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

In the immersive world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe embodies the essence of stealth and precision, thriving in the shadows while executing her targets with finesse. Although her forte lies in silent takedowns, she's also capable of handling direct confrontations with strategic planning. For those eager to master her abilities, here's a guide to the best skills to prioritize for Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, focusing on skills up to Knowledge Rank 3 that can be unlocked swiftly through engaging with the game's early open-world activities.

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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, you'll transform Naoe into a formidable defensive force, primed to counter aggressive enemies. Mastery in dodging and deflecting will allow you to capitalize on counterattacks, amplify your damage with buffs, and decisively end confrontations 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 equip Naoe to effectively tackle both groups and solo targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even the largest foes for additional damage. The accompanying skills streamline your ability to manage multiple enemies, keeping them at bay while delivering impactful strikes.

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 focus on maximizing damage output with the tanto, enhancing Naoe's ability to exploit vulnerable enemies and even penetrate armor. Utilizing the R2/RT attack to maneuver behind foes ensures continuous targeting of their backs for amplified 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 empower Naoe to manipulate guards and clear paths to her targets effectively. Utilize Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, Shinobi Bell to divert enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. In case of detection, deploy the Smoke Bomb for a swift escape or to chain 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 ensure Naoe remains undetected while efficiently navigating towards her objectives. Enhanced climbing speeds, reduced fall damage, and the ability to slow time offer greater flexibility and margin for error in crowded environments.

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)

Ideal when paired with a Tanto, these skills facilitate swift and effective takedowns using the Hidden Blade. The ability to perform dual assassinations and neutralize tougher foes is invaluable, though caution is advised as stronger enemies may resist until further skill upgrades are achieved.

By prioritizing these skills, you can transform Naoe into the ultimate assassin in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, mastering the art of stealth and combat across the landscapes of feudal Japan. For more detailed guides and tips, be sure to visit The Escapist.