Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces an intriguing dual-protagonist system with Shinobi Naoe and Samurai Yasuke, but the specifics on switching between them have been somewhat murky until now. Here’s a clear breakdown of when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe
Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts a vast open world, the game's beginning is quite linear. During the prologue, which lasts approximately 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined points. After completing the prologue, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.
Unfortunately, for those eager to jump into the Samurai experience right away, you'll need to stick with Naoe until nearly the end of the first act. The initial part of the game focuses solely on her, and Yasuke doesn't appear until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once you complete this quest and Act I, you gain the freedom to switch between the two characters more freely.
How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
In my playthrough, it took about 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to freely switch between protagonists. However, I spent a considerable amount of time on side content. If you focus on the main storyline, you could potentially reach this point in about 6 to 8 hours, allowing you to fully experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ dual protagonists.
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 method is through fast travel. When you hover over a fast travel location on the map, you'll see two button prompts: one for standard fast travel, and another to fast travel as the other protagonist. By selecting the latter, you'll spawn at your chosen location as the other character. This feature works at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.
Additionally, certain story quests allow you to choose which protagonist to play as when the mission is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers ample freedom to choose between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked to ensure the narrative flows as intended.
It’s also important to note that each character has unique quests and activities that delve into their backstories before they met. These quests are exclusive to either Naoe or Yasuke and are marked with distinct symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe. Similarly, some side activities must be completed by one specific character.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
