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, offering players a unique dual narrative experience. However, the process of switching between these characters has been somewhat ambiguous leading up to the game's launch. Here’s a comprehensive 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

Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts a vast open world, the game's prologue is relatively linear. Over the course of about 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. Once the prologue concludes, players remain locked as Naoe for several hours.

Unfortunately for those eager to embody a Samurai right away, you must play as Naoe until nearing the end of the game's first act. The early stages focus solely on Naoe, with Yasuke not appearing until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He then becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest. After completing this quest and Act I, players gain the freedom to switch between the two characters more freely.

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

In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to freely switch between protagonists took around 10 hours. This included engaging in substantial side content. If players opt to focus solely on the main storyline, it's possible to reach this milestone in approximately 6 to 8 hours.

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

Some cutscenes allow players to choose between playing as Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once the ability to play as either Naoe or Yasuke is unlocked, switching between them is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, players will see two options: one to fast travel and another to switch characters. Choosing the latter will transport you to the chosen location as the other protagonist. This can be utilized at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, players can choose which protagonist to play as when the mission is presented to both characters.

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

In the expansive world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players enjoy considerable freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke after Act I. However, specific story moments and major quests will lock players into playing as one protagonist for particular scenes and missions.

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, featuring only one character at a time. There are also side activities designated specifically for Naoe or Yasuke, marked by distinct 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.