills. His physical prowess and Samurai training make him a powerhouse on the battlefield, reminiscent of controlling a boss in *Dark Souls* due to the game's From Software-inspired melee combat system.
Yasuke's unique background and stature set him apart from other warriors in Feudal Japan within the game. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, making him ideal for tackling both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the patrolling Daimyo in castles. Additionally, Yasuke's proficiency with a Bow and Arrow adds versatility to his combat style, enabling effective ranged attacks.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposing compared to Naoe's, making stealth missions challenging. His parkour abilities are also limited, with slower climbing and shimmying speeds than previous protagonists. This can make reaching synchronization points difficult or even impossible, impacting exploration and map discovery.
Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, aligns more closely with the traditional Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the *Assassin’s Creed* series. Her expertise in stealth and parkour makes her incredibly agile and adept at navigating the game world. With her ninja skills and Assassin's weapons, Naoe can master stealth through strategic investment in Mastery points.
While Naoe excels at staying undetected, her vulnerabilities become apparent when discovered. With lower health and less powerful melee capabilities than Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. The best strategy often involves fleeing combat to regain anonymity and then returning to execute stealth takedowns and aerial assassinations, hallmarks of the series.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe often boils down to personal preference, though certain missions may dictate which character is playable, especially in canon mode. However, there are clear situations where one protagonist outperforms the other.
For exploration, Naoe is the go-to character. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and uncovering new areas in Feudal Japan. She's particularly effective in assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi Mastery skills.
Once you've familiarized yourself with a region and identified its toughest targets, Yasuke becomes the better choice for combat scenarios. He excels at storming castles and defeating high-value enemies like the Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.
In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the preferred choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in scenarios focused on traversal, exploration, and stealth. Beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which protagonist you connect with more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth 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.
