The Best Early-Game Weapons for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
If you’re diving into Assassin’s Creed: Shadows with Yasuke, the legendary African samurai, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly armed for the challenges ahead. Early-game weapons are crucial for establishing your combat style and progressing through tough battles. Yasuke’s versatile abilities allow him to wield a variety of weapons, each offering unique advantages. In this blog, we’ll explore the best early-game weapons for Yasuke to ensure you’re ready for whatever the game throws.
Table of Contents
1. Katana (Basic): The Samurai’s Signature Weapon

Let’s start with the classic: the katana. As Yasuke’s primary weapon, it’s no surprise that the katana is a reliable choice early on. Known for its sharpness and precision, this blade strikes a balance between speed and power, making it perfect for quick, devastating attacks. The katana excels at both offense and defense, allowing Yasuke to engage in fluid combat, slashing through enemies with ease. Plus, it’s an iconic weapon that feels authentic to Yasuke’s samurai roots.
Best for: Versatile combat—use it to slice through enemies quickly and counter incoming attacks.
2. Naginata (Polearm): Reach and Power in One

If you’re looking for something with a bit more reach, the naginata is a fantastic option. This polearm lets Yasuke strike from a distance, which is incredibly useful when fighting against multiple foes. The naginata’s wide, sweeping attacks give you control of the battlefield, and its longer range allows you to stay out of harm’s way while still dealing damage.
The naginata also provides a decent balance between speed and power, making it effective against both light and heavy enemies. Plus, its range is perfect for taking down groups of enemies without getting surrounded.
Best for: Crowd control and managing groups of enemies from a safe distance.
3. Throwing Knives: Stealth at Its Finest

While Yasuke can hold his own in close combat, there are times when you need to be sneaky. That’s where throwing knives come in. These handy weapons are great for stealth takedowns or distracting enemies from afar. Throwing knives allows Yasuke to thin out enemy numbers without ever getting close to danger. Whether you’re distracting a guard or picking off a distant target, these knives are a versatile addition to your arsenal.
Best for Stealth kills and ranged distractions, perfect for sneaky playstyles.
4. Tanto (Dagger): Quick, Deadly, and Perfect for Stealth

For those who prefer quick, precise strikes, the tanto (dagger) is the ideal weapon. It’s incredibly fast, which means you can dish out multiple attacks in quick succession. The tanto is a fantastic choice when you want to eliminate enemies quietly and efficiently. Yasuke can use the dagger to perform stealth kills, making it an essential tool for slipping past guards undetected or silently dealing with isolated foes.
Best for: Stealth kills, rapid strikes, and getting in and out of combat swiftly.
5. Bow and Arrows: The Power of Ranged Combat

Sometimes, the best way to deal with an enemy is from a distance. The bow is a great ranged weapon that lets Yasuke take down foes without getting too close. Whether you’re targeting weak spots or picking off enemies from afar, the bow adds a whole new dimension to Yasuke’s combat style. Early on, the bow can be a lifesaver in situations where you want to avoid direct confrontation, especially when paired with stealth or distracting enemies.
Best for: Long-range combat, stealth, and picking off enemies from a distance.
6. Spear: The Ultimate in Crowd Control

The spear is a fantastic weapon for those who like to keep enemies at bay. With its long reach and powerful thrusts, the spear lets Yasuke manage large groups of enemies with ease. While it may not have the speed of a katana, it makes up for it with its ability to break through enemy defenses. Spear attacks can also be used to keep aggressive enemies at a safe distance, giving you more time to plan your next move.
Best for: Crowd control, especially against large groups or heavily armored enemies.
7. Shuriken: Versatility for Every Situation

For a bit of extra flair and utility, shurikens are perfect for Yasuke’s arsenal. These throwable blades are ideal for disorienting enemies or providing distractions. Need to take out a guard quietly from afar or lure an enemy into a trap? Shurikens have you covered. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them an excellent tool for quick attacks or stealthy maneuvers. Shuriken may not deal a ton of damage, but their utility cannot be overlooked.
Best for: Distraction, stealth, and medium-range attacks.
8. Heavy Sword (Early Variant): Slow but Powerful

For those who enjoy dealing massive damage, the heavy sword is an excellent choice. This weapon is slower than the katana but packs a serious punch. It’s especially effective against heavily armored opponents, as it can break through defenses with ease. The heavy sword’s slow but powerful strikes make it ideal for those who want to deal significant damage in a single blow.
Best for: High-damage output against tough enemies and breaking through defenses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right weapon for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is all about personal playstyle. Whether you prefer quick and agile combat with the katana or strategic, ranged attacks with the bow and shuriken, Yasuke has a wide range of weapons at his disposal.
Early on, it’s crucial to experiment with these different weapons to find what best suits your preferred combat approach. From stealthy dagger strikes to long-range archery, Yasuke’s arsenal will keep you prepared for any battle. Just remember, a combination of different weapons can often be the key to success in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, giving you the flexibility to tackle any situation that comes your way.