How to unlock Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and switch characters

Unlocking Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows takes a while as you need to complete the first leg of the game as Naoe. This can take quite a few hours depending on how distracted you get from the main quest, as even the first region in Assassin's Creed Shadows has lots to do. However, once you have both protagonists available, you can switch characters easily, and you'll have to do so to complete certain quests and open world activities. Although, there are some restrictions to be aware of, so here's a breakdown of when and how you can switch characters in AC Shadows.

Since being able to switch characters is based on story progress, there are some spoilers in this guide!

How to unlock Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows

The option to switch to Yasuke in AC Shadows, and switch characters in general, isn't unlocked until you've completed Act 1 of the game. After a pivotal assassination quest, you need to complete the Thunder and Lighting quest and Mibuno Showdown flashback quest as Yasuke, and once you're done, you will have completed Act 1. At this point the game has reach the point where free ability to swap between the two of them is unlocked for you.

How to switch characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows

With Yasuke and Naoe now both available for you to play as, there are several ways you can switch between them in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Here are the easiest and most common options:

• Opening the Inventory or Mastery menus and following the "Play as ___" button prompt: This prompt appears at the bottom of these menus and causes you to swap characters on the spot, so you can carry on where you left off. You can't do this when in water, in mid-air, or when in restricted areas and enemy territory. There are some major differences between Yasuke and Naoe in Assassin's Creed Shadows that you need to bear in mind when swapping.
• During missions and cutscenes: The game presents plenty of opportunities for you to switch characters at the start of quests or during them. A cutscene may feature Yasuke and Naoe but will end with you choosing who you will play as for the mission ahead or the mission may automatically switch characters at scripted moments.
• When fast traveling: After Act 1, yellow fast travel points marked on the map will have a second option to fast travel as whichever character you aren't currently in control of. Swapping characters in this way doesn’t leave behind the original character, so if you switch back using the Inventory menu, Naoe and Yasuke will swap on the spot like normal.

Importantly, you cannot switch characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows when you are in a restricted area or enemy territory, when you are in combat, swimming, or mid-air, and during certain quests. Some quests are specific to each character too, so switching characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows is essential, particularly if you want to 100% the game – you might want to know how long it takes to beat Assassin's Creed Shadows if so.

While playing as Naoe in Act 1, you'll be able to recruit Yaya in Assassin's Creed Shadows to join the Hideout and aid in fights.

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