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

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-03-24 09:38:15
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 TreeMust-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)

    SlotWeaponBenefits
    MainLong Katana- Health recovery on kills
    SecondaryKanabo- 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)

    PieceNamePerk
    HelmetLegendary Samurai+15% crit after healing
    ArmorProtector's ArmorParry unblockables
    GlovesOni Crushers+Kanabo damage
    BootsDaimyo GreavesDamage reduction

    Stealth Archer Build

    PieceNamePerk
    HelmetShadow Visor+Headshot damage
    ArmorMaster Archer+200% ranged damage
    GlovesSilent HandFaster 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

    ScenarioBest Choice
    Castle siegesYasuke (combat)
    Stealth assassinationsNaoe
    Archery challengesBoth viable
    Boss fightsYasuke (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

    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 ·
    Publisher(s): Ubisoft
    Release date: March 20, 2025
    Mode: Single-player
    Age rating (PEGI): +18
    Video preview



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