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

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players are introduced to dual protagonists, each offering unique approaches to gameplay and problem-solving. For those eager to enhance Yasuke's capabilities early in the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring you harness his full potential from the start.

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 enable Yasuke to defend, punish, and strike with force while simultaneously regaining health, ensuring he remains robust throughout combat encounters.

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)

Utilizing the Naginata, these skills allow Yasuke to manage crowds effectively, increasing damage and critical chance while maintaining distance. The Impale ability is particularly useful for clearing paths or grouping enemies for concentrated damage.

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 power and speed, allowing him to dominate in combat. Crushing Shockwave is excellent against crowds, while Spine Breaker provides time 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)

With the Teppo, these skills provide Yasuke with significant damage output and tactical advantages. Slowing time and speeding up reloads enhance his combat efficiency, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo offer space-creating options before switching to melee.

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 can perform devastating assassinations, even against Elites, with these skills. Regeneration helps maintain his health with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense provides a crucial defensive boost in critical moments.

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 improve Yasuke's ranged combat capabilities, allowing him to take down enemies before they notice him, even those wearing armor, thanks to enhanced reload and draw speeds.

This guide covers all the essential skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the early stages of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and strategies, visit The Escapist.