How to Unlock Yasuke & Play in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Unlock Yasuke and dive into the thrilling world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Experience epic gameplay and rich storytelling today!
Yasuke, the historical Black samurai, offers a powerful combat-focused playstyle in Assassin's Creed Shadows. While his early-game absence may surprise players, this guide covers everything you need to maximize his potential - from unlocking him to optimizing his build.

⚔️ How to Unlock & Play as Yasuke

Story Progression Requirements

• Prologue: Play as Yasuke initially
• Disappearance: Becomes unavailable after prologue
• Reunlock: Returns after completing:
• First two major targets (The Wounded & Golden Teppo)
• Temple of the Horseman mission (~10-20 hours in)

🔹 Tip: Focus main story missions to reach Yasuke faster.

🛡️ Yasuke's Best Abilities

Combat Priorities

Skill Tree	Must-Have Abilities
Samurai	- Adrenaline Surge (faster gauge fill)
	- Unyielding Defense (health on parry)
Heavy Weapons	- Crushing Force (Kanabo damage+)
	- Momentum Swing (crowd control)
Bow (Stealth)	- Silent Striker (stealth damage)

Early Game Focus

Health regeneration passives

Adrenaline gain boosts

Kanabo crowd control skills

🗡️ Best Weapon Loadouts

Primary Setup (Melee Focus)

Slot	Weapon	Benefits
Main	Long Katana	- Health recovery on kills
Secondary	Kanabo	- Brutal vs armored enemies

Stealth Alternative

• Dragon's Wrath Bow (charged headshots)
• Kunai (quick silent kills)

🔹 Note: Yasuke's stealth is viable but less fluid than Naoe's.

🛡️ Optimal Armor Sets

Tank Build (Frontline Combat)

Piece	Name	Perk
Helmet	Legendary Samurai	+15% crit after healing
Armor	Protector's Armor	Parry unblockables
Gloves	Oni Crushers	+Kanabo damage
Boots	Daimyo Greaves	Damage reduction

Stealth Archer Build

Piece	Name	Perk
Helmet	Shadow Visor	+Headshot damage
Armor	Master Archer	+200% ranged damage
Gloves	Silent Hand	Faster bow draw

💎 Best Trinkets & Engravings

Early Game

• Adrenaline Gain+ trinkets
• Critical Chance engravings

Endgame

Bloodthirsty Charm (health on kill)

Oni's Resolve (damage resistance when outnumbered)

🔄 How to Switch Between Yasuke & Naoe

Swapping Methods

Inventory Menu:

• Pause → Hold [Square/❌] (PS5/Xbox)

Fast Travel:

• Hold alternate button when selecting location

Hideout Interaction:

• Talk to inactive character at base

Switching Restrictions

❌ During combat
❌ In restricted areas
❌ During character-specific quests

🎭 Yasuke vs Naoe: When to Use Each

Scenario	Best Choice
Castle sieges	Yasuke (combat)
Stealth assassinations	Naoe
Archery challenges	Both viable
Boss fights	Yasuke (tank)

💡 Advanced Yasuke Tips

Kanabo Charge Attack breaks enemy guards

Parry → Heavy Attack combo devastates elites

Use smoke bombs to reset tough fights

Bow headshots still effective for stealth

Historical Context

While Yasuke's portrayal has sparked debate, Ubisoft incorporated:

• Verified historical records of Nobunaga's foreign retainer
• Period-accurate armor designs
• Plausible fictional backstory

Final Verdict

Yasuke shines as:
✅ Best brute-force combatant
✅ Ideal for players who prefer direct confrontation
✅ Historically fascinating protagonist

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