Assassin's Creed: Shadows boasts two compelling protagonists: the skilled Shinobi, Naoe, and the formidable Samurai, Yasuke. However, the ability to switch between them isn't immediately available. Let's clarify when and how you gain control of both.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows' opening is linear. The roughly 90-minute prologue features alternating playable sections as Naoe and Yasuke. Following the prologue, you'll play exclusively as Naoe for several hours. Don't expect to wield Yasuke's katana right away! You'll remain locked into Naoe's perspective until nearing the end of Act I, with Yasuke's first appearance as a playable character occurring during the "Temple of the Horseman" quest. He then becomes briefly playable again in the "Fire and Lightning" quest. Full protagonist switching freedom unlocks after completing these quests and Act I.
How Long Until You Can Switch Protagonists in Assassin's Creed: Shadows?
In my playthrough, completing Act I and unlocking free protagonist switching took around 10 hours, including significant side content. A more focused playthrough aiming solely to unlock the dual protagonist feature could likely achieve this in 6-8 hours.
Switching Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin's Creed: Shadows
Once unlocked, switching is straightforward. Fast traveling offers the option to arrive at your destination as either Naoe or Yasuke. Simply choose the appropriate prompt when selecting a fast travel point on the map. This works for various locations, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts. Additionally, some story quests present choices allowing you to select your preferred protagonist.
When Can't You Switch Protagonists?
While Act I's completion grants significant freedom, certain story moments and major quests restrict protagonist selection. Remember that some quests and activities are character-specific, indicated by a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi hood for Naoe. These quests delve into their individual backstories before their meeting.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows is available on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
