Naoe: Master Assassin in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Naoe is one of the lead characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, hailing from the renowned Iga Province. She stands out for her extraordinary skills in stealth combat and agility-based techniques, making her a formidable shinobi. Throughout her journey, Naoe gains access to a variety of combat options, yet her most effective strategy revolves around stealth.
This article explores the diverse combat strategies available to Naoe within the thrilling universe of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Combat Options for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Naoe’s skill set is tailored for stealth operations, enabling her to navigate the battlefield with finesse. Although players can choose more direct combat styles, Naoe’s true potential emerges in stealth situations, particularly when compared to her more aggressive counterpart, Yasuke.

Eagle Vision: A Tactical Advantage
Eagle Vision is a classic feature in the Assassin’s Creed series, and for Naoe, it serves as a critical tool for revealing enemy positions, even those hidden behind obstacles. This functionality significantly enhances her awareness of the environment, facilitating a more stealth-centric approach to gameplay.
Essential Stealth Tools
Naoe is equipped with a selection of four primary stealth tools. These are vital for executing her strategies and expanding her combat opportunities:
- Smoke Bomb: Generates a smoke cloud that allows for quick retreats or silent takedowns of lower-ranking foes.
- Shinobi Bells: Serve as distraction devices to redirect guards, presenting opportunities for stealthy maneuvering or assassinations.
- Kunai: These sharp throwing blades can inflict significant damage, often resulting in instant kills with accurate throws.
- Shuriken: These star-shaped weapons can temporarily immobilize enemies, providing Naoe with a tactical edge.
Weapons Available to Naoe
As players progress through the game, Naoe unlocks an array of weapons that cater to different combat philosophies.

Katana: The Versatile Blade
The katana is a well-rounded weapon, allowing Naoe to seamlessly transition between stealthy and direct confrontations. Its balanced nature provides a robust mix of speed, damage output, and defensive capabilities, enabling her to easily parry attacks from foes.
Kusarigama: A Dual Threat
This distinctive weapon excels in crowd control, featuring a scythe connected by a chain that enhances reach and engagement. With the kusarigama, Naoe can effectively strike from a distance, repel opponents, and confront multiple enemies simultaneously. In tight quarters, its scythe function allows for more precise assaults.
Tanto and Hidden Blade: Stealth Specialist
This combination of weapons maximizes Naoe’s speed and efficacy in stealth killing. The tanto enables rapid, lethal stabs, while the iconic Hidden Blade facilitates swift, silent assassinations. Coupled together, they allow for the execution of double assassinations, embodying a playstyle characterized by “death-by-a-thousand-cuts.”
Fundamental Combat Mechanics
Understanding the foundational combat mechanics is crucial for mastering Naoe:
- Red-glowing attacks: These are unstoppable; dodge them at all costs.
- Execute a perfectly timed dodge to leave the enemy vulnerable (indicated by a yellow glow), creating an opening for you to attack.
- White-glowing attacks: These can be deflected to launch effective counterattacks.
- If your health dips low, be sure to utilize rations to restore your vitality.
This comprehensive guide covers all the essential combat options available to Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Mastering these techniques will significantly enhance your gameplay experience.