In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is rooted in stealth and precision, though she's also capable of handling direct confrontations with the right strategy. To maximize her potential, here are the top skills to prioritize for Naoe, focusing on skills up to Knowledge Rank 3, which you can achieve quickly by engaging in the game's early open-world activities.
Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
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)
With these skills, Naoe becomes a formidable defensive force, ready to counter aggressive enemies effectively. If you excel at dodging and deflecting, these skills will allow you to capitalize on opportunities to deal significant damage and finish fights decisively 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 transform Naoe into a powerhouse against both groups and single targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even large enemies for extra damage. The other skills facilitate handling multiple foes, keeping them at bay while delivering impactful attacks.
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 are designed to amplify damage with the tanto, exploiting vulnerable enemies and even armored foes. Utilizing the R2/RT attack to spin behind targets ensures you can consistently 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 enable Naoe to manipulate guards effectively, clearing paths to her targets. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to lure enemies away, and Kunai for long-range kills. If spotted, deploy the Smoke Bomb to escape or initiate a chain of 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 enhance Naoe's ability to remain undetected and navigate towards her 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 particularly effective when paired with the Tanto, enabling swift and lethal strikes with the Hidden Blade. Dual assassinations and the ability to take down larger foes are invaluable, though caution is advised against enemies with higher health until further skill upgrades are obtained.
By focusing on these skills, you'll enhance Naoe's capabilities as the ultimate stealth assassin in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
