In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can navigate the game's challenges using dual protagonists, each with unique skills that enhance their effectiveness. For those eager to harness Yasuke's formidable prowess early in the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here's a detailed guide on the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke at the start of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

Long Katana

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• Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

Yasuke's Long Katana skills not only enable him to defend and retaliate effectively but also to strike with force, regaining health simultaneously. This combination ensures Yasuke remains robust and resilient during combat.

Naginata

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• Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

The Naginata skills are ideal for maintaining distance from enemies while still dealing significant damage. The increased damage and critical chance are particularly effective against groups, and the Impale ability can create space or concentrate damage on multiple foes.

Kanabo

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• Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
• Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

Enhance Yasuke's Kanabo abilities to gain both power and speed, effectively dismantling most adversaries. Crushing Shockwave is particularly useful for managing crowds, while Spine Breaker provides a window for healing and regrouping before delivering a devastating strike.

Teppo

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• Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

Leverage the Teppo's high damage output to shift the battle in your favor. Skills that slow time and improve reload speed are synergistic, and using Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo can create openings for melee engagements.

Samurai

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• Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Yasuke's Samurai skills allow him to execute powerful assassinations, even against elites. Regeneration across all skill sets ensures health recovery with each kill, while Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection in tight spots.

Bow

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• Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These Bow skills enhance Yasuke's ability to eliminate threats from a distance, ensuring he can take down armored enemies with precision and efficiency, thanks to faster reload and draw speeds.

That’s all you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore further resources on The Escapist.