Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: When?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces players to two compelling protagonists: the Shinobi Naoe and the Samurai Yasuke. As anticipation builds for the game's launch, many are curious about when and how they can switch between these characters. Here's a detailed guide on when you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Intro is Heavy on Naoe

While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* boasts a vast open world, the game starts with a linear prologue that lasts approximately 90 minutes. During this introductory phase, players will alternate between Naoe and Yasuke at set moments. Once the prologue concludes, the gameplay remains focused on Naoe for several hours, with no option to switch to Yasuke.

For those eager to embody the Samurai Yasuke right away, there's a wait ahead. Players are locked into playing as Naoe until nearly the end of the game's first act. The initial stages are entirely centered around Naoe, and Yasuke doesn't appear until the Temple of the Horseman Quest. He becomes playable during the Fire and Lightning Quest, but only briefly. After completing this quest and Act I, players can switch between the two protagonists more freely.

How Long Does it Take to Unlock Protagonist Switching in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In my playthrough, reaching the end of Act I and unlocking the ability to freely switch between protagonists took about 10 hours. This duration included a lot of side content. If players focus solely on the main storyline, they can likely reach this point in 6 to 8 hours, allowing them to fully experience *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*’ dual protagonists.

How to Switch Between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Once players unlock the ability to switch freely between Naoe and Yasuke, the process is straightforward. One method is through fast travel. When selecting a fast travel location on the map, players will see two options: one to fast travel as the current character and another to switch to the other protagonist at the chosen location. This feature works across various points on the map, including Synchronization points and Kakurega Hideouts.

Additionally, during certain story quests, players may be presented with the option to choose which protagonist to play as, adding another layer of flexibility to the gameplay experience.

When Can’t You Switch Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Answered

After Act I, players enjoy significant freedom to switch between Naoe and Yasuke in the open world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. However, there are specific story moments and major quests where the protagonist is locked, ensuring that certain scenes and quests are experienced through the eyes of either Naoe or Yasuke.

It's also important to note that there are character-specific quests and activities. Naoe and Yasuke each have unique quests that delve into their backstories before they met, which are exclusive to one character. Additionally, some side activities must be completed by either Naoe or Yasuke, indicated by specific symbols: a Samurai helmet for Yasuke and a Shinobi’s hood for Naoe.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising an immersive experience with its dual protagonists.