Top Skills to Unlock Early for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to gameplay, and Yasuke, one of the leads, brings a powerful presence to the early stages of the game. To maximize Yasuke's potential and ensure you're equipped to handle any challenge, here are the top skills to prioritize early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Best Skills to Get First for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Long Katana

• Sheathed Attack – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Riposte – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Energizing Defense – Long Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Payback – Long Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills will allow Yasuke to not only defend and counterattack effectively but also to strike hard and recover lost health during combat. This combination ensures Yasuke remains robust and ready for prolonged engagements.

Naginata

• Far Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• One Man Army – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Lethal Reach – Naginata Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Impale – Naginata Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

Mastering the Naginata allows Yasuke to keep foes at a distance while dealing significant damage and increasing his critical hit chances. This is particularly effective against groups, and the Impale ability can be used to clear space or gather enemies for concentrated attacks.

Kanabo

• Forward Momentum – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Spine Breaker – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 3 Mastery Points)
• Power Surge – Kanabo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Crushing Shockwave – Kanabo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Yasuke's brute force, allowing him to quickly dispatch enemies with added speed and power. Crushing Shockwave is especially useful in crowd control, while Spine Breaker can provide crucial moments to heal and regroup before delivering a devastating blow.

Teppo

• Steady Hand – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Armor Damage – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Concentration – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Teppo Tempo – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Explosive Surprise – Teppo Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reload Speed – Teppo Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)

Utilizing the Teppo effectively can level the playing field in any combat scenario. Skills that enhance time manipulation and reload speed are vital, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo offer tactical advantages before transitioning to melee combat.

Samurai

• Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 2 Mastery Points)
• Regeneration – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Brutal Assassination – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Samurai Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)
• Impenetrable Defense – Samurai Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

Yasuke's Samurai skills enable him to perform devastating assassinations, not just limited to Naoe. The Regeneration skill provides consistent health recovery with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense offers a crucial defensive boost when needed.

Bow

• Swift Hand – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Marksman’s Shot – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Quiver I – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kyudo Master – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 2 Mastery Points)
• Silent Arrows II – Bow Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills will enhance Yasuke's ability to take down enemies silently and efficiently from a distance. With increased arrow capacity, faster reload times, and silent shots, Yasuke can clear obstacles before they become a threat.

By focusing on these skills early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll equip Yasuke with the tools necessary to dominate the battlefield. For further guidance on mastering the game, be sure to explore more resources at The Escapist.