In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to tackling challenges, and this extends to the skill set available for enhancing their abilities. For players eager to harness Yasuke's full potential right from the start, focusing on the right skills can significantly boost his effectiveness. Here's a detailed guide on the best early-game skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring you make the most of his formidable presence on the battlefield.
Best Skills to Get First for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Long Katana
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- Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
- Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
- Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills enable Yasuke to defend himself effectively while simultaneously punishing enemies with powerful attacks. With Energizing Defense and Payback, you'll not only strike hard but also regain health during combat, ensuring you remain a formidable force throughout your encounters.
Naginata
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- Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
- One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
- Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
The Naginata's skills allow Yasuke to keep enemies at a distance while still inflicting significant damage. Far Reach and Lethal Reach enhance your reach and critical hit chances, making these skills particularly effective against groups. Use Impale to clear a path or group enemies together for concentrated attacks.
Kanabo
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- Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
- Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills enhance Yasuke's brute strength and speed, making him a devastating force on the battlefield. Crushing Shockwave is ideal for dealing with crowds, while Spine Breaker can provide a breather for healing and regrouping before delivering a powerful ground strike.
Teppo
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- Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
- Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
- Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
- Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Leveraging the Teppo's high damage output is crucial for Yasuke. Skills like Steady Hand and Concentration, combined with improved Reload Speed, allow for precise and rapid-fire engagements. Use Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo to create space before transitioning to melee for the finishing blow.
Samurai
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- Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
- Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
- Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)
While assassinations are typically Naoe's forte, Yasuke can also excel in this area with skills like Brutal Assassination and its improved version. Regeneration ensures continuous health recovery with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection when under pressure.
Bow
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- Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
- Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
- Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
- Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
- Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
- Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
These skills enhance Yasuke's ranged capabilities, allowing for stealthy and efficient takedowns. Swift Hand and Marksman’s Shot improve draw and reload speeds, while Silent Arrows and Larger Quiver increase your capacity and stealth, enabling you to take down even armored enemies before they notice you.
By prioritizing these skills, you'll unlock Yasuke's full potential early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, ensuring a robust start to your journey. For more tips and strategies, don't forget to explore additional resources at The Escapist.
