*Assassin's Creed Shadows* introduces two distinct protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, but the mechanics of switching between them have been somewhat elusive until now. Here's a detailed look at 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* boasts a vast open world, the game's prologue is quite linear. During the 90-minute prologue, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. After completing the prologue, however, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several more hours.
For those eager to step into the shoes of Yasuke and live out their Samurai fantasies, you'll need to wait until near the end of the game's first act. The initial part of the game focuses entirely on Naoe, with Yasuke making his first playable appearance in the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He remains the playable character for the subsequent Fire and Lightning Quest. Once Act I is completed, players 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 freely swap between protagonists. This included a lot of side content, though. If players aim to focus solely on the main storyline and reach this point quickly, they could likely achieve it in approximately 6 to 8 hours.
How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Once you unlock the ability to play as both Naoe and Yasuke freely, switching between them is straightforward. One method is by fast traveling. 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 other protagonist. Choosing the latter will switch your character at the selected location, whether it's a Synchronization point or a Kakurega Hideout.
Additionally, during certain story quests, you'll be given the option to choose which protagonist to control, adding an interactive element to the narrative.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers considerable freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in its open world. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the playable character is locked to ensure the narrative unfolds as intended.
It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have their own quests that delve into their backgrounds before they met, and these are exclusive to each character. Similarly, certain side activities are designated for either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by unique symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
