Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two compelling protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, offering a unique dual narrative experience. However, the process of switching between these characters has been a point of curiosity for many fans. Here’s a detailed guide on when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Recommended Videos Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe
Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows unfolds in a vast open world, the game’s prologue is quite linear. Over the course of about 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined points. Once the prologue concludes, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours, immersing yourself in her story and gameplay.
Unfortunately for those eager to embody Yasuke and live out their Samurai dreams right away, you’ll need to wait until nearly the end of the first act. The early game focuses entirely on Naoe, with Yasuke making his first playable appearance during the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes the sole playable character for the subsequent Fire and Lightning Quest. After completing these quests and Act I, players can then freely switch between the two protagonists.
How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to freely switch between protagonists took approximately 10 hours. This time included a good amount of side content exploration. For players aiming to expedite their journey through the first act and unlock the dual protagonist experience, it's possible to achieve this in around 6 to 8 hours.
How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Some cutscenes allow players to choose between playing as Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Once you unlock the ability to play as both Naoe and Yasuke freely, switching between them becomes straightforward. One of the simplest methods is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, you'll see two options: one to fast travel as your current character, and another to fast travel as the alternate protagonist. Choosing the latter will allow you to spawn at your chosen location as the other character. This feature is available across various points on the map, from Synchronization points to Kakurega Hideouts.
Additionally, certain story quests will present scenarios where you can choose which protagonist to play as, adding a layer of personalization to your gameplay experience.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, players enjoy considerable freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. However, there are specific story-driven moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked, ensuring the narrative remains coherent and impactful.
It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique quests delving into their backstories before they met, which can only be experienced with one character. Some side activities are also exclusive to either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by distinct symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
