In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is rooted in stealth and precision, though she's also capable of handling direct confrontations with the right strategy. For players looking to maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills to prioritize early on, up to Knowledge Rank 3, which can be achieved quickly by engaging in the game's initial open-world activities.
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, ready to capitalize on enemy aggression. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, you'll find ample opportunities to counterattack, amplify your damage, and decisively end battles 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)
These skills make Naoe formidable against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even larger enemies for additional damage. The other skills facilitate crowd control and keep enemies at bay while delivering impactful strikes.
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 damage with the tanto, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread your blade, and using your R2/RT attack to maneuver behind them ensures you can consistently target their weak spots for increased damage.
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, clearing the way to her target. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to distract enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If spotted, 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 undetected and navigate towards her objectives. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time provides a crucial margin for error 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 swift and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations and the ability to take down larger foes are invaluable, though caution is advised against enemies with higher health until further skill upgrades are obtained.
With these prioritized skills, Naoe can become the ultimate stealth assassin in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
