In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer a dynamic approach to gameplay, and this extends to the skill system, where players can enhance their characters in various ways. For those eager to maximize Yasuke's potential from the early stages, here's a detailed guide on the best skills to prioritize.

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

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)

These skills empower Yasuke to not only defend and counter effectively but also to deliver powerful strikes while regaining health. This combination ensures sustained effectiveness in combat, keeping Yasuke healthy and formidable.

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)

With the Naginata, maintaining distance while inflicting substantial damage becomes a strategic advantage. These skills enhance Yasuke's ability to control crowds and deliver critical hits, making Impale a powerful tool for clearing space or focusing damage.

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)

Enhancing Yasuke's brute strength with these skills will allow him to swiftly dismantle opponents. Crushing Shockwave is particularly effective against groups, while Spine Breaker provides a tactical window for healing and regrouping before unleashing devastating attacks.

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 skills are ideal for initiating and concluding battles with significant impact. By slowing time and enhancing reload speed, Yasuke can create tactical openings with Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo, before seamlessly transitioning to melee combat.

Samurai

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• 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)

Assassinations are not exclusive to Naoe; Yasuke can also eliminate Elites with these skills. Regeneration provides continuous health recovery, and Impenetrable Defense offers crucial protection in tight situations.

Bow

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• 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)

These skills enhance Yasuke's ranged capabilities, allowing him to silently take down enemies and even those in armor with precision and efficiency.

That’s everything you need to know about the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. By focusing on these early skills, you'll unlock Yasuke's full potential and dominate the game's challenges. For more insights and tips, be sure to explore additional resources at The Escapist.