Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yasuke Skill Guide

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers up two distinct playstyles tied to its two protagonists. Naoe leans more heavily into stealth, whereas Yasuke is more well equipped for those head-on confrontations. The latter’s training under Oda Nobunaga’s direction has turned him into a formidable force that is hard matched by even the most fearsome of foes. He may not be able to swiftly run atop roofs or clamber up steep walls, but he can make quick work of enemies even when wildly outnumbered.

If you prefer standing your ground in open combat, the foreigner-turned-samurai has you covered. If quiet kills and expert concealment are more your speed, be sure to check out Naoe’s ability guide. Assuming you’re happy with Yasuke’s description, read on for a detailed rundown of every ability at his disposal.

Every Yasuke Ability Explained

Long Katana

Ability Name	Ability Type	Number of Ranks	Knowledge Rank Required	Description
Long Katana Master	Passive	4	N/A	Increase Long Katana damage by 3%
Sheathed Attack	Passive	1	1	Hold L1 and press R1 or R2 to sheathe the Katana and launch a stronger strike that break the target’s guard
Power Dash	Active	1	1	Dash to a single enemy, dealing 50% ability damage, then move behind them to make them Vulnerable
Combat Expert	Passive	3	2	Increase damage with Melee Weapons by 2%
Energizing Defense	Passive	2	2	Riposte now restores 5% Health
Adrenaline Builder	Passive	3	3	Increase Adrenaline Gain by 3%
Sheathed Posture	Passive	2	3	Sheathed Attack can now become a Posture attack by holding R1 or R2
Payback	Active	1	3	Deal 3 powerful strikes to a single enemy, each dealing 35% ability damage and restoring 10% Health
Samurai Showdown	Active	1	4	Taunt up to 3 different enemies and attack them, dealing 15% ability damage to each
Armor Avoidance	Passive	2	4	Power Dash now has 100% Armor Piercing
Overrun	Passive	2	4	Increase Payback damage by 1% per 1% Health missing
Defensive Strike	Passive	2	4	Riposte now has 100% Critical Chance when performed against a Flurry Attack
Melee Weapon Armor Damage	Passive	3	5	Increase Armor Damage with Melee Weapons by 3%
Adrenaline Boost	Passive	2	5	Sheathed Attack generates 50% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit
Shatter	Passive	2	5	Increase Samurai Showdown Armor Damage by 50%
Unstoppable	Passive	2	5	Payback can no longer be blocked or parried
Call of Honor	Passive	2	6	Samurai Showdown can now taunt up to 4 different enemies
Chained Power Dash	Passive	2	6	Power Dash can now be chained a second time

Naginata

Ability Name	Ability Type	Number of Ranks	Knowledge Rank Required	Description
Naginata Mastery	Passive	8	N/A	Increase Naginata damage by 3%
One Man Army	Passive	3	1	Increase damage when hitting multiple enemies by 3%
Far Reach	Passive	1	1	Enemies hit by the tip of a Naginata take 15% more damage
Crescent Strike	Active	1	1	Jump to an enemy and swing the Naginata in a large arc in front of you, dealing 25% ability damage and pushing them back
Whirlwind	Passive	1	2	Hold L1 and press: R1, R2, R2, R1, R2 for a powerful combo dealing 5% more damage with each strike
Combo Ender Armor Piercing	Passive	3	3	Increase Armor Piercing with Combo Enders by 4%
Lethal Reach	Passive	1	3	Increase Critical Chance with Far Reach by 15%
Impale	Active	1	3	Impale an enemy, dealing 15% ability damage and moving with them up to 13 meters. On release, they become Vulnerable
Deep Cut	Passive	2	3	Crescent Strike now inflicts 35% Bleed buildup
Lethal Charge	Passive	2	4	Impale now moves further with the impaled enemy
Onslaught	Active	1	4	Unleash a flurry of 8 strikes on a single enemy, dealing 15% ability damage each. Half as effective on large enemies
Rising Storm	Passive	2	4	Whirlwind generates 10% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit
Piercing Momentum	Passive	3	5	Increase Armor Piercing with consecutive hits by 2%
Fatal Reach	Passive	1	5	Far Reach generates 10% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit
Stampeding Charge	Passive	2	5	Impale now pushes back enemies on the path
Disabling Strike	Passive	2	5	Crescent Strike now knocks down enemies
Broader Onslaught	Passive	2	5	Onslaught now has its full effect on large enemies
Ultimate Onslaught	Passive	2	6	Onslaught can no longer be blocked or parried
Persistent Storm	Passive	2	6	After performing the first strike, press R1 or R2 in any order to keep the Whirlwind going

