How to unlock Yasuke and swap characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Unlock Yasuke and swap characters in AC Shadows for an immersive gaming experience. Dive into action and strategy today!
Ubisoft's dual protagonist system in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has left many players wondering: "Where is Yasuke?" After his brief prologue appearance, the legendary samurai vanishes for hours—but don't worry, we’ll show you exactly how to unlock him and switch between characters.

Why Yasuke Isn’t Available Immediately

Unlike Syndicate’s Frye twins (who could be swapped instantly), Shadows gates Yasuke behind 10-15 hours of story progression. This ensures:
✔ Strong narrative introduction (no abrupt team-ups)
✔ Time to master Naoe’s stealth before Yasuke’s combat
✔ Natural story pacing (their alliance needs buildup)

How to Unlock Yasuke – Step by Step

(Spoiler-light guide—key objectives only)

1. Complete the Early Game as Naoe

• Finish the prologue (playable as both characters).
• Explore Izumi Settsu (Naoe-only for now).

2. Assassinate Two Onryō Targets

• Target #1: Wakasa
• Target #2: Wada Koretake
  (These are main story missions—can’t be missed.)

3. Travel to Kyoto (Yamashiro Region)

• Unlocks after the two assassinations.

4. Complete "Temple of the Horseman" Quest

• Location: Honnōji Temple (Kyoto)
• Objective: Infiltrate, complete the fight sequence.
• Key Moment: Yasuke intervenes in a cutscene.

5. Follow the Story to Katano Castle

• Return to Hideout (Izumi Settsu) for a cutscene.
• Proceed to Katano Castle for another fight.
• Final Step: Ceremony at the Hideout.

✅ Yasuke Unlocked!

• Now you can switch freely between Naoe and Yasuke.

How to Swap Between Naoe & Yasuke

Once unlocked, use three methods:

1. Inventory Menu (Instant Swap)

• Pause game → Inventory tab → Hold [Square] (PS5) / [F] (PC).

2. Fast Travel (Change Character at Point)

• Hover over any fast travel location (including Kakurega hideouts).
• Prompt appears to switch before teleporting.

3. Talk at the Hideout

• Yasuke’s Spot: Near the Hiroma entrance.
• Naoe’s Spot: Inside the Hiroma.
• Approach and interact to switch.

When to Use Yasuke vs. Naoe?

Yasuke (Samurai)	Naoe (Shinobi)
➔ Brutal melee combat	➔ Silent assassinations
➔ Strong vs. armored foes	➔ Best for stealth missions
➔ Can wear heavy armor	➔ Uses grappling hook & smoke bombs
➔ Draws aggro in fights	➔ Avoids open combat

Pro Tip: Switch often! Some missions favor one style over the other.

Why Did Ubisoft Lock Yasuke Behind Progress?

• Story Reasons: Their alliance needs narrative weight.
• Gameplay Balance: Prevents players from ignoring Naoe’s stealth mechanics.
• Pacing: Yasuke’s combat is powerful—early access could trivialize challenges.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Yasuke takes a while to unlock, but once he’s available, Shadows truly becomes two games in one. Switch often to experience:
✔ Samurai mayhem (Yasuke’s heavy strikes)
✔ Shinobi stealth (Naoe’s assassinations)

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