In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe embodies the art of stealth and assassination, yet she is also equipped for direct confrontations with the right strategy. To maximize Naoe's effectiveness, here are the top skills to prioritize within the early stages of the game, up to Knowledge Rank 3, which can be achieved swiftly by engaging in the open world activities of the starting regions.
Best Skills to Get First for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Katana
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With the Katana, Naoe becomes a defensive powerhouse, ready to counter aggressive enemies:
- 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 enhance Naoe's ability to dodge, deflect, and counterattack effectively, allowing her to deal significant damage and finish fights decisively with Eviscerate.
Kusarigama
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The Kusarigama turns Naoe into a formidable force against both groups and single targets:
- 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 enable Naoe to manage crowds effectively, with Entanglement facilitating affliction buildup and Big Catch allowing for powerful throws against larger enemies.
Tanto
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The Tanto enhances Naoe's damage output, particularly against vulnerable enemies:
- 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, especially against armored foes, by targeting their weak points.
Tools
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Naoe's tools are crucial for manipulating guards and clearing paths to her targets:
- 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 provide various tactical options, from luring enemies away to executing long-range assassinations and escaping detection.
Shinobi
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Shinobi skills enhance Naoe's mobility and stealth, ensuring she remains undetected:
- 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 allow for faster climbing, reduced fall damage, and time manipulation to navigate crowded areas with precision.
Assassin
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Assassin skills make Naoe a lethal force, especially with the Tanto:
- 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 improve Naoe's assassination capabilities, allowing for swift and effective takedowns, even against stronger enemies.
By focusing on these skills, you can transform Naoe into the ultimate assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.
