*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay. Here's a detailed look at which character you should choose based on your playstyle and the game's demands.
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 perspective. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. The game's melee combat, inspired by From Software's style, feels like controlling a boss from *Dark Souls*. Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, allowing him to dominate in combat scenarios.
He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, making short work of both base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, Yasuke's ability to use a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness to ranged combat.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, making stealth a challenge. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points, crucial for map exploration, are either inaccessible or extremely difficult for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when exploring new provinces.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the game world with ease. By investing Mastery points in ninja and Assassin skills, Naoe can master stealth, making her ideal for covert operations.
However, Naoe's strengths in stealth come with vulnerabilities in direct combat. She has lower health and less powerful melee abilities than Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies challenging. When detected, the best strategy is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, allowing her to execute hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations, hallmarks 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. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests. However, when you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist excels 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 contracts once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've explored a region and identified its most dangerous targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is well-suited for storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.
In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the optimal choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in scenarios focused on traversal, exploration, and stealth. Outside these specific situations, 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* 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.
