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 unique gameplay experiences. However, the timeline for switching between these characters has been a point of curiosity for many fans. Here's a detailed breakdown of when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Recommended Videos 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 starts with a more linear prologue that lasts approximately 90 minutes. During this time, players will switch between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. After completing the prologue, you'll remain locked as Naoe for several hours, as the early game focuses solely on her story.

For those eager to embody Yasuke and live out their Samurai dreams, patience is key. You won't be able to play as Yasuke until the Temple of the Horseman Quest, near the end of Act I. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once Act I is completed, the freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke becomes much more accessible.

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

In my playthrough, it took around 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to freely switch between protagonists. This duration included a lot of side content. If you're focused on reaching this point quickly, you can likely achieve it in about 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 you've unlocked the ability to play as both characters, switching between them is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. 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 switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This feature works at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, certain story quests will offer the choice between playing as Naoe or Yasuke, adding an extra layer of immersion and choice to the narrative.

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

After Act I, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers significant freedom to choose between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, some story moments and major quests will lock you into playing as one specific protagonist to advance the plot.

It's important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Both Naoe and Yasuke have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, and these are exclusive to each character. Additionally, some side activities are designated for either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by specific 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, promising a rich and dynamic experience with its dual-protagonist system.