In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is rooted deeply in stealth and precision, yet she's also equipped for direct confrontations when strategically planned. To maximize her potential, players should prioritize acquiring certain skills early on. These skills, attainable up to Knowledge Rank 3 through engaging in open-world activities, are crucial for honing Naoe's prowess as both a stealthy assassin and a formidable combatant.
Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Katana
Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills transform Naoe into a defensive powerhouse, capable of punishing aggressive enemies. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, these skills will provide numerous opportunities to counterattack, amplify your damage, and decisively end encounters with Eviscerate.
Kusarigama
Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)
With these skills, Naoe becomes a formidable force against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement is particularly effective for building afflictions, and its upgrade allows you to manipulate even larger enemies for increased damage. The other skills enhance your ability to manage multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering devastating blows.
Tanto
Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
These skills focus on maximizing the damage potential of the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even heavily armored foes will tremble before your blade, as you exploit their weaknesses and deliver lethal strikes from behind.
Tools
Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
These tools enable Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, paving the way to her target. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to distract enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If detected, deploy the Smoke Bomb to either escape or initiate a chain of assassinations.
Shinobi
Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)
These skills enhance Naoe's ability to remain unseen and navigate towards her objectives without alerting enemies. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time allows for more precise movements in crowded areas.
Assassin
Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)
These skills are particularly effective when paired with the tanto, enabling Naoe to execute swift and deadly strikes with the Hidden Blade. The ability to perform dual assassinations and tackle stronger enemies is invaluable, though caution is advised as some foes may resist until your skills are further upgraded.
With these initial skills under each tree, Naoe can become the ultimate assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more guidance, don't hesitate to explore resources on The Escapist.
