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, the process of switching between these characters has been a topic of interest and confusion 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

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts a vast open world, the game's prologue is more linear. During the prologue, which lasts about 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. After completing the prologue, players will be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to embody the Samurai Yasuke immediately, there's a bit of a wait. The early game focuses exclusively on Naoe, and Yasuke does not become playable until the Temple of the Horseman Quest, near the end of the first act. He then becomes the playable character for the Fire and Lightning Quest. Upon completing this quest and Act I, players can finally switch freely between the two protagonists.

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

In my playthrough, it took approximately 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to switch freely between protagonists. This duration included a significant amount of side content. For those aiming to reach this point more quickly, it's possible to achieve in about 6 to 8 hours by focusing on the main storyline.

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

Once the ability to switch freely is unlocked, there are multiple ways to do so. The simplest method is by fast traveling. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, players see two button prompts: one to fast travel and another to fast travel as the other protagonist. Choosing the latter will allow you to spawn as the other character at your chosen location, whether it's a Synchronization point or a Kakurega Hideout.

Additionally, during certain story quests, players may be presented with the option to choose which protagonist to play as, adding an extra layer of engagement to the narrative.

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

After Act I, players enjoy 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, ensuring that key narrative elements are experienced as intended.

It's also important to note that each character has unique quests and activities related to their backstory 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. Side activities may also be character-specific, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising an immersive journey through feudal Japan with two distinct yet interconnected stories.