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Top Initial Skills for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Authore: PatrickUpdate:May 12,2025

In the immersive world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to gameplay, and Yasuke's skill set is crucial for dominating the early stages. By strategically selecting the right skills, players can enhance Yasuke's combat prowess, making him a formidable force on the battlefield. Here's a detailed guide on the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the beginning of the game.

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

Long Katana

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Long Katana Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • 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)

Mastering the Long Katana with these skills will allow Yasuke to not only defend and counter effectively but also deliver powerful strikes while regaining lost health. This combination ensures sustained combat efficiency and resilience throughout early encounters.

Naginata

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Naginata Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • 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)

The Naginata's skills are perfect for controlling crowds and dealing extra damage. With Far Reach and Lethal Reach, Yasuke can strike from a distance with increased damage and critical chance. When enemies close in, Impale can be used to clear space or group them for concentrated attacks.

Kanabo

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Kanabo Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • 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 Kanabo skills provide Yasuke with the power and speed needed to dominate in combat. Crushing Shockwave is especially effective against groups, while Spine Breaker can buy time for healing and regrouping before delivering a devastating ground strike.

Teppo

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Teppo Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • 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)

The Teppo's skills are ideal for starting and finishing fights with significant damage. Steady Hand and Reload Speed enhance Yasuke's effectiveness in slowing time and quickly re-engaging, while Explosive Surprise and Teppo Tempo create space for tactical maneuvers before transitioning to melee combat.

Samurai

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Samurai Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • 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 allow him to execute powerful assassinations, even against elite enemies. Regeneration ensures health recovery with each kill, and Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection when in a tight spot, enhancing Yasuke's survivability and lethality.

Bow

Yasuke Best Skills Assassin's Creed Shadows Bow Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

  • 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)

With these Bow skills, Yasuke can eliminate threats from afar with increased efficiency. Swift Hand and Marksman’s Shot improve draw and reload speeds, while Silent Arrows and Kyudo Master allow for stealthy, effective takedowns, making Yasuke a versatile and deadly marksman.

This comprehensive guide covers the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke early in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. By focusing on these skills, players can maximize Yasuke's effectiveness in combat and stealth, ensuring a strong start to their journey. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore additional resources at The Escapist.