Top Skills to Prioritize for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Naoe's approach to eliminating targets is deeply rooted in stealth and precision. However, she's also well-equipped for direct confrontations when strategically planned. To maximize Naoe's potential, here are the best skills to prioritize up to Knowledge Rank 3 in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

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

These early skills are accessible up to Knowledge Rank 3, achievable through diligent engagement with open world activities in the game's initial regions.

Katana

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• 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 defensive powerhouse, ready to capitalize on aggressive enemies. Master the art of dodging and deflecting, and you'll find ample opportunities to counterattack, amplify your damage, and finish fights decisively with Eviscerate.

Kusarigama

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• 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 will make Naoe a formidable opponent against both groups and individual targets. Entanglement enhances affliction buildup, allowing you to manipulate even larger enemies for extra damage. The other skills facilitate crowd control and keep enemies at bay while delivering impactful strikes.

Tanto

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• 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, particularly against vulnerable enemies. Even armored foes will dread your blade, as these skills enable you to target their weak points effectively, ensuring devastating strikes.

Tools

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• 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 effectively, paving the way to your primary target. Use Shuriken to disable alarm bells or trigger explosives, the Shinobi Bell to divert enemies, and Kunai for long-range assassinations. If detected, deploy the Smoke Bomb to either escape or initiate a chain of assassinations.

Shinobi

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• 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 seamlessly. 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

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• 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. Double assassinations and enhanced damage against larger foes are invaluable, but remain cautious as you'll encounter enemies with higher health that may resist your initial attempts until you further upgrade your skills.

By focusing on these skills, you'll unlock Naoe's full potential as the ultimate assassinating shinobi in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more guidance, be sure to visit The Escapist.