Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
There is no universally best skill order for Naoe: the right early unlocks depend on your weapon and whether you prioritize stealth, traversal, or direct combat. For a flexible Katana start, consider Tidal Wave. For stealth, look at Smoke Bombs and Quick Throw; if you use the Tanto, Double Assassinate becomes an option at Knowledge Rank 2. Choose skills for the problems you want to solve, not because a guide presents one rigid build as objectively best.
How Naoe’s skill progression works
Two systems govern what you can unlock. Mastery points buy skills, while Knowledge Rank opens the tiers in the Mastery menu. Ubisoft says Naoe has six Knowledge levels, each opening a new tier of passive and activated abilities; character levels and activities provide Mastery points, while orange-hexagon map activities award Knowledge. Ubisoft lists lost scrolls, shrines, and Naoe’s meditation activities as examples. If a desired skill is locked, spend available Mastery points on eligible skills and complete Knowledge activities to open higher tiers.
Weapon trees add combos, improve weapon efficacy, or unlock abilities. Naoe’s Shinobi and Assassin trees expand stealth and assassination options. Ubisoft says all skills in the Mastery trees are available to unlock by Knowledge Rank 6. Because weapon-tree skills depend on the corresponding weapon, invest in a weapon you intend to equip. Ubisoft’s progression explainer was published February 28, 2025; the game’s current in-menu descriptions are the best check for exact costs and prerequisites.
Early skills to consider by playstyle
| Need | Skill or option | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Katana offense | Tidal Wave | Method describes a fast strike that leaves enemies vulnerable; GamesRadar+ recommends it for Katana players seeking posture attacks. |
| Stealth recovery and escape | Smoke Bombs, Quick Throw | GamesRadar+ recommends Smoke Bombs as a non-lethal tool and Quick Throw for quickly using a tool, including dropping a smoke bomb. |
| Tanto offense | Shadow Piercer | GamesRadar+ describes it as a Tanto ability that leaves a target vulnerable for a posture follow-up. |
| Paired stealth takedowns | Double Assassinate | Available at Knowledge Rank 2 with the dedicated skill unlocked and the Tanto equipped as a main weapon. Ubisoft says it works against two adjacent enemies on the ground or from the air. |
| Faster traversal | Ascension Boost | Method recommends it to speed up grappling-hook climbs, which can be useful around castles. |
| Defensive Katana play | Dodge Attack, Counter Attack | The Escapist recommends these for players who dodge and deflect; it lists Eviscerate as a later, Rank 3 option. |
| Groups and area control | Kusarigama options, including Cyclone Blast | The Escapist includes Kusarigama and multi-target choices, while Method highlights Cyclone Blast. Pick this route if you prefer that weapon and group-focused combat. |
Choose an opening that fits your approach
If you want a flexible Katana start
Consider Tidal Wave for a quick attack that can leave an enemy vulnerable. It is a reasonable early direction if you want to follow openings with posture attacks, rather than a mandatory choice for every player.
#1 Best Overall
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
If stealth is your priority
Consider Smoke Bombs and Quick Throw for tool-based escapes and quick tool use. If you also want to take down two nearby targets, work toward Double Assassinate after Knowledge Rank 2 opens its tier. That option requires the skill and the Tanto equipped as your main weapon; it is not a general-purpose assassination upgrade for any loadout.
If you prefer Tanto combat
Shadow Piercer is a Tanto ability that can leave a target vulnerable to a posture follow-up. Double Assassinate serves a different purpose: it is a paired takedown with specific Rank and equipment requirements.
Rank #2
- ENTER FEUDAL JAPAN - Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- MASTER COMPLEMENTARY PLAYSTYLES - Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.
- MAKE INFORMATION YOUR WEAPON - Travel the world and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions
- BUILD A PLACE TO CALL HOME - Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s buildings layout, decorations, and accessories.
If climbing or defensive combat slows you down
Ascension Boost is worth considering when faster grappling-hook climbs would help your routes, particularly around castles. For a defensive Katana style, The Escapist points to Dodge Attack and Counter Attack, with Eviscerate as a later Rank 3 option.
If you want to handle groups
Look at Kusarigama choices such as Cyclone Blast if you expect to use that weapon and want multi-target options. This is a preference-based route, not a prerequisite for progressing through the game.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
![Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cgBmgsqGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
How to decide what to unlock next
- Start with the weapon you actually plan to equip; weapon-tree investments are most useful when you use that weapon.
- Identify the recurring problem you want to solve: escaping detection, climbing faster, creating a single-target opening, defending against attacks, or controlling a group.
- Check the skill’s Knowledge Rank gate and point cost in the Mastery menu before committing. Higher-tier access depends on Knowledge Rank, not simply on having unspent Mastery points.
- When a desired tier is locked, complete orange-hexagon Knowledge activities such as lost scrolls, shrines, or meditation activities, then revisit the menu.
- Use in-game descriptions and current patch information for exact costs and any changes; the cited guides offer recommendations rather than an official ranking.
Do you need Claws of Awaji for these skills?
The sources do not establish that the Claws of Awaji expansion is required for the early base-game skills discussed here. Ubisoft’s expansion announcement says it adds skills and gear, and that the Bo weapon is available to all players through a free quest. The recommendations above do not require that expansion or a particular edition.
Sources: Ubisoft, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Deep Dive Into Progression” (February 28, 2025); Ubisoft News, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows – 5 Things To Do First” (March 18, 2025); Method’s Naoe skills guide (March 24, 2025); GamesRadar+’s Naoe skills guide; The Escapist’s Naoe skills guide (updated March 18, 2025); Ubisoft’s Claws of Awaji announcement.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
