In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is rooted in stealth and precision, though she's also capable of handling direct confrontations with the right strategy. To maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills to prioritize early on, up to Knowledge Rank 3, which you can achieve quickly by engaging in the game's open-world activities in the starting regions.

Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Katana

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• 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 enemies. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, you'll find ample opportunities to counterattack, deal enhanced damage, and conclude battles with the powerful Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

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• 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 dominant force against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement is excellent for building afflictions, and with upgrades, you can manipulate even larger enemies for additional damage. The other skills enhance your ability to handle multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering impactful attacks.

Tanto

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• 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 maximizing damage with the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread your blade, and using your R2/RT attack to maneuver behind them ensures you can consistently target their weak points for increased damage.

Tools

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• 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 enable you to manipulate guards effectively, clearing the way to your target. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to distract enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb to escape or initiate a chain of assassinations.

Shinobi

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• 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 enhance Naoe's ability to remain undetected and navigate towards her objectives. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time provides a crucial margin for error in crowded areas.

Assassin

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• 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 particularly effective when paired with the Tanto, enabling swift and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations are invaluable, as is the ability to take down larger and stronger enemies. However, be cautious not to become overconfident, as you'll eventually encounter foes with more health that can resist assassination attempts until you further upgrade your skills.

By focusing on these skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming the most effective assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to visit The Escapist.