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 passivesAdrenaline gain boostsKanabo 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 guardsParry → Heavy Attack combo devastates elitesUse smoke bombs to reset tough fightsBow headshots still effective for stealthHistorical 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
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Genre(s): Action role-playing
Developer(s): Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec ·
Release date: March 20, 2025
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