Assassin’s Creed Shadows drops you into feudal Japan during one of its bloodiest eras. As of March 2026, the game is in its post-launch season with regular content updates. With two drastically different protagonists, dynamic seasons, and combat that punishes button-mashing, the learning curve is steeper than previous entries. For a look at how the series evolved to get here, see our complete history of every AC game. After dozens of hours mastering both Naoe’s shadows and Yasuke’s brute force, here’s what you need to know. If you’re into action RPGs, our Elden Ring Nightreign solo guide covers another challenging entry worth checking out.
TL;DR
- Use Naoe for infiltration, Yasuke for combat. Don’t force one character into the other’s specialty.
- Destroy light sources before infiltrating. Naoe becomes invisible in shadows. Use shurikens on lanterns liberally.
- Deploy scouts early. The game doesn’t mark targets automatically. Recruit and use scouts to find assassination targets.
- Master parrying as Yasuke. His health pool means nothing if you can’t deflect incoming attacks.
- Watch for seasonal changes. Frozen ponds in winter remove Naoe’s hiding spots.
Understanding Core Mechanics
The Two-Protagonist System
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features two playable characters with completely different playstyles. Naoe is a kunoichi (female shinobi) specializing in stealth, parkour, and quick strikes. Yasuke is a samurai built for direct combat with superior health and devastating power attacks.
You can switch between characters during missions, and the game encourages this. Some situations are nearly impossible with the “wrong” character. Trying to stealth an entire fortress as Yasuke or solo a boss duel as Naoe will get you killed.
The Shadow System
For the first time in the series, shadows actually matter. Naoe becomes genuinely invisible when standing in darkness, both indoors and outdoors. You’ll want to destroy light sources (lanterns, torches) before infiltrating any area, turning every fortress into a cat-and-mouse game.
Shurikens can hit lights from a distance. Plan your approach by identifying which lanterns to extinguish first.
Scouts and Investigation
Unlike previous Assassin’s Creed games, Shadows doesn’t reveal target locations automatically. You must recruit scouts and deploy them to gather intel. They’ll narrow down locations based on clues, making investigation an active part of gameplay rather than just following markers.
Early Game Strategy
Learn Both Characters Early
It’s tempting to main one character, but the game is designed around switching. Spend your first several hours deliberately practicing with both. Naoe’s dodge timing is completely different from Yasuke’s parry timing, and you need both skills.
Unlock Observation Points First
Viewpoints in Shadows don’t reveal objectives like they did in Valhalla or Odyssey. Instead, they’re purely for scouting. Visit them anyway. The information you gather helps plan infiltrations, and they often reveal hidden paths.
Invest in Grappling Hook Skills Early
Naoe’s grappling hook is her most important traversal tool. Early skill points spent on grappling hook range and speed pay off throughout the entire game. Yasuke can’t climb as well, so when you need vertical movement, Naoe with an upgraded hook is essential.
Don’t Ignore the Homestead
Your base of operations isn’t just for decoration. Upgrading it unlocks new abilities, better equipment, and most importantly, more scout slots. A fully upgraded homestead makes late-game assassinations significantly easier.
Essential Tips
Go Prone and Crawl
Shadows introduces the ability to go prone and crawl along the ground. This isn’t just for avoiding detection. You can pass through small openings, under obstacles, and access areas that standing characters can’t reach. Many optional objectives require this.
You can also breathe through a bamboo stick while submerged in shallow water. Use this for perfect hiding spots during pursuits.
Master Naoe’s Weapon Selection
Naoe has four main weapons: the reverse-grip katana, kusarigama, tanto (dual-wielded with her Hidden Blade), and the bo staff. Each has different situational uses:
- Katana: Balanced option, good for most fights
- Kusarigama: Range advantage, crowd control
- Tanto + Hidden Blade: Maximum assassination damage
- Bo Staff: Non-lethal takedowns, posture breaking
Yasuke’s Parry Window Is Generous
Yasuke can parry attacks by standing his ground and timing the deflection. Unlike Naoe’s tight dodge windows, Yasuke’s parry timing is more forgiving. A successful parry opens enemies for devastating counter-attacks. This is core to his combat identity.
Yasuke can also kick and charge into enemies using his superior size. Use these to break enemy posture and create openings.
Eagle Vision vs. Observe Mode
Naoe has traditional Eagle Vision for marking enemies and useful objects. Both characters have Observe mode, which is different. It’s used from vantage points to closely examine areas and targets before committing to an approach.
Use Observe before every major infiltration. It’s the difference between a clean assassination and a chaotic brawl.
Track the Seasons
Seasons change as you progress through the story, and they affect gameplay directly. In winter, ponds and shallow water freeze over, meaning Naoe can’t hide in them. Plan water-based stealth routes around spring, summer, and fall missions.
Focus Your Skill Trees
Each weapon has its own skill tree. Don’t spread points too thin. Pick one or two weapons per character and fully invest in their skill trees before branching out. A maxed-out katana is far more effective than three half-upgraded weapons.
Use Throwables Strategically
Naoe’s throwables aren’t just for damage. They can put out light sources (creating shadows), sabotage alarm systems, distract guards, and create openings for escape. Stock up and use them freely. They’re more abundant than you’d expect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Walking on nightingale floors. These creaky floors alert everyone. Always crouch when crossing them.
- Ignoring scouts. Without deployed scouts, you’ll wander aimlessly looking for targets. This isn’t busywork. It’s core gameplay.
- Fighting as Naoe. She’s not built for sustained combat. If detected, escape and reset rather than fighting through.
- Neglecting Yasuke’s ranged options. The yumi bow and teppo rifle give Yasuke distance options. Don’t just charge in.
- Skipping homestead upgrades. The late-game is balanced around an upgraded base. Falling behind makes everything harder.
Best Setup for AC Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The PS5 Slim is the most popular platform for it, and the DualSense Edge gives you remappable back buttons for faster weapon swaps and parry inputs. For controller recommendations on PC, check our best controllers for Steam Deck guide.
PS5 Slim Digital Edition
Native platform with DualSense haptics
DualSense Edge Controller
Back buttons for parrying and weapon swaps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play the whole game as just Naoe or Yasuke?
Technically yes, but you’ll struggle significantly. Certain missions heavily favor one playstyle. The game is designed for switching between both characters.
Do seasons change automatically?
Yes, seasons progress as you advance the story. You can’t manually control them, so plan stealth routes accordingly when winter approaches.
What’s the best starting character?
Most players find Naoe easier initially because stealth gives you control over engagements. Start there, then practice Yasuke’s parries in low-stakes encounters.
How important is the homestead?
Very. Scout capacity, crafting options, and key abilities are locked behind homestead progression. Don’t ignore it.
Is this a good first Assassin’s Creed game?
It’s standalone story-wise, but mechanically complex. If you’re new to the series, the stealth/combat split may feel overwhelming initially. Stick with it. The systems click after a few hours.
Summary
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is built around switching between two characters with completely different toolkits. Learn when to swap, destroy lights before you infiltrate, deploy your scouts early, and stay off those nightingale floors. Feudal Japan punishes mistakes, but it rewards preparation. Black Flag Resynced guide breaks down the remake built on this same Anvil engine, if you would rather set sail than infiltrate a castle.