In *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, Naoe's gameplay revolves around stealth and precision, yet she can hold her own in direct combat with the right strategy. To maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills to prioritize up to Knowledge Rank 3, achievable through engaging with the game's early open-world activities.

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Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Katana

• Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills transform Naoe into a formidable defensive fighter, ready to capitalize on enemy aggression. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, these abilities will allow you to counterattack effectively, enhance your damage output, and conclude battles with the powerful Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

• Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)

These skills make Naoe a versatile combatant, effective against both groups and single targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even larger enemies for additional damage. The other skills facilitate crowd control and keep enemies at bay while delivering impactful strikes.

Tanto

• Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
• Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills focus on maximizing damage with the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread your blade, as these abilities allow you to target their weak points effectively, especially with the R2/RT spin maneuver.

Tools

• Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)

These tools enable Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, clearing paths to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarms or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to distract enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb to escape or initiate a chain of assassinations.

Shinobi

• Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Naoe's stealth capabilities, allowing her to navigate environments undetected. Faster climbing, reduced fall damage, and the ability to slow time provide crucial advantages in crowded areas.

Assassin

• Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

These skills are particularly effective when paired with the Tanto, enabling swift and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations and enhanced damage against tougher enemies make Naoe a deadly assassin, though caution is advised against foes with higher health until further skill upgrades.

With these skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming the ultimate shinobi assassin in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.