*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual-protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. Here’s a detailed look at which character you might want to play as depending on your gaming style and objectives.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke is a standout protagonist in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, offering a gameplay experience that's distinctly different from his predecessors. His Samurai skills and imposing stature make him a formidable force on the battlefield. Yasuke's combat mechanics are heavily inspired by From Software's style, akin to controlling a boss in *Dark Souls*. His unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the feudal Japan setting of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Yasuke excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, effortlessly handling base enemies and higher-tier foes like the Daimyo who guard castles. He's also proficient with a Bow and Arrow, making him versatile in ranged combat.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come at the cost of traditional Assassin abilities. His assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour skills are limited, and climbing or shimmying is slower compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points, crucial for map exploration, may be inaccessible or challenging for Yasuke, which can hinder exploration in new provinces.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional Assassin archetype familiar to fans of the series. She excels in stealth and parkour, offering unparalleled agility and ease of movement. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe becomes a stealth master as players invest in her Mastery points.

While Naoe is adept at remaining undetected, she struggles when faced with direct combat. Her lower health and weaker melee capabilities make encounters with multiple enemies challenging. Skilled players might navigate these situations, but escaping and re-engaging stealthily is often the best strategy. Once back in stealth mode, Naoe can perform the series' signature hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.

When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often comes down to personal preference, though the story may dictate which character is available for certain quests in canon mode. When you have the freedom to switch, each protagonist shines in specific scenarios.

Use Naoe for exploration in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering new areas, synchronizing viewpoints, and exploring feudal Japan. She's also the go-to character for assassination-focused contracts and quests, particularly after reaching Knowledge Level 2 and investing in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've mapped out a region and identified its toughest enemies, switch to Yasuke for combat. He's perfect for storming castles and taking down Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open combat. For missions requiring extensive fighting, Yasuke is your best choice.

Outside of these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with more, as well as your preference for traditional *Assassin’s Creed* gameplay versus the newer RPG elements.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.