*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces two compelling protagonists, the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, but the process of switching between them has left many players curious. Here's a detailed guide on when and how you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe
While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* boasts a vast open world, its beginning is quite linear. In the game's prologue, which spans about 90 minutes, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke during designated moments. Once the prologue concludes, players are locked into playing as Naoe for several hours.
For those eager to dive into the Samurai experience, you'll need to wait until near the end of the game's first act. The early game focuses solely on Naoe, with Yasuke absent until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest. After completing this quest and Act I, players gain the ability to switch between the two characters more freely.
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 protagonists took about 10 hours. This time included significant side content exploration. If you're looking to speed through the first act to experience *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*' dual protagonists fully, you can likely reach this point in around 6 to 8 hours.
How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Once you've unlocked the ability to freely play as Naoe and Yasuke, switching between them is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, you'll see two prompts: one to fast travel as your current character and another to switch to the other protagonist upon arrival. This feature is available at various map points, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.
Additionally, during certain story quests, you'll have the option to choose which protagonist to play as when the quest is presented to Yasuke as Naoe.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, players enjoy considerable freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, specific story moments and major quests lock you into playing as one character. Additionally, there are character-specific quests and activities that delve into the backstories of Naoe and Yasuke before they met, which are exclusive to each protagonist. These quests and activities are marked with 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.
