Meet Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is Ubisoft's latest release, taking players on a new and immersive story set in feudal Japan during the turbulent end of the Sengoku period. The 2025 title brings a major innovation to the franchise: two playable protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. Each has unique abilities and combat styles that significantly change the gameplay. Here, you'll learn more about each of them and how to choose which one to play as.

Yasuke: The Samurai

Yasuke is a historical figure with roots in 16th-century Japan. He was the first African samurai and served the great Oda Nobunaga . In Assassin's Creed Shadows, Yasuke is portrayed as a fierce warrior with a large physique and exceptional skills in close combat. Wielding a long katana, naginata, kanabo , and even a bow and musket, Yasuke is a master of melee and mid-range . He possesses powerful attacks, incredible defense, and the ability to take down heavy obstacles.

Throughout the story of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the player can engage in romances. Yasuke has the option to develop relationships with characters like Ibuki or Lady Oichi. With his direct and brutal style, Yasuke is the character made for the most physical and straightforward combat.

Naoe: The Ninja 

Naoe, a descendant of a shinobi lineage, is a completely different combatant in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Her story is deeply tied to the Azuchi-Momoyama , and she seeks revenge against those who destroyed her homeland. Her gameplay focuses on stealth, agility, and precision. Instead of attacking head-on, Naoe specializes in silent takedowns, moving across rooftops and infiltrating restricted areas.

Her arsenal includes the Katana, Kusarigama, Tanto, and Kunai. Naoe's ability to move quickly through the environments, climbing walls and using ropes, makes her an agile character. Naoe can also become romantically involved with characters like Gennojo or Katsuhime.

How do I switch between characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

Certainly one of the great innovations of Assassin's Creed Shadow is the ability to switch between the two protagonists throughout the game. Although the player has to choose between Yasuke and Naoe at the beginning, Ubisoft allowed the characters to be switched during gameplay. This can be done at different times, such as while exploring the open world, using fast travel points, or during certain moments in the story where the game requires a decision.

This alternation between Yasuke and Naoe gives the player a way to explore different combat styles and advance the narrative in various ways. Furthermore, each character has their own skill and knowledge points, which can be improved throughout the game.

Which is the best character in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Yasuke or Naoe?

When you start playing Assassin's Creed Shadows, the big question is: which character to choose? Yasuke and Naoe have completely different play styles. 

While Yasuke is strong and resilient, he is slower, which can be a disadvantage in fast-paced confrontations. Naoe, on the other hand, may be faster and stealthier, but her lack of strength makes her vulnerable in fights against powerful enemies. This difference in characteristics between the two protagonists is quite interesting, as you need to master each one to play strategically and defeat the enemies.

The choice between Yasuke and Naoe depends on your personal playstyle and preferences regarding combat dynamics.

Now that you know all about Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin's Creed: Shadows, the choice is yours. Each character has a unique combat style, and switching between them opens the door to a rich and diverse experience. Whether you use Yasuke's strength or Naoe's agility, the game features challenges and stories that will test your skills in unprecedented ways. Now it's time to decide how you'll leave your mark on feudal Japan.