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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two compelling protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, each offering unique gameplay experiences. 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.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

The game starts with a linear prologue that lasts about 90 minutes, during which players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at set moments. After completing the prologue, the game locks you into playing as Naoe for several hours. If you're eager to experience the Samurai fantasy with Yasuke, you'll need to be patient. Naoe remains the sole playable character until near the end of the first act, with Yasuke making his first playable appearance during the Temple of the Horseman Quest. Following this, he becomes playable again in the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once you complete Act I, you gain the freedom to switch between the two protagonists 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 switch between protagonists freely. This duration included a significant amount of side content. If you focus solely on the main storyline, you might reach this point in approximately 6 to 8 hours.

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

Once you unlock the ability to switch freely between Naoe and Yasuke, the process is straightforward. You can switch characters by fast traveling to a location on the map. When selecting a fast travel point, 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 feature is available at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the quest is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.

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

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers significant freedom to switch between protagonists after Act I, there are specific story moments and major quests where the character is locked. Moreover, each protagonist has unique quests and activities that delve into their backstories before they met. These character-specific quests are marked with distinct symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe. Side activities also have character-specific requirements, ensuring that both Naoe and Yasuke have their own unique contributions to the game's world.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising a rich and immersive experience with its dual protagonists.