*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift with its dual protagonists, each bringing unique skills and gameplay styles to the table. Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi offer distinct experiences that cater to different playstyles. Here's a detailed look at each character and when to play as them to maximize your enjoyment and efficiency in the game.

Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons

Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, particularly from a gameplay perspective. His prowess as a Samurai, combined with his imposing physical presence, makes him a formidable force on the battlefield. The melee combat in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, inspired by From Software's style, feels like controlling a boss from *Dark Souls*, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Yasuke's unique background and physical attributes set him apart in the world of Feudal Japan, allowing him to dominate many foes effortlessly. He is particularly effective in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, making him adept at dealing with both regular enemies and higher-tier adversaries like the patrolling Daimyo in castles. Moreover, Yasuke's ability to use a Bow and Arrow adds a layer of versatility, enabling him to engage enemies from a distance.

However, Yasuke's strengths in direct combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more conspicuous than Naoe's, making him less suited for stealthy approaches. Additionally, his parkour abilities are limited; climbing and navigating through environments are slower, which can be a hindrance when trying to reach synchronization points. These points are often challenging or impossible for Yasuke to access, which can be frustrating during exploration.

Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist with her focus on stealth and agility. Her mastery of parkour and ninja-like skills allows her to move swiftly and silently through the game world. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe can become an unparalleled master of stealth, utilizing a variety of Assassin weapons and techniques.

However, Naoe's strengths in stealth come with vulnerabilities in direct combat. She has lower health and less potent melee abilities compared to Yasuke, making encounters with multiple enemies particularly challenging. When detected, the best strategy is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, then return to execute precise assassinations and aerial takedowns, hallmarks of the *Assassin’s Creed* series.

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

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game's missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character you play as for certain quests. However, when given the freedom to switch, each protagonist excels in different scenarios.

For exploration and uncovering the map, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing viewpoints, and discovering the intricacies of Feudal Japan. She's also the go-to character for assassination contracts, especially once you've reached knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once a region is mapped out and you're ready to tackle its most formidable targets, Yasuke comes into his own. He is particularly effective in storming castles and confronting high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords. His ability to handle open combat and execute brutal assassinations makes him the better choice for missions requiring direct confrontation.

Ultimately, the choice between Yasuke and Naoe will often come down to the player's preferred gameplay style and the mission at hand. Yasuke excels in combat-heavy scenarios, while Naoe is unmatched in stealth and exploration. Your choice may also reflect which character's personality and playstyle resonates with you more, whether you lean towards the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth experience or the newer RPG combat elements.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.