Top Initial Skills for Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to gameplay, and this extends to the skill sets available for Yasuke, the formidable samurai. To maximize Yasuke's potential early in the game, selecting the right skills is crucial. Here's a guide to the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke, ensuring he remains a dominant force on the battlefield from the outset.

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

Long Katana

• 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)

These skills enable Yasuke to defend effectively, counterattack with precision, and regain health during combat. This combination ensures Yasuke remains robust and resilient in battles, allowing him to sustain prolonged engagements without faltering.

Naginata

• 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 skills are perfect for crowd control, allowing Yasuke to keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage. The ability to increase critical hit chances and clear paths with Impale makes these skills invaluable in chaotic combat scenarios.

Kanabo

• 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)

With the Kanabo, Yasuke can unleash devastating attacks with increased speed and power. These skills are ideal for quickly dispatching enemies and managing crowds, with Crushing Shockwave providing a powerful area-of-effect attack.

Teppo

• 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 skills enhance Yasuke's ranged combat capabilities, allowing him to deal massive damage and control the battlefield. Improved reload speed and the ability to slow time make these skills essential for both starting and finishing fights effectively.

Samurai

• 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)

These skills enhance Yasuke's assassination capabilities, allowing him to take down even elite enemies swiftly. The addition of regeneration and defensive abilities ensures Yasuke can survive and thrive in the most challenging situations.

Bow

• 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)

The bow skills enhance Yasuke's stealth and ranged combat, allowing him to take down enemies silently and efficiently. Increased arrow capacity and faster draw speeds make these skills essential for maintaining a strategic advantage.

That’s everything you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. By focusing on these skills early in the game, you'll ensure Yasuke remains a formidable force on the battlefield. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out the rest of The Escapist.