Level Up Fast: Early Game Tips to Rule Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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Alright, y’all, listen up—Assassin’s Creed Shadows is here, and it’s dropping you smack-dab into feudal Japan with a katana in one hand and a ninja star in the other. Whether you’re sneaking through the shadows with Naoe or swinging steel like a boss with Yasuke, this game’s got a learning curve sharper than a samurai’s blade. But don’t sweat it—I’ve got your back with some killer early-game tips to help you level up fast and rule the roost. We’re talking sneaky shortcuts, rookie-friendly missions, and tricks to keep you from biting the dust before the sun’s even up. So, grab a soda, kick your feet up, and let’s dive into how to own Shadows from the jump!
Get the Lay of the Land—Quick!
First things first, when you boot up Shadows, don’t go charging in like a bull in a china shop. Japan’s a big, beautiful mess—castles perched on cliffs, villages buzzing with life, rice fields stretching out like a green carpet. It’s a feast for the eyes, sure, but it’s also your playground. Take a hot minute to climb a tower, sync up, and soak in the view. That little perch isn’t just for show—it’s your ticket to unlocking the map, spotting goodies, and figuring out where the action’s at.
See, the game’s got this vibe where every rooftop’s a runway and every shadow’s a hideout. Naoe’s all about slipping through the cracks, while Yasuke’s more like a walking tank. Early on, poke around the first village—probably some sleepy spot near Osaka or Kyoto—and sniff out the basics. Grab some loot, overhear some chatter, and get a feel for how the world ticks. Trust me, knowing the turf’s half the battle. It’s like scoping out the cafeteria on the first day of school—you gotta know where the cool kids sit.
Pick Your Poison: Naoe or Yasuke?

Okay, here’s the deal—you’ve got two heroes, and they’re night and day. Naoe’s a ninja chick who moves like a whisper, all sneaky and slick. Yasuke’s a hulking samurai dude who hits like a freight train. The game lets you swap between ‘em, and picking the right one for the job’s gonna save your bacon early on. So, how do you choose?
Start with Naoe for the sneaky stuff—think eavesdropping on guards or snagging loot from under their noses. Her kunai go zip through the air, and she’s got this way of melting into the dark that’s pure gold. Yasuke, though? He’s your guy when it’s time to throw down. First brawl you stumble into—like some bandits shaking down a farmer—let him loose. His katana’s got a whoosh that’ll make heads roll, and he can take a punch like a champ. Play around with both in the opening hours; it’s like test-driving a car before you buy it. Get comfy, ‘cause these two are your ride-or-die crew.
Nail the Starter Missions—They’re Your Bread and Butter
Right out the gate, Shadows tosses you some baby-step missions—think “fetch this” or “spy on that.” Don’t sleep on ‘em! These little gigs are your fast track to leveling up without breaking a sweat. First one’s probably something like helping a villager find a lost crate—boring, right? Wrong. It’s a goldmine for XP, coins, and gear, plus it’s a crash course in moving around.
Look for quests marked with a glowy icon—those are your main story beats. Early on, you might tail a shady merchant or take out a lowlife thug. Keep it simple: follow the prompts, don’t overthink it. For Naoe, hug the shadows and rooftops—guards are dumber than a bag of hammers at this stage. With Yasuke, march in, block a swing, and counter with a thwack that sends ‘em packing. These missions are like training wheels—ride ‘em ‘til you’re steady, then rip ‘em off and roll.
Loot Like a Bandit—Every Scrap Counts

Here’s a hot tip: grab everything that ain’t nailed down. Shadows sprinkles loot all over—chests in alleys, pouches on guards, herbs in the bushes. Early game, you’re broke as a joke, so every coin and crafting scrap’s a lifeline. After your first fight, frisk those knocked-out goons—pockets jingling with goodies are your reward. Chests glow like little beacons, so if you spot one, dart over and pop it open with a satisfying clink.
Don’t hoard it all, though—sell junk you don’t need at the first merchant you find. That rusty dagger? Trade it for some cash to upgrade your gear. And keep an eye out for bamboo or iron scraps; they’re the secret sauce for beefing up Naoe’s gadgets or Yasuke’s armor. It