*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, offering players distinct gameplay experiences. Here's a detailed look at which protagonist 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 melee combat in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, inspired by From Software's style, allows Yasuke to feel like a boss character from *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, making him highly effective against both base and higher-tier enemies, such as 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 compared to Naoe's, making stealth missions challenging. His parkour abilities are limited, with slower climbing and shimmying, which can hinder exploration. Many synchronization points are difficult or impossible for Yasuke to reach, which can be frustrating when trying to uncover new areas.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist 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 become a master of stealth, executing hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations with finesse.

While Naoe excels in remaining undetected, she struggles when discovered. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities than Yasuke, facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming. In such situations, retreating to regain anonymity and then returning for stealth kills is often the best strategy.

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

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game. The story may dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode. 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 also highly effective for assassination missions 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 particularly effective in storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or open sword fights.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the best choice. Conversely, Naoe shines in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based activities. Outside these specific scenarios, 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.