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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to two distinct protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. As the game's release approaches, many fans are curious about when and how they can switch between these characters. Here’s a detailed guide on when 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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows unfolds in a vast open world, but the game starts with a linear prologue that lasts about 90 minutes. During this time, players will switch between Naoe and Yasuke at predetermined moments. After completing the prologue, however, you'll be locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.

For those eager to dive into the Samurai experience with Yasuke, you'll need to wait until nearly the end of Act I. The early stages of the game focus solely on Naoe, and Yasuke remains absent until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once you've finished this quest and Act I, you'll finally have 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 about 10 hours. This included a lot of side content. If you're looking to rush through the first act to experience both protagonists sooner, you might reach this point in around 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 Naoe and 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 the chosen location. This feature works at various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the quest is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.

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

After Act I, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers 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 to ensure the narrative flows correctly.

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, featuring only one character at a time. Some side activities are also exclusive to either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by distinct 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.