Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Best Skills to Unlock First for Each Character

Why Early Skill Choices Matter in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a bold dual-protagonist system that deeply changes how you approach stealth, combat, and exploration.

With Yasuke, the powerful samurai, and Naoe, the agile shinobi, the game offers two wildly different playstyles. But like in any RPG-heavy Assassin’s Creed title, the skills you unlock early shape the way you play for hours to come.

Choosing the right abilities early on can mean the difference between thriving in battle or constantly struggling. It’s not just about power—it's about synergy.

Matching the right skills with your natural style, stealth, or direct combat, unlocks your full potential. This guide breaks down the best first skills to pick for both Yasuke and Naoe, with reasoning behind every suggestion. Whether you're hunting in shadows or storming the gates, this is the roadmap you need.

Yasuke: Best Skills to Unlock First

Yasuke is a warrior built for raw power. As a former African samurai who has served under Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke’s combat prowess is unmatched. He’s the ideal choice for players who love facing enemies head-on and overpowering them.

1. Unyielding Guard (Defensive Skill)

Why it’s essential:

Yasuke shines in multi-enemy encounters, but without early defensive options, even he can get overwhelmed. Unyielding Guard allows you to absorb more damage during blocks, giving you breathing room when you're surrounded.

It’s not flashy. It doesn’t deal damage. But it keeps you alive, and that matters more early in the game than killing a little faster.

2. Heavy Finisher (Combat Skill)

Why it works:

Yasuke’s heavy attacks already deal massive damage, but unlocking Heavy Finisher adds brutal close-range combos that stagger enemies and break guards. This skill is particularly effective against heavily armored foes or mini-bosses that appear early in regional strongholds.

Pair this with your default spear or kanabo and watch enemies crumble.

3. Charge Break (Gap Closer Skill)

Why it’s great early:

Enemies won’t always stand in a line waiting for you to hit them. Some flee, some range you from afar. Charge Break allows Yasuke to sprint forward, smash through enemy formations, and keep the offensive momentum. It’s ideal for controlling the pace of battle.

4. Weapon Mastery – Kanabo

Why it's important now:

While you can use a variety of weapons, mastering one early gives you a strong foundation. The Kanabo, a heavy club, is devastating in Yasuke’s hands. Unlocking mastery increases swing speed, reduces stamina usage, and boosts stagger effects.

Even if you switch to a katana later, the early benefits of a faster, more efficient Kanabo will carry you through most of the early campaign.

Naoe: Best Skills to Unlock First

Naoe embodies the shinobi fantasy. She is fast, stealthy, and lethal from the shadows. If you prefer infiltration, distraction, and surgical strikes, Naoe is your hero. Her skill tree rewards creativity and misdirection, and her early game tools are vital for smooth stealth gameplay.

1. Silent Step (Movement Skill)

Why it matters:

Sound is everything in stealth. Guards react to footsteps, so reducing noise can be the difference between getting the kill or triggering an alarm. Silent Step makes Naoe nearly undetectable while moving, allowing for fluid assassinations and escape routes.

Unlock this first to eliminate the stress of accidental detection.

2. Chain Assassination (Stealth Kill Skill)

Why it’s powerful early:

In many outposts, enemies patrol in pairs. Chain Assassination lets Naoe take out two targets at once without breaking stealth. This dramatically reduces your chances of being spotted and helps clear small clusters quickly.

It’s not just cinematic, it’s practical.

3. Shuriken Throw (Ranged Utility Skill)

Why it’s versatile:

Shuriken aren’t just for silent kills. They distract enemies, cut ropes, or trigger traps. This skill gives Naoe ranged flexibility without breaking stealth. Combined with Silent Step, it lets you manipulate enemy positioning to your advantage.

You’ll wonder how you ever played without it.

4. Smoke Bomb Mastery

Why it's essential for survival:

Stealth doesn’t always go as planned. When it fails, you need a quick escape. Smoke Bomb Mastery increases the effectiveness and area of your smoke bombs, letting you vanish or disorient multiple enemies long enough to retreat or reset.

This skill doesn't directly boost offense, but it ensures you maintain control in chaotic situations.

Shared Progression: Passive Skills Worth Unlocking Early for Both

Both Yasuke and Naoe share some overlapping skill trees, particularly when it comes to general survival and world interaction. These passive upgrades should be prioritized no matter which character you’re focusing on.

1. Eagle Vision Upgrade

Why it helps everyone:

Improved Eagle Vision enhances enemy detection, item highlighting, and hidden pathfinding. Whether you’re sneaking or storming, knowing your environment gives you the edge.

2. Stamina Regeneration Boost

Why it’s universally useful:

Both characters rely on stamina, Yasuke in combat, Naoe in parkour and escape. Faster regen means more frequent rolls, climbs, or dodges. It keeps your gameplay feeling smooth and responsive.

3. Inventory Expansion

Why it saves time:

The early game involves a lot of looting. Expanding your carry limit for materials, bombs, or tools ensures fewer trips to vendors or stash points.

Choosing the Right Skills for Your Playstyle

Unlocking skills isn’t just about picking what looks cool, it’s about setting up a foundation. Think about how you want to approach missions:

• Want to clear bases quickly? Yasuke’s combat-focused skills like Charge Break and Weapon Mastery should be your priority.
• Prefer stealth and control? Naoe’s Silent Step and Shuriken Throw will carry you through infiltration missions.
• Struggling in early-game fights? Invest in shared passives like stamina regen or Eagle Vision to give both characters a better chance.

Experiment with both protagonists early, then specialize your skill choices based on who you enjoy playing more.

Build Power Through Smart Skill Choices

Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t hold your hand when it comes to skill progression. Each choice has weight, and picking the right abilities early gives you a noticeable edge in combat, stealth, and survival.

Yasuke thrives with strength and resilience.

Naoe dominates with finesse and precision.

Choose your first skills wisely, and your journey across Sengoku Japan will feel fluid, rewarding, and uniquely yours.

As the world opens up and the threats grow stronger, you’ll be glad you built your foundation right.

Unlock your potential—one skill at a time.