Top Skills to Master Early for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the dual protagonists offer diverse gameplay experiences, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai, can be optimized with the right skills from the outset. Here's a detailed look at the best early-game skills for Yasuke, categorized by weapon type, to ensure you start your journey with a strong foundation.

Long Katana

• Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

With these skills, Yasuke can not only defend himself but also retaliate effectively, striking enemies hard and recovering lost health simultaneously. This combination will keep you robust and resilient during combat encounters throughout the early stages of the game.

Naginata

• Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills allow Yasuke to keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage and increasing his critical hit chance. The Naginata is particularly effective against groups, and the Impale ability can be used to clear a path or gather enemies for concentrated damage.

Kanabo

• Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
• Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's power and speed, enabling him to swiftly dispatch enemies. The Crushing Shockwave is particularly useful against crowds, while the Spine Breaker can buy time for healing and regrouping before delivering a devastating ground strike.

Teppo

• Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

Utilizing the Teppo's high damage output, these skills can level the playing field in combat. Slowing down time and enhancing reload speed work in tandem, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo can create space before transitioning to melee for the final blow.

Samurai

• Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Yasuke can perform powerful assassinations, not limited to Naoe's style, taking down even elite enemies. The Regeneration skill is invaluable, restoring health with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection when in a tight spot.

Bow

• Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's ability to eliminate threats before they become aware of his presence. Even armored enemies can be taken down with precise and rapid shots, thanks to increased reload and draw speeds.

By prioritizing these skills early in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you'll equip Yasuke with the tools he needs to excel in combat and stealth, ensuring a powerful start to your adventure. For more guidance on navigating the game, be sure to explore additional resources at The Escapist.