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. Many fans have been eager to understand the mechanics of switching between these characters. Here's a detailed breakdown of when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

Despite being an expansive open-world game, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* begins with a linear prologue lasting about 90 minutes. During this time, players will switch between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. After completing the prologue, players will remain locked as Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to experience the Samurai fantasy, it's important to note that players must continue as Naoe until nearly the end of the first act. The early game focuses exclusively on Naoe, with Yasuke not appearing until the "Temple of the Horseman" quest. Yasuke becomes playable during the "Fire and Lightning" quest. Once Act I is completed, players gain the ability to switch freely between the two characters.

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 protagonist switching took about 10 hours. This included a lot of side content. For players aiming to progress quickly through the first act, it's possible to reach this point in approximately 6 to 8 hours.

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

Once players unlock the ability to freely switch between Naoe and Yasuke, several methods become available. One way is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, players can choose to travel as the current protagonist or switch to the other. This option is available at various points across the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during the story, some quests allow players to choose which protagonist to play as, adding a layer of choice to the narrative.

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

After Act I, players enjoy significant freedom in choosing their protagonist in the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, certain story-driven scenes and major quests will lock players into playing as either Naoe or Yasuke. It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, and these are exclusive to one character. Side activities are also marked with specific symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi's hood for Naoe, indicating which character must complete them.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.