How to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Unlike Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Shadows allows you to control Naoe and Yasuke, giving you a unique perspective on various storylines. You’ll have the freedom to change characters, but it won’t be available initially. We’re here to show you how to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in AC: Shadows.

How to change characters in AC: Shadows

During the beginning of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’ll play as Yasuke for a short while, followed by a much longer gameplay with Naoe. You must complete Act 1 to gain the ‘Character Switch’ feature, which unlocks after you’ve killed the third target on the Shinbakufu hit list. Reaching this point may take a bit, especially if you’re getting lost in side content. I didn’t even get to Act 1 until 16 hours later, so it will undoubtedly take some time.

Once you complete this act, you can switch between Yasuke and Naoe via Inventory or Fast Travel. Avoid conflict or restricted zones when using this feature, as you won’t be able to utilize it otherwise. The Inventory route is the most accessible option, letting you make the change right from the menu.

If you’ve opened a Fast Travel point on the map, you can choose to travel with your current character or switch them out for an alternate route. It’s perfect for situations when a specific character is Wanted in a region, where you can substitute them with another character with a clean slate.

Sometimes, you can’t access the Character Switch feature, even if you’re out of enemy zones. You’ll likely need to progress in the main campaign or return to your Hideout (certain situations can lock you out of content).

While Naoe excels in climbing and sneaky missions, Yasuke is great for large enemy groups or when you simply need his brute force. Areas like the Makino Kurumazuka Kofun require Yasuka’s skillset, as Naoe cannot pick up particular objects. In general, it’s best to make the switch anytime you’re stuck in an area, given that Naoe and Yasuke possess distinct abilities.