In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is primarily through stealth and cunning, leveraging the shadows and an array of tools to her advantage. While she excels in stealth, Naoe can also handle direct confrontations with proper preparation. For players looking to maximize her potential, here are the best skills to prioritize for Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

These recommendations focus on skills achievable up to Knowledge Rank 3, which can be attained swiftly through engaging with the open world activities in the game's initial regions.

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 turn Naoe into a formidable defensive force, poised to retaliate against aggressive enemies. Masterful dodging and deflecting pave the way for effective counters, enhanced damage through buffs, and decisive finishing moves with 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 powerhouse against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement boosts affliction buildup, and with upgrades, you can manipulate even large enemies for increased damage. The remaining skills enhance your ability to manage multiple foes, keep them at bay, and deliver punishing blows.

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 amplify damage with the Tanto, exploiting Vulnerable enemies for increased effect. Even armored adversaries will dread your blade, and using your R2/RT attack to maneuver behind them ensures you can consistently target their vulnerable spots for maximum impact.

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 provide Naoe with versatile methods to manipulate guards, clearing the way to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarms or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to distract enemies, and Kunai for long-range kills. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb for a quick escape or to chain multiple 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 ensure Naoe remains undetected and efficiently navigates towards her objectives. Enhanced climbing speed and reduced fall damage are invaluable in various scenarios, while the ability to slow time offers a crucial margin for error 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)

Best utilized with the Tanto as a primary weapon, these skills facilitate quick and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. The ability to perform dual assassinations is invaluable, as is the capacity to take down larger, more resilient foes. However, caution is advised against overconfidence, as you'll eventually encounter enemies with higher health that may resist assassination attempts until further skill upgrades are obtained.

With these skill choices, you'll be well on your way to becoming the most adept assassinating shinobi in all of Japan in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For additional guidance, don't hesitate to visit The Escapist.