Top Skills to Prioritize for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is deeply rooted in stealth and precision. However, her skill set also allows for effective direct confrontations when properly strategized. For players looking to maximize Naoe's potential, here are the top skills to prioritize up to Knowledge Rank 3, achievable through engaging with the game's initial regions.

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

Katana

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• Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

With these skills, Naoe becomes a formidable defensive force, ready to capitalize on aggressive foes. Mastery in dodging and deflecting will allow you to counter effectively, enhance your damage output, and decisively end encounters with Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

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• Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)

These skills transform Naoe into a powerhouse against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement is crucial for building afflictions, and with upgrades, you can manipulate even larger enemies for increased damage. The other skills facilitate crowd control and keep adversaries at bay while delivering impactful strikes.

Tanto

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• Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
• Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills enhance Naoe's damage output with the tanto, especially against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread her sharp blade. Utilizing R2/RT to maneuver behind targets ensures you can consistently exploit their weaknesses for maximum impact.

Tools

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• Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)

These tools enable Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, clearing paths to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to distract enemies, and Kunai for long-range kills. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb for a quick escape or to initiate a chain of assassinations.

Shinobi

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• Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills ensure Naoe remains undetected and agile, facilitating swift movement toward objectives. Enhanced climbing speed, reduced fall damage, and the ability to slow time provide greater leeway in navigating complex environments.

Assassin

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• Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

These skills are best paired with the Tanto, enhancing Naoe's ability to swiftly eliminate targets using the Hidden Blade. Double assassinations are particularly useful, as is the capability to take down more formidable enemies. Be cautious, however, as some enemies may resist assassination attempts until further skill upgrades are achieved.

With these skill selections, you'll be well on your way to mastering Naoe's abilities in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, turning her into Japan's most lethal shinobi. For additional guidance, don't hesitate to explore resources on The Escapist.