The dual protagonists in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*—Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi—mark a significant shift in the franchise, offering players distinct gameplay experiences based on their unique strengths and weaknesses. Here's a guide to help you decide when to play as each character.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke overlooks a coastal vista in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft. Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, not just for his narrative but for his unique gameplay. As a Samurai, Yasuke's imposing stature and combat skills make him a formidable force on the battlefield. His gameplay feels like controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*, thanks to *Assassin’s Creed Shadows’* From Software-inspired melee combat system.

Yasuke's background and physical prowess set him apart in the world of Feudal Japan. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, making him ideal for tackling both basic and higher-tier enemies, such as the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, Yasuke's ability to use a bow and arrow makes him versatile at ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more vulnerable to detection compared to Naoe's. While he can perform some parkour, his climbing and movement speed are significantly slower than previous *Assassin's Creed* protagonists. This can make reaching synchronization points challenging, which is crucial for map exploration and can lead to frustration when navigating new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe and Yaya team up to fight in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft. Naoe, the Igan Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin's Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and agility. Her nimble movement and parkour skills make her perfect for swift and silent traversal across the game's world. Equipped with ninja-like abilities and assassin's weapons, Naoe can become a stealth master with the right investment in Mastery points.

Naoe's stealth prowess is unmatched, but she struggles when forced into open combat. With lower health and less potent melee abilities than Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be daunting. Skilled players might manage to evade and counterattack, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. Once back in the shadows, Naoe can execute the series' signature hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations with ease.

When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Naoe and Yasuke team up in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft. Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often comes down to personal preference and the demands of the story, particularly in canon mode. However, there are specific scenarios where each protagonist shines.

For exploration, Naoe is your go-to character. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering the map, synchronizing viewpoints, and discovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. When it comes to assassination-focused contracts and quests, Naoe's stealth skills are invaluable, especially once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi Mastery.

Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest targets, switch to Yasuke for combat. He's perfect for storming castles and taking down Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights. If a mission involves a lot of open combat, Yasuke is the better choice.

Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe will depend on your preferred playstyle and the character you connect with more. Whether you lean towards the classic *Assassin's Creed* stealth experience or the newer RPG elements, both protagonists offer a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

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