With two dynamic protagonists leading the charge, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers players a wealth of strategic options in both storytelling and combat. When it comes to building Yasuke into the powerhouse he’s destined to be, skill selection in the early game can make all the difference. For players eager to maximize Yasuke’s potential from the outset, here are the best skills to prioritize across his arsenal and playstyle.
Long Katana
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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)
The Long Katana excels in precision and timing. These skills transform Yasuke into a counter-attacking machine, rewarding well-timed blocks with devastating ripostes. Payback delivers massive damage after a successful parry, while Energizing Defense helps restore health, ensuring sustained survivability in prolonged fights. This build is ideal for players who prefer a defensive, reactive combat style with explosive payoff.
Naginata
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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 is perfect for controlling space. With extended reach and crowd-clearing potential, this weapon shines in open engagements. Far Reach and Lethal Reach boost damage and critical hit chance at range, while Impale lets you skewer multiple enemies or pull them together for area-of-effect attacks. One Man Army enhances melee damage based on nearby foes, making this build a top choice for aggressive, high-mobility playstyles.
Kanabo
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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)
The Kanabo is Yasuke’s brute-force option, built for shattering defenses and staggering enemies. Forward Momentum increases movement speed after heavy attacks, improving mobility, while Spine Breaker stuns and knocks back foes. Power Surge amplifies damage after consecutive hits, and Crushing Shockwave delivers a wide-area slam that clears space and deals massive damage. This skill set is ideal for tanking hits and dominating close-quarters combat.
Teppo
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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 brings a tactical edge to Yasuke’s loadout. Steady Hand slows time during aiming, allowing for precise shots, while Concentration extends that effect with consecutive hits. Reload Speed keeps you in the fight, and Explosive Surprise creates distance with a blast. Teppo Tempo lets you fire mid-dodge, perfect for hit-and-run tactics.