Kanabo

Ability Name	Ability Type	Number of Ranks	Knowledge Rank Required	Description
Kanabo Mastery	Passive	8	N/A	Increase Kanabo damage by 3%
Devastation	Passive	1	1	Switch attack type at the end of a combo to trigger an additional combo ender
Spine Breaker	Active	1	1	Grab an enemy with the Kanabo, dealing 50% ability damage and knocking out regular enemies. Half as effective on large enemies
Forward Momentum	Passive	1	1	When you hit an enemy, press R1 or R2 to chain your next attack faster
Combo Ender Damage	Passive	3	2	Increase damage with Combo Enders by 2%
Turmoil	Passive	2	2	Devastation combo enders generates 50% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit
Power Surge	Passive	1	2	Each successful Forward Momentum before a Combo Ender increases its damage by 15%
Ability Master	Passive	3	3	Increase damage with abilities by 2%
Irresistible Force	Passive	2	3	Increase Spine Breaker knockout duration by 10 seconds
Crushing Shockwave	Active	1	3	A downward strike that deals 90% ability damage, disables the targets, and staggers all enemies in a 3 meter radius
Infinite Devastation	Passive	2	4	Press the opposite attack input after a Devastation to perform a second one
Slugging Rampage	Active	1	4	A series of spinning strikes that deal 20% ability damage each and sends everyone nearby flying backward
Unstoppable Strength	Passive	2	4	Spine Breaker now has its full effect against large enemies
Greater Shockwave	Passive	2	4	Crushing Shockwave now afflicts enemies with Daze
Damage Reduction	Passive	3	5	Increase Damage Reduction by 1%
Slugging Torrent	Passive	2	5	Slugging Rampage now lasts longer
Constant Pressure	Passive	1	5	Forward Momentum no longer requires hit confirmation. Press R1 or R2 at any time to chain your attack quicker
Slugging Fury	Passive	2	6	Slugging Rampage now lasts even longer
Absolute Shockwave	Passive	2	6	Increase Crushing Shockwave size by 167%

Teppo

Ability Name	Ability Type	Number of Ranks	Knowledge Rank Required	Description
Teppo Mastery	Passive	8	N/A	Increase Teppo damage by 3%
Armor Damage	Passive	3	1	Increase Armor Damage by 3%
Steady Hand	Passive	1	1	While aiming, remain still for a short time to zoom in further and increase damage by 10%
Armor Buster	Active	1	1	Reload the Teppo and follow up with a shot that deals 100% ability damage and breaks the target’s armor
Larger Pouch I	Passive	1	2	Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +4 Ammo, +2 Special Ammo
Concentration	Passive	2	2	Steady Hand now also slows down time for 5 seconds
Close Quarters	Active	1	2	Swing the Teppo at an enemy, dealing 60% ability damage, knocking them down and automatically shooting them
Teppo Tempo	Passive	1	2	After a successful dodge, hold R2 at the end of the dodge to shoot at the attacker
Reload Speed	Passive	3	3	Increase Teppo Reload Speed by 2%
Locked In	Passive	2	3	Steady Hand can no longer be interrupted
Explosive Surprise	Active	1	3	Throw a gunpowder pouch and automatically shoot it to create an explosion that deals 35% ability damage
Radial Effect	Passive	2	3	Armor Buster sends fragments of armor flying in every direction, dealing 25% ability damage in a 4 meter radius
Teppo’s Might	Passive	2	3	Close Quarters now has 25% Armor Piercing
Steel Bullets	Passive	1	3	Unlock a new Bullet type that makes the target Vulnerable. Press ← while aiming to select them
Larger Pouch II	Passive	1	4	Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +4 Ammo, +2 Special Ammo
Explosive Barrage	Passive	2	4	Explosive Surprise is chained a second time
Target Vulnerability	Passive	2	4	Teppo Tempo now makes the enemy Vulnerable
Concussion Bullets	Passive	1	4	Unlock a new Bullet type that builds up the Daze affliction. Press ↓ while aiming to select them
Range Weapon Expertise	Passive	3	5	Increase damage with Ranged Weapons by 1%
Deep Impact	Passive	2	5	On hit, Armor Buster now pushes enemies away
Brutal Takedown	Passive	2	5	Close Quarters now automatically knocks out the target
Shrapnel Bullets	Passive	1	5	Unlock a new Bullet type that builds up the Bleed affliction. Press → while aiming to select them
Larger Pouch III	Passive	1	6	Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +4 Ammo, +2 Special Ammo
Explosive Warfare	Passive	2	6	The explosion from Explosive Surprise now knocks down anyone caught in the blast
Quick Aim	Passive	2	6	Teppo Tempo uses a faster reloading technique

