The dual protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* represent a significant evolution for the franchise, introducing Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a guide on when to choose each protagonist for the best gameplay experience.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke is a standout protagonist in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, bringing a unique gameplay experience. As a Samurai, his strength and combat prowess make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Yasuke's gameplay feels akin to controlling a boss character in *Dark Souls*, thanks to the From Software-inspired melee combat system. His background and physical prowess set him apart, allowing him to dominate in open combat situations across Feudal Japan.

Yasuke excels in crowd control with his powerful melee attacks, making him effective against both base enemies and higher-tier foes like Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, he can use a Bow and Arrow, extending his effectiveness to ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection, unlike the swift takedowns typical of Assassins. His parkour abilities are also limited; climbing and shimmying are slower, which can be frustrating when trying to reach synchronization points necessary for map exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth and agility. Her expertise in stealth and parkour makes her exceptionally nimble, allowing for seamless navigation through environments. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe can master stealth by investing in Mastery points.

While Naoe thrives in staying undetected, she faces challenges when detected. Her lower health and less powerful melee abilities make direct combat risky. Facing multiple enemies can be overwhelming, often necessitating a retreat to regain anonymity before executing stealth takedowns, aerial assassinations, and parkour maneuvers reminiscent of the series' iconic moments.

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

The choice of protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often hinges on personal preference, though the story may dictate character availability in canon mode. Here are the optimal situations for each protagonist:

Choose Naoe for exploration. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering new areas, synchronizing, and discovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Switch to Yasuke when engaging in combat, especially in castles where you need to defeat Daimyo Samurai lords to access high-value loot. Yasuke's ability to handle these enemies with brutal force or in open sword fights surpasses Naoe's capabilities.

For missions requiring heavy combat, Yasuke is your go-to character. Conversely, Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based objectives. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are versatile, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more and whether you prefer the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* 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.