*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces two compelling protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. As the game's release approaches, many fans are curious about the mechanics of switching between these characters. Here's a detailed guide on when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers a vast open-world experience, the game starts with a linear prologue that lasts about 90 minutes. During this time, players will switch between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined points. After completing the prologue, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours, as the early game focuses exclusively on her narrative.

For those eager to embody the Samurai Yasuke, you'll need to wait until nearly the end of the first act. Yasuke remains absent until the Temple of the Horseman Quest, where he becomes playable for the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once you complete this quest and Act I, you'll finally have the freedom to switch between the two protagonists more freely.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to freely swap between protagonists took about 10 hours. However, I spent time exploring side content. If you focus on the main storyline, you can likely reach this point within 6 to 8 hours, allowing you to fully experience *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*’ dual protagonists.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you unlock the ability to switch freely between Naoe and Yasuke, the process is straightforward. You can switch by fast traveling to a location on the map. When selecting a fast travel point, you'll see two options: one to fast travel as your current character, and another to switch to the other protagonist. By choosing the latter, you'll spawn at the chosen location as the other character. This method works for various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the quest is presented to the other character.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

After Act I, players enjoy considerable freedom in choosing between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked to ensure the narrative flows correctly.

It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, and these are exclusive to one character. Additionally, some side activities must be completed by either Naoe or Yasuke, indicated by specific symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi's hood for Naoe.

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