Assassin’s Creed Shadows features a groundbreaking main character: Yasuke, the real-life African samurai whose presence has sparked massive interest worldwide. As fans anticipate the full launch of the game, one critical question stands out, when do you unlock Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Here’s a complete look at what to expect.
Who Is Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Yasuke isn’t just a fictional invention. He was a historical figure who arrived in 16th-century Japan and eventually served under the powerful daimyo, Oda Nobunaga. His journey from enslavement to samurai status remains one of the most remarkable stories in Japanese history.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can control both Yasuke and Naoe, a stealthy female shinobi. Yasuke represents brute strength and close-quarters combat, while Naoe excels in silent takedowns and agile movement. This dynamic creates two completely different gameplay paths that are equally rewarding.
When Do You Unlock Yasuke?
You don’t begin the game as Yasuke. Instead, the campaign opens with Naoe, guiding players through the stealth system and world-building. Yasuke becomes available shortly after completing the initial story arc.
According to gameplay footage and developer insights, Yasuke is unlocked within the first few hours of the main campaign. Although Ubisoft hasn’t released an exact timestamp, he enters the narrative following a major plot development early on.
Once he appears, switching between Yasuke and Naoe becomes possible during most missions. However, certain story sequences may restrict you to a specific character, depending on narrative direction.
Can You Use Yasuke Throughout the Whole Game?
Yes, once unlocked, Yasuke stays accessible for the remainder of your playthrough. He comes with a separate skill tree, unique armor types, and exclusive heavy weapons that match his fighting style.
The game encourages players to explore both characters by offering missions that cater to each one’s strengths. While Yasuke dominates in head-on confrontations, Naoe proves more effective during silent infiltration or high-risk espionage. Balancing both approaches enhances replay value and depth.
This character-switching mechanic keeps the experience fresh and gives players the freedom to shape their journey based on personal preference or mission requirements.
How to Unlock Yasuke Quickly
If your goal is to control Yasuke as soon as possible, focusing on the main storyline is essential. The game offers a wide variety of side missions and open-world activities, but those can delay progression in the campaign.
Many players are tempted to explore the beautifully rendered world of feudal Japan. However, skipping optional distractions ensures you reach Yasuke’s introduction faster, unlocking new gear, skills, and combat options earlier in your playthrough.
Do Yasuke and Naoe Share the Same Narrative?
They follow a shared story but experience it from different perspectives. Yasuke and Naoe each bring unique reactions, values, and emotional stakes to the events unfolding around them.
Depending on which character is active, you may notice small variations in cutscenes, dialogue, or mission outcomes. This ensures that switching between protagonists doesn’t just change gameplay style, it reshapes the entire atmosphere and tone of your journey.
A seamless character-swap system has been developed by Ubisoft to allow players to approach missions in a way that suits their mood or preferred strategy.
Final Thoughts
So, when do you unlock Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? You’ll gain access to him after progressing through the early segments of the game, typically within the first major plot twist. His arrival signals a key shift, not just in the storyline, but in the types of combat and exploration you’ll experience moving forward.
Unlocking Yasuke isn’t just about getting a new playable character, it’s about entering a whole new layer of gameplay. From then on, every mission can be approached with more power, more tactics, and more freedom.
To reach Yasuke sooner, stay focused on completing the main story missions and avoid getting sidetracked by open-world exploration. That way, you’ll be prepared when the narrative introduces him, and the true depth of Assassin’s Creed Shadows begins to unfold.
FAQ
Yes, he shares the spotlight with Naoe. Both characters are central to the game’s narrative and gameplay systems.
No, the game starts with Naoe. Yasuke becomes available after completing early missions in the main story arc.
Yasuke is typically unlocked within the first few hours, likely by the end of Sequence 1 or early in Sequence 2.
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