In *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, Naoe embodies the art of stealth and assassination, thriving in the shadows while skillfully using her tools to outsmart her foes. Although her specialty lies in silent takedowns, she can also handle direct confrontations with the right strategy. To maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills you should prioritize early on in the game, up to Knowledge Rank 3, which can be achieved quickly by engaging in the open world activities in the starting regions.
Recommended Videos Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Katana
- Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills transform Naoe into a formidable defensive force, ready to capitalize on aggressive enemy moves. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, these abilities will allow you to counterattack effectively, deal increased damage, and decisively end battles with Eviscerate.
Kusarigama
- Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)
These skills make Naoe a powerful adversary against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement is excellent for building affliction using specific weapon abilities, and with upgrades, you can even manipulate larger enemies for additional damage. The other skills enhance your ability to handle multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering impactful strikes.
Tanto
- Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
- Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
These skills focus on amplifying damage with the tanto, enabling you to exploit vulnerable enemies effectively. Even armored foes will dread your blade, and by spinning behind them with an R2/RT attack, you can consistently target their backs for increased damage.
Tools
- Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
These tools provide Naoe with the ability to manipulate guards and clear the path to her target. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away, and Kunai for long-range kills. If detected, deploy the Smoke Bomb to escape or initiate a chain of assassinations.
Shinobi
- Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills ensure Naoe remains unseen and agile, aiding in her mission without alerting enemies. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are universally beneficial, while the ability to slow down time in crowded areas provides a crucial margin for error.
Assassin
- Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)
These skills are most effective when used with a Tanto as your primary weapon, enabling swift and efficient takedowns using the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations add versatility, and you'll be better equipped to handle stronger foes. However, remain cautious as some enemies may have enough health to resist assassination attempts until you further enhance your skills.
With these carefully selected skills under each tree, Naoe can become the ultimate assassinating shinobi in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*. For additional guidance, make sure to explore resources available on The Escapist.
