In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the dual protagonists offer diverse approaches to gameplay, and Yasuke's early skill choices are crucial for maximizing his potential. Here's a detailed guide on the best skills to prioritize for Yasuke in the early stages of the game, ensuring you harness his full power and versatility.

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

Long Katana

• 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 enable Yasuke to defend, counterattack, and regain health simultaneously, ensuring he remains robust during combat encounters. This combination will keep you healthy and effective in battles for a significant duration.

Naginata

• 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 skills allow Yasuke to keep enemies at a distance while dealing significant damage and increasing critical hit chances. These are particularly effective against groups, and the Impale ability can clear paths or gather enemies for focused attacks.

Kanabo

• 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)

With these skills, Yasuke gains increased power and speed, making him a formidable force against enemies. Crushing Shockwave is excellent for crowd control, while Spine Breaker provides a window for healing and regrouping before delivering a devastating ground strike.

Teppo

• 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 perfect for initiating and concluding fights with high damage output. Enhancing reload speed and slowing time with Steady Hand and Concentration, Yasuke can create space with Explosive Surprise or Teppo Tempo before switching to melee for the final blow.

Samurai

• 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)

Yasuke can execute powerful assassinations, not just limited to Naoe, and take down even elite enemies. The Regeneration skill aids in health recovery with each kill, while Impenetrable Defense provides crucial protection in tight situations.

Bow

• 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 ability to eliminate threats before they detect him, even those with armor, through faster reloads, quicker draw speeds, and concentrated fire.

This comprehensive guide covers all the essential skills you should prioritize for Yasuke in the early stages of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For further assistance with the game, be sure to explore additional resources at The Escapist.