*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise by featuring dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Let's dive into which character you should choose based on their abilities and gameplay style.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay standpoint. With his Samurai skills and imposing presence, Yasuke offers a unique playstyle that feels like controlling a boss from *Dark Souls* thanks to *Assassin’s Creed Shadows'* From Software-inspired melee combat.
Yasuke's background and physical prowess set him apart in Feudal Japan. He excels at crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, making him a formidable force against both base enemies and higher-tier opponents like the Daimyo who patrol castles. Additionally, his ability to use a Bow and Arrow makes him versatile in ranged combat.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come at the cost of traditional Assassin skills. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, and his parkour abilities are limited compared to past protagonists. While he can theoretically reach synchronization points to reveal more of the map, many are either impossible or extremely challenging for him, which can be frustrating during exploration.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and mastery of ninja skills make her the perfect choice for players who enjoy sneaking around and executing precise takedowns. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe becomes a stealth master.
Yet, Naoe's effectiveness wanes when stealth fails. She has lower health and weaker melee abilities compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. Skilled players can navigate these situations with careful dodging and parrying, but often, the best strategy is to escape and return to strike from the shadows with hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The choice of protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often comes down to personal preference, but the game's story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, especially in canon mode. However, when you have the freedom to switch between Yasuke and Naoe, their unique strengths shine in specific scenarios.
Choose Naoe for exploration. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering new areas, synchronizing viewpoints, and exploring the vast landscapes of feudal Japan. For missions requiring stealth assassinations, Naoe is your best bet, particularly once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Switch to Yasuke when you're ready for combat. After mapping out a region and identifying its most dangerous targets, Yasuke's prowess in battle becomes invaluable. He can handle the Daimyo Samurai lords within castles with ease, whether through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights, making him the go-to character for securing high-value loot.
For missions involving heavy combat, Yasuke is the clear choice, while Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your preference might ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you lean towards the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th, promising players an engaging experience with these unique dual protagonists.
