When Can You Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to two distinct protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, each offering a unique gameplay experience. However, understanding when and how to switch between these characters can be crucial for enjoying the full scope of the game. Here’s a detailed guide on when 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 environment, the game’s prologue is relatively linear. During the 90-minute prologue, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at designated moments. Once the prologue is complete, however, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.

If you're eager to experience the Samurai fantasy as Yasuke right away, you'll need to wait. The early stages of the game focus entirely on Naoe, with Yasuke not appearing until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes the playable character for the Fire and Lightning Quest, and after completing this and Act I, you can 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 switch between protagonists. This duration included plenty of side content. For those looking to rush through the first act and unlock the dual protagonists sooner, it's possible to achieve this within 6 to 8 hours.

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

Once you've unlocked the ability to play as either Naoe or Yasuke freely, 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 that location. This can be used at various points across the map, from Synchronization points to Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, certain story quests allow you to choose which protagonist to play as, giving you further control over your gameplay experience.

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

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you'll have significant freedom to choose your protagonist after Act I. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the character is locked to ensure the narrative flows correctly.

It's important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Both Naoe and Yasuke have quests that delve into their backstories before they met, and these quests are exclusive to each character. There are also side activities that must be completed by either Naoe or Yasuke, indicated by specific 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, offering players a rich and immersive experience with the ability to switch between two compelling protagonists.