How to Change Characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has come a long way since its inception, with each installment offering its own unique highs and lows. From the original game’s groundbreaking parkour mechanics to the RPG elements introduced in recent titles, the series has continually evolved. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is no exception, introducing a dual-protagonist system that allows players to experience the game through two distinct characters: Naoe, a shinobi specializing in stealth, and Yasuke, the historical samurai known for his brute strength and combat prowess. But when do you unlock Yasuke, and how do you switch between characters? More importantly, when should you play as Yasuke, and when is Naoe the better choice? Let’s break it all down.

Unlocking Yasuke: A Pivotal Moment in the Story

For players eager to step into the shoes of Yasuke, the legendary African samurai, patience is key. Yasuke is not immediately available at the start of the game. After the prologue, which serves as an introduction to the world and mechanics, players will primarily control Naoe during the early hours of the story. Yasuke makes his first significant appearance during the Temple of the Horseman mission, which occurs approximately eight to nine hours into the main storyline.
This mission marks a turning point in the narrative, as players will not only witness Yasuke’s introduction but also take control of him for a series of short missions. Once these missions are completed, players will unlock the ability to freely switch between Naoe and Yasuke at the start of the A New League chapter. This mechanic opens up a wealth of gameplay possibilities, allowing players to tailor their approach to each mission based on their preferred playstyle.

How to Switch Characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Switching between Naoe and Yasuke is a straightforward process once the ability is unlocked. Players can seamlessly transition between the two characters outside of missions, giving them the flexibility to adapt to different challenges. Here’s how it works:

Open the Character Menu: Access the game’s menu, where you’ll find an option to switch characters.

Select Your Protagonist: Choose either Naoe or Yasuke, depending on your needs or preferences.

Resume Gameplay: The switch happens instantly, allowing you to continue your adventure with the selected character.

This feature is particularly useful when exploring the open world or preparing for specific missions. However, it’s worth noting that certain story-driven missions may lock you into playing as one character to maintain narrative consistency.

When to Play as Yasuke vs. Naoe: Playstyle Matters

The choice between Naoe and Yasuke isn’t just cosmetic—it significantly impacts how you approach the game. Each character excels in different areas, and understanding their strengths can make your journey through Assassin’s Creed Shadows much smoother.

Naoe: The Master of Stealth and Exploration

Naoe is the quintessential shinobi, designed for players who prefer a stealthy, methodical approach. Her abilities make her ideal for:

• Infiltration: Naoe can sneak into heavily guarded areas undetected, making her the perfect choice for missions that require subtlety.
• Assassinations: Her stealth kills are swift and efficient, allowing her to eliminate targets without raising alarms.
• Exploration: Naoe’s agility and parkour skills make her better suited for navigating the environment, climbing buildings, and discovering hidden paths.

However, Naoe’s reliance on stealth can be a double-edged sword. If you find yourself under-leveled or facing enemies who block her assassination attempts, you may need to switch tactics—and characters.

Yasuke: The Unstoppable Samurai

Yasuke, on the other hand, is a powerhouse built for direct confrontation. His strengths lie in:

• Combat: Yasuke’s samurai training makes him a formidable fighter, capable of taking on multiple enemies at once.
• Head-On Assaults: Missions that require brute force or involve large-scale battles are where Yasuke truly shines.
• Tank Role: If you’re struggling with a particularly tough mission or enemy,Yasuke’s durability and combat skills can often tip the scales in yourfavor.

Strategic Character Switching: Tips and Tricks

While the choice between Naoe and Yasuke often comes down to personalpreference, there are certain situations where switching characters isnot just beneficial but necessary. Here are some tips to help you makethe most of the dual-protagonist system:

Mission Requirements: Pay attention to mission objectives. If a mission emphasizes stealth,Naoe is your best bet. For combat-heavy tasks, Yasuke is the way to go.

Under-Leveled Encounters: If you find yourself struggling with a mission due to low stats,switching to Yasuke can provide the extra firepower needed to overcomethe challenge.

Exploration and Side Content: While exploring the open world, keep an eye out for Kata masters (whotrain Yasuke) and Kuji-kiri spots (which benefit Naoe). If you encounter one while controlling the wrong character, switch immediately to avoidbacktracking later.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Duo for Every Playstyle

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a fresh take on the franchise’s formula by introducing twoprotagonists with vastly different abilities and playstyles. Whether you prefer the stealthy precision of Naoe or the raw power of Yasuke, thegame provides ample opportunities to experiment and find the approachthat suits you best. By understanding when to unlock Yasuke, how toswitch characters, and when to leverage each protagonist’s strengths,you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in thisthrilling installment of the Assassin’s Creed saga.

So,which character will you choose? The answer may vary depending on themission, but one thing is certain: with Naoe and Yasuke at yourdisposal, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an unforgettable adventure.

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