Samurai

Ability Name	Ability Type	Number of Ranks	Knowledge Rank Required	Description
Samurai Mastery	Passive	8	N/A	Increase Health by 2%
Regeneration	Passive	3	1	Restore 1% of Yasuke’s maximum Health when killing an enemy
Brutal Assassination	Passive	1	1	Press R1 to perform Yasuke’s own version of an Assassination and remove Health Segments
Link Attack	Passive	1	1	Swap weapons → during a combo to transition into a quick attack while switching to your alternate weapon, extending your combo
War Kick	Active	1	1	Perform a powerful kick on an enemy, dealing 20% ability damage and pushing them away. Half as effective on large enemies
Bull Rush	Passive	1	1	While sprinting, regular enemies will be knocked back and some doors will break on impact. Half as effective on large enemies
Improved Brutal Assassination	Passive	1	2	Yasuke can now perform his Brutal Assassination against large enemies
Heavy Impact	Passive	2	2	War Kick now has its full effect on large enemies
Crash Collision	Passive	2	2	Bull Rush can now deal 15% ability damage on contact
Vigor I	Passive	1	2	Increase Yasuke’s Adrenaline Chunks by 1
Stronger, Smarter…	Passive	3	3	+3% less Cooldown with Abilities
Assassination Damage I	Passive	1	3	Yasuke removes 2 additional Health Segments with Assassinations
Impenetrable Defense	Active	1	3	Immediately counter every attack received for 20 seconds and up to 5 hits
Battle Cry	Active	1	3	Stagger all enemies within 10 meters of you
Big Impact	Passive	2	3	Bull Rush now has its full effect on large enemies
Vigor II	Passive	1	3	Increase Yasuke’s Adrenaline Chunks by 1
Unbreachable Guard	Passive	2	4	Impenetrable Guard now makes attackers Vulnerable
Defensive Breach	Passive	2	4	+100% damage on enemy collisions
Outnumbered	Passive	2	4	For each enemy affected by Battle Cry, increase damage by 4% for 10 seconds
Samurai Stand	Active	1	4	Enter a frenzy, turning all your attacks into Posture attacks for 10 seconds
Strength Builder	Passive	3	5	Increase damage per filled Adrenaline Chunk by 1%
Assassination Damage II	Passive	1	5	Yasuke removes 2 additional Health Segments with Assassinations
Healing Shout	Passive	2	5	Battle Cry now also restores 50% of maximum Health over 10 seconds
Samurai Frenzy	Passive	2	5	When killing an enemy, Samurai Stand duration is increased by 3 seconds
Vigor III	Passive	1	5	Increase Yasuke’s Adrenaline Chunks by 1
Absolute Protection	Passive	2	6	Impenetrable Defense can now work against all Unstoppable Attacks, except Grab attacks
Eternal Samurai	Passive	2	6	While in Samurai Stand, Health is locked at 10%, causing all enemy attacks to be non-lethal

Bow

Ability Name	Ability Type	Number of Ranks	Knowledge Ranks Required	Description
Yumi Bow Mastery	Passive	8	N/A	Increase Bow damage by 3%
Swift Hand	Passive	3	1	Increase Bow Draw Speed by 3%
Marksman’s Shot	Passive	1	1	When hitting the target’s head with a Posture Shot, fire a second arrow by pressing R2
Staggering Blast	Active	1	1	Shoot a powerful arrow at the target, dealing 60% ability damage and pushing them back
Poison Arrows	Passive	1	1	Unlock a new Arrow type that builds up the Poison affliction. Press ↓ while aiming to select them
Larger Quiver I	Passive	1	2	Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow
Marksman’s Stance	Passive	1	2	Marksman’s Shot is now a Posture Shot
Clear Mind	Active	1	2	Time slows down around you for 10 seconds while aiming
Silent Arrows	Passive	1	2	Unlock a new Arrow that has 100% Armor Piercing and removes 3 Health Segments with headshots on unsuspecting enemies. Press ← while aiming to select them
Critical Damage	Passive	3	3	Increase Critical Damage by 2%
Marksman’s Touch	Passive	1	3	Marksman’s Shot now has 100% Armor Piercing
Retreating Shot	Active	1	3	Shoot 4 arrows at the closest enemy, dealing 10% ability damage each time while evading incoming attacks
Headshot Lock	Passive	2	3	Staggering Blast now automatically aims at the head
Kyudo Master	Passive	1	3	Release R2 when the Bow flashes to trigger Kyudo Master, enabling a longer Posture Window and a faster Reload Time for 5 seconds
Silent Arrows II	Passive	1	3	Yasuke removes 2 additional Health Segments with Silent Arrows
Larger Quiver II	Passive	1	4	Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow
Retreating Barrage	Passive	2	4	Retreating Shot now fire more arrows
Effective Mindset	Passive	2	4	While Clear Mind is active, each kill increases damage by 15%
Temporal Mastery	Passive	1	4	Kyudo Master now slows down time on the next shot
Silent Arrows III	Passive	1	4	Yasuke removes 2 additional Health Segments with Silent Arrows
Headshot Damage	Passive	3	5	Increase damage with Headshots by 2%
Retreating Arsenal	Passive	2	5	Retreating Shot now fires more arrows
Level-Headed	Passive	2	5	While Clear Mind is active, Headshots increase the duration by 4 seconds
Serrated Arrows	Passive	1	5	Unlock a new Arrow type that builds up the Bleed affliction. Press → while aiming to select them
Larger Quiver III	Passive	1	6	Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow
Hunter’s Mark	Passive	2	6	Staggering Blast now automatically applies the Daze affliction
Reflexive Poise	Passive	1	6	Kyudo Master now automatically makes all shots Posture Shots