*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system, featuring Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the game, making your choice of protagonist crucial depending on your playstyle and the task at hand.

Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons

Yasuke, as depicted in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, is a formidable figure, standing out not only in his physical prowess but also in his unique gameplay mechanics. His Samurai skills and robust stature make him a powerhouse in combat. Drawing inspiration from From Software’s melee combat style, playing as Yasuke feels like commanding a boss from *Dark Souls*.

Yasuke's ability to manage crowds and deliver powerful melee attacks sets him apart in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. His effectiveness isn't limited to basic enemies; as you progress and level him up, he can easily dispatch higher-tier foes like the Daimyo patrolling castles. Additionally, Yasuke's proficiency with a Bow and Arrow extends his combat range, making him versatile in various combat scenarios.

However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more exposed than Naoe’s, making stealth less viable. His parkour abilities, while present, are notably slower and less agile than those of previous protagonists. This can be particularly frustrating when attempting to reach synchronization points, which are often challenging or inaccessible for Yasuke, impacting exploration and map discovery.

Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons

Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the traditional *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her nimbleness and ease of movement make her an excellent choice for players who enjoy a more classic Assassin experience. Naoe's combination of ninja skills and Assassin weaponry allows her to master stealth, particularly when players invest in her Mastery points.

While Naoe excels in staying undetected, she faces significant challenges once spotted. Her lower health and weaker melee abilities make direct combat risky, often requiring players to retreat and re-engage stealthily. This can be overwhelming when facing multiple enemies, making evasion and subsequent stealth takedowns her best strategy.

When to Play as Each Protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*

Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on the specific task and personal preference. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the narrative may dictate which character is available for certain quests, particularly in canon mode. However, when given the choice, each protagonist shines in different scenarios.

For exploration, Naoe is the better option. Her superior mobility and speed allow for efficient clearing of the fog of war, synchronization, and discovery within feudal Japan. She is also highly effective for assassination missions once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.

Once you've mapped out a region and identified high-value targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. His ability to handle tough enemies, such as the Daimyo in castles, through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights, makes him invaluable for securing high-value loot.

In missions requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the ideal choice, whereas Naoe excels in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based missions. Outside of these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your preference may ultimately come down to which character's personality and gameplay style you resonate with more—whether it's the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth or the newer RPG combat mechanics.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.