Top Skills to Prioritize for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe embodies the art of stealth and precision, perfect for those who thrive in the shadows. However, she's also capable in direct combat, provided you strategize effectively. Here's a guide on the best initial skills to unlock for Naoe, focusing on skills up to Knowledge Rank 3, which you can achieve quickly by engaging in the game's open world activities.

Katana

• Dodge Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Melee Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Counter Attack – Katana Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Eviscerate – Katana Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills transform Naoe into a defensive powerhouse, ready to counter aggressive foes. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, you'll find ample opportunities to retaliate, deal significant damage with buffs, and conclude battles with Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

• Entanglement – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Affliction Builder – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Big Catch – Kusarigama Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Multi-Target Expert – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Cyclone Blast – Kusarigama Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 7 Mastery Points)

These skills make Naoe formidable against both groups and single targets. Entanglement aids in affliction buildup, and with upgrades, you can manipulate even larger enemies for extra damage. The other skills enhance your ability to manage multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering powerful blows.

Tanto

• Shadow Piercer – Tanto Ability (Knowledge Rank 1, 5 Mastery Points)
• Gap Seeker – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Backstab – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Backstabber – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Back Breaker – Tanto Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 3 Mastery Points)

These skills focus on maximizing damage with the tanto, especially against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread your blade, and using your R2/RT attack to spin behind ensures you can target their backs for increased damage.

Tools

• Smoke Bomb – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1 Mastery Point)
• Larger Tool Bag I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Shinobi Bell – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Enduring Haze – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Kunai Assassination Damage I – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Shuriken – Tools Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)

These tools empower you to manipulate guards effectively, clearing paths to your targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to divert enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb for a swift escape or to chain assassinations.

Shinobi

• Ascension Boost – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 2 Mastery Points)
• Vault – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Igan Roll – Shinobi Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 1 Mastery Point)
• Heighten Senses – Shinobi Ability (Knowledge Rank 3, 5 Mastery Points)

These skills ensure you remain undetected while navigating towards your objectives. Faster climbing and reduced fall damage are invaluable, while the ability to slow down time provides a crucial margin for error in crowded areas.

Assassin

• Executioner – Global Passive (Knowledge Rank 1, 1/2/3 Mastery Points)
• Improved Ground Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Double Assassinate – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Assassination Damage I – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 2, 3 Mastery Points)
• Reinforced Blade – Assassin Passive (Knowledge Rank 3, 4 Mastery Points)

These skills are ideal when paired with a Tanto, enabling swift and effective takedowns with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations are highly beneficial, as is the ability to take down larger, tougher enemies. However, caution is advised as you'll encounter foes with more health that can resist your assassination attempts until you further enhance your skills.

By focusing on these initial skills, you'll equip Naoe with the tools and abilities needed to become Japan's most formidable assassinating shinobi in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For additional guidance, be sure to visit The Escapist.