Summary
Yasuke is unique in many ways that make him different from Naoe beyond the samurai vs ninja theme inAssassin’s Creed Shadows. He can wield five weapons whereas Naoe can only equip three. This includes Bow, Kanabo, Long Katana, Naginata, and Teppo and they each have a skill tree attached which unlocks after players gain at least one related weapon.
Let’s focus on the Long Katana path inAssassin’s Creed Shadowsas many forms of the katana are a samurai’s greatest ally. Most abilities in this skill tree are active, meaning players can attack enemies with abilities set to a hot bar and need tocooldown like in other RPGs. There are passive skills too, so let’s get to the best ones to focus on first for Yasuke.
7Adrenaline Builder
Restore Adrenaline Faster
Most of Long Katana’s best skills are active abilities that players can assign to hotkeys like the face buttons ona PS5 controller. To use abilities, like Power Dash which will be later highlighted, players will need Adrenaline.
Once a chunk of Adrenaline is used, it will rebuild over time as players strike enemies. Adrenaline Builder is a skill that will increase the recovery rate of these Adrenaline chunks, meaning players can use more abilities during combat.
6Combat Expert
Melee Damage Increased
Combat Expert is a basic skill that will increase the damage players can do withYasuke’s melee weapons inAssassin’s Creed Shadows. Long Katana, Naginata, and Kanabo will all get a boost the more Mastery Points players dump into this skill. It may not be the wildest upgrade on the planet but it’s another way to make Yasuke unstoppable no matter what melee weapon he wields.
Next to Combat Expert is Melee Weapon Armor Damage, which will break through armor on enemies faster. Armor is dictated by a yellow meter above an enemy’s health bar which should be obvious but anextra tip will never hurt anyone while playingAssassin’s Creed Shadows.
5Payback
A Powerful Solo Strike
Payback is a cool move to witness and a powerful one that will strike at a single enemy. Yasuke will stab his Long Katana into the enemy and then chop at their head. Upgrades along this path will increase damage with the final upgrade making the attack unblockable.
It’s a good move to use against enemies with armor, like Elites, or targets found on side quests or during themain mission inAssassin’s Creed Shadows. Of Yasuke’s many active abilities for the Long Katana, this might be the most useful one.
4Power Dash
Cut Through Enemies
Power Dash is another active ability and this will turn Yasuke into a lightning terror. After a brief charge, Yasuke will dart forward with a powerful strike, creating an artistic aesthetic like Yasuke ischanneling his inner Kurosawa. It’s a sight to behold considering how large Yasuke is, butAssassin’s Creed Shadowsdoes have a bit of magic behind the scenes even though the two heroes can’t exactly cast spells.
Upgrades along this path can increase the attack power, allow Yasuke to break through armor, and even add two dashes to the attack. This move is most useful when Yasuke is surrounded by enemies as players can time it right to dash through multiples in a straight line.
3Riposte
Counter With A Deadly Strike
Countering, blocking, and dodging is a tricky thing inAssassin’s Creed Shadows. For Yasuke, it’s best to counter or block attacks as his dodge is barely visible. For Naoe, her dodges cover more ground, making any other defensive moves useless.
Riposte is a stronger version of a counterattack if players time their block correctly. Upgrades to this part of the skill tree can heal him based on how much damage Yasuke does to the enemy. Riposte is not the strongest ability down the Long Katana skill tree, but it’s worth picking up.
2Samurai Showdown
Taunted Enemies Take More Ability Damage
Samurai Showdown has to be a clear homage to thefighting game seriesof the same name or at least it is in the West as it’s calledSamurai Spiritsin Japan. Regardless,Samurai ShowdowninAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill taunt enemies in a small area around Yasuke.
It’s kind of like his Samurai ability, Battle Cry, which can stagger enemies. Samurai Showdown’s taunts will weaken enemies for a short time, allowing Yasuke to do more damage with active abilities like Payback or Power Dash. Upgrades to this skill can increase the attack power and how many enemies can be taunted.
1Sheathed Attack
Strong Attack Upon Sheathing Your Blade
Sheathed Attack will turn Yasuke into the ultimate anime samurai, allowing players to tap and button to sheath his Long Katana. Once unleashed, the attack will be stronger like a normal charged attack for melee weapons.
Upgrades along this path can heal more Adrenaline chunks, making it a useful passive ability if players like using active abilities during combat. It’s also just cool to see in a game or anime when a samurai sheathes their sword and then cuts down an enemy in one blow. Sheathed Attack is not as strong for Yasuke inAssassin’s Creed Shadowscompared to anime heroes unfortunately.
