In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to tackling challenges, and the skill system is no exception. For those eager to harness Yasuke's formidable potential from the outset, selecting the right skills early on is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the early stages of the game.
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 not only enhance your defensive capabilities but also allow you to retaliate effectively, striking enemies with powerful attacks while simultaneously recovering lost health. This combination ensures you remain robust during combat encounters throughout the early game.
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 are designed to keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage. Far Reach and Lethal Reach increase your damage output and critical hit chances, making them ideal for crowd control. When enemies close in, Impale can clear a path or group them for concentrated damage.
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 your power and speed, allowing you to swiftly dispatch enemies. Crushing Shockwave is particularly effective against crowds, while Spine Breaker provides a crucial window to heal and regroup before delivering a devastating 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)
The Teppo's skills are perfect for initiating and concluding fights with significant damage. Steady Hand and Reload Speed work together to slow time and enhance your firing rate, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo create space, allowing you to transition to melee weapons for the final 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)
Assassinations are not exclusive to Naoe; Yasuke can also take down elites with his unique approach. Regeneration is a versatile skill that restores health with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense provides a safety net in critical situations.
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 ability to eliminate threats before they detect him. With faster reload and draw speeds, even armored enemies can be taken down with concentrated fire.
That’s everything you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the early stages of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore the rest of The Escapist.
