*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a dual protagonist system featuring the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke, yet the timeline for switching between them has remained somewhat ambiguous. Here's a comprehensive 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
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* unfolds in a vast open world, but the game's prologue, which spans approximately 90 minutes, follows a linear path. During this initial segment, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at designated moments. Once the prologue concludes, players will continue as Naoe for several hours without the option to switch.
For those eager to embody Yasuke and live out their Samurai dreams right away, you'll need to exercise patience. The early game is centered around Naoe, and Yasuke doesn't appear until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest, but only for a brief period. After completing this quest and Act I, players gain the freedom to switch between these two protagonists more seamlessly.
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 freely between protagonists. This duration included a significant amount of side content. For those focused on progressing the main story, it's possible to reach this point within 6 to 8 hours.
How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Once players unlock the ability to switch freely between Naoe and Yasuke, the process is straightforward. One method involves fast traveling to a location on the map. When selecting a fast travel point, players can choose between two options: a standard fast travel or one that switches to the other protagonist. Selecting the latter option will transport you to the chosen location as the alternate character. This feature is available for various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.
Additionally, during certain story quests, players may be prompted to choose which protagonist to control, adding an interactive element to the narrative.
When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered
After Act I, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers ample freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world. However, specific story moments and major quests will lock you into playing as one character to advance the plot. Furthermore, there are character-specific quests and activities tailored to Naoe and Yasuke's individual backstories before they met, which can only be completed by the respective protagonist. These quests 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, promising a rich and dynamic gaming experience with its dual protagonist system.
