Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to two distinct protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. The game's structure for switching between these characters has been a topic of interest, and here's a detailed breakdown of when and how you can control each protagonist.
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in a vast open world, but the game begins with a linear prologue lasting approximately 90 minutes. During this prologue, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at designated moments. After completing the prologue, players will remain locked as Naoe for several hours, as the early game focuses solely on her character.
For those eager to experience the Samurai fantasy right away, there's a wait involved. Players can't switch to Yasuke until the Temple of the Horseman Quest, which occurs near the end of the first act. Yasuke becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once Act I is completed, players gain the freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke more freely.
How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
In my playthrough, it took about 10 hours to reach the end of Act I and unlock the ability to switch protagonists freely. This duration included a significant amount of side content. If players focus primarily on the main storyline, they could reach this point in approximately 6 to 8 hours, allowing them to fully experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows' dual protagonists.
How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Once the ability to switch protagonists is unlocked, players can do so easily. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, players will see two options: one to fast travel as the current protagonist and another to switch to the other protagonist upon arrival. This feature is available at various locations, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.
Additionally, during certain story quests, players will be given the option to choose which protagonist to play as when a quest is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, players enjoy 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 narrative coherence.
It's important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have quests that delve into their backstories before they met, and these are exclusive to each character. Additionally, some side activities are designated for either Naoe or Yasuke, marked by distinct symbols—a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi's hood for Naoe.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
