Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: When?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to two distinct protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. While the anticipation for switching between these characters has been high, the game's structure dictates specific times and methods for doing so. Here’s a detailed look at when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

The game starts with a linear prologue that lasts about 90 minutes, during which players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke in predetermined sequences. After completing the prologue, however, the game locks players into playing as Naoe for several hours. If you're eager to dive into the Samurai experience with Yasuke, you'll need to be patient.

You won't get to control Yasuke until the Temple of the Horseman Quest, which marks the end of the first act. Here, Yasuke becomes the playable character for the Fire and Lightning Quest. Once you complete this quest and Act I, you gain the ability to switch freely between the two protagonists.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to switch between protagonists took about 10 hours. This duration included significant side content exploration. If you focus on the main storyline, you might reach this point in approximately 6 to 8 hours.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once you've unlocked the ability to play as either character, switching between them is straightforward. You can switch by fast traveling to any location on the map. When selecting a fast travel point, you'll see two options: one to fast travel as your current character and another to fast travel as the other protagonist. Choosing the latter will allow you to spawn as Naoe or Yasuke at your chosen location, whether it's a Synchronization point or a Kakurega Hideout.

Additionally, certain story quests will present you with the option to choose which protagonist to play as, adding another layer of flexibility to your gameplay experience.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers significant freedom in choosing between Naoe and Yasuke after Act I, there are specific story-driven moments and major quests where the game locks you into playing as one character. Moreover, both Naoe and Yasuke have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, which you can only play as the respective character. These quests, along with certain side activities, are marked with distinctive 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, promising a rich and immersive experience with its dual-protagonist system.