Yasuke or Naoe: Who to Choose in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces one of the most significant shifts in franchise history with its dual protagonist system. Yasuke, the legendary samurai, and Naoe, the agile shinobi, offer vastly different playstyles, strengths, and weaknesses. Choosing between them can greatly impact your gameplay experience, so here's a breakdown to help you decide which character best suits your style.

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Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

From a gameplay perspective, Yasuke is arguably one of the most unique protagonists ever featured in an *Assassin’s Creed* title. Standing tall and wielding immense strength, he plays more like a boss encounter from a *Dark Souls*-inspired combat system than a traditional stealth-based assassin. His powerful melee attacks and FromSoftware-inspired combat make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Yasuke excels at crowd control and can easily take down standard enemies. As you level him up, he becomes even more effective against elite foes such as the heavily armored Daimo who guard castles. While not traditionally associated with ranged combat, Yasuke is equipped with a bow and arrow, allowing for versatility in certain situations.

However, Yasuke does struggle with core *Assassin’s Creed* mechanics. His assassination animations are slower, leaving him vulnerable to detection. Additionally, while he does have some parkour abilities, they are notably slower compared to Naoe. Climbing and shimmying can feel sluggish, and many synchronization points—key to map exploration—are either inaccessible or extremely difficult for Yasuke to reach, often leading to frustrating dead ends.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

In contrast, Naoe embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* archetype. She is fast, nimble, and built for stealth. Her mastery of parkour allows her to traverse the world effortlessly, making her ideal for exploration and discovery. When players invest Mastery points into Assassin and Shinobi skills, Naoe becomes a true ghost in the shadows—capable of silent takedowns, aerial assassinations, and fluid movement through complex environments.

Her agility comes at a cost, however. Naoe has lower health and significantly less power in direct combat compared to Yasuke. Even a small group of enemies can pose a serious threat. Skilled players may be able to parry and counter their way out of trouble, but the better strategy is usually to disengage, retreat, and re-enter stealth mode before striking again from the shadows.

When to Play as Each Protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*

Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe often comes down to personal preference and mission requirements. The story will sometimes dictate which character is available, especially in canon mode, but when given the option, each shines in specific scenarios.

For exploration, synchronization, and contract missions requiring stealthy eliminations, Naoe is clearly the superior choice. Once you’ve unlocked Knowledge Level 2 and invested in key stealth and shinobi skills, she becomes a master of unseen takedowns and efficient navigation.

Once the region is mapped and it’s time to confront heavily guarded targets like castle-dwelling Daimyo lords, Yasuke steps in as the powerhouse. He can handle open combat far more effectively than Naoe, whether through brutal sword fights or strong assassination strikes.

If a mission involves heavy combat, go with Yasuke. If it’s about stealth, traversal, or uncovering the map, Naoe is your best bet. Outside of those contexts, both characters are fully capable, and your decision will likely come down to personal preference—whether you enjoy the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with Naoe or prefer the more action-RPG oriented playstyle of Yasuke.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th.