Top Initial Skills for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse gameplay experiences, each with unique abilities that enrich the game's narrative and combat dynamics. For players eager to harness Yasuke's formidable prowess 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

• 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)

By mastering these skills, Yasuke can effectively defend against attacks while simultaneously striking back with force, regaining health in the process. This combination ensures he remains robust and resilient in combat scenarios throughout the early game.

Naginata

• 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 skills enhance Yasuke's ability to manage crowds, delivering devastating blows from a distance while increasing damage and critical chance. When enemies close in, Impale becomes a vital tool to clear space or group foes for concentrated attacks.

Kanabo

• 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 boost Yasuke's power and speed, enabling him to swiftly dispatch foes. Crushing Shockwave is particularly effective against groups, while Spine Breaker provides a crucial window for healing and regrouping before delivering a powerful ground strike.

Teppo

• 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)

Utilizing the Teppo's high damage output, these skills enable Yasuke to control the battlefield effectively. Slowing time and enhancing reload speed are key, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo create opportunities to clear space before transitioning to melee combat.

Samurai

• 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)

Yasuke's samurai skills focus on lethal assassinations and sustained combat effectiveness. With Brutal Assassination and its improvements, even elite enemies can be dispatched swiftly. Regeneration ensures continuous health recovery, while Impenetrable Defense offers crucial protection in tight spots.

Bow

• 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 ranged capabilities, allowing him to silently eliminate threats before they become aware of his presence. Faster reload and draw speeds, along with increased arrow capacity, ensure he can handle armored targets effectively from a distance.

This guide covers all the essential skills you should prioritize for Yasuke at the beginning of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For further assistance with the game, be sure to explore additional resources at The Escapist.