In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can harness the power of dual protagonists to navigate the game's challenges in diverse ways. For those eager to optimize Yasuke's abilities from the outset, selecting the right skills early on can significantly enhance your gameplay. Here's a detailed look at the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the initial stages of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

Long Katana

• Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills enable Yasuke to not only defend and counterattack effectively but also to deliver powerful strikes while regaining health. This combination will keep Yasuke in fighting shape throughout early combat encounters.

Naginata

• Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

By keeping enemies at a distance, the Naginata allows Yasuke to deal extra damage and increase critical hit chances. This setup is particularly effective against groups, and using Impale can help clear a path or gather enemies for focused attacks.

Kanabo

• Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
• Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's power and speed, enabling him to swiftly dispatch enemies. Crushing Shockwave is particularly useful against crowds, while Spine Breaker provides a window for healing and regrouping before delivering a devastating ground strike.

Teppo

• Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

Leveraging the Teppo's high damage output, these skills help Yasuke level the playing field. Slowing down time and enhancing reload speed work in tandem, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo create space for Yasuke to switch to melee weapons for the final blow.

Samurai

• Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Yasuke can execute devastating assassinations, not just limited to Naoe, and take down even elite enemies. The Regeneration skill is invaluable for restoring health with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection in tight spots.

Bow

• Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's ability to eliminate threats before they detect him, even those with armor, through faster reloads, quicker draw speeds, and concentrated fire.

By focusing on these skills early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you can maximize Yasuke's potential and enjoy a more effective and enjoyable gameplay experience. For further assistance with the game, be sure to explore additional resources at The Escapist.