To switch between the two main protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, in Assassin’s Creed Shadows during missions, you must first unlock the ability to switch characters. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:

Unlocking Yasuke and Switching Characters

1. Story Progression
– Your journey begins with a brief combat tutorial featuring Yasuke. After this introductory segment, you primarily control Naoe for an extended period, approximately 8 to 12 hours of gameplay. During this time, you will complete your first two major assassinations and progress towards the third target while on the quest titled “Temple of the Horsemen.”

2. Unlocking Yasuke
– To permanently unlock Yasuke as a playable character, you must complete the following quests after finishing the “Temple of the Horsemen”:
– “Lightning and Thunder”
– “Mibunu Showdown”

Upon completing these quests, Yasuke will become available for you to control during missions.

3. Switching Characters
Once you have both characters unlocked, you can easily switch between them using two methods:

– Inventory Method:
– Open your inventory. At the bottom of the screen, you will find the option to switch characters. Selecting this will reload your current location with the other character.

– Fast Travel Method:
– While viewing the world map, you can mouse over a completed Viewpoint or an unlocked Kakurega. You will have the option to fast travel as either Yasuke or Naoe which can save time during your exploration.

Important Considerations

– Character Differences: Each character has distinct abilities:
– Naoe is more agile and specializes in stealth, equipped with abilities like Eagle Vision and tightrope walking.
– Yasuke excels in direct combat, boasting strength and powerful melee attacks, making him better suited for encounters requiring brute force.

– Mission Restrictions: Be aware that certain quests will mandate you to play as a specific character. Additionally, switching characters may be restricted in certain areas such as combat zones or during specific mission objectives.

– Shared Progress: Both characters share the same character level and skill points. Therefore, any progress made with Naoe or Yasuke benefits the other, allowing you to develop a balanced skill set across both characters.

Tips for Switching During Missions

– Utilize the inventory method to quickly switch characters while in free-roam to adapt to your immediate needs based on the scenario.
– Take advantage of the fast travel method before approaching new locations to choose your character based on the strengths needed for the upcoming mission.
– Always be mindful of mission restrictions and the unique abilities of each character when planning your switches to maximize their effectiveness within the gameplay.

By adhering to this guide, you’ll successfully manage the character-switching mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, enhancing your gameplay experience as you navigate the challenges confronting Naoe and Yasuke.