Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: When?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two compelling protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, each offering a unique gameplay experience. However, understanding when and how to switch between these characters has been a topic of interest leading up to the game's launch. Here's a detailed guide on when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a vast open-world game, its prologue is quite linear. In the initial 90-minute segment, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke during set moments. After completing the prologue, players are locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.

Unfortunately, for those eager to embody a Samurai immediately, you'll need to play as Naoe until nearly the end of the first act. The early game focuses solely on Naoe, with Yasuke being absent 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 protagonists.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

During my playthrough, it took about 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to freely switch between protagonists. This duration included exploring a lot of side content. If you focus on the main storyline, you can likely achieve this within 6 to 8 hours.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you unlock the ability to freely switch between Naoe and Yasuke, there are several straightforward methods to do so. One way 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 switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This can be done at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, certain story quests will allow you to choose which protagonist to play as when they are presented to Naoe or Yasuke.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

After Act I, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers significant freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked.

It's 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. Additionally, some side activities are character-specific, indicated by 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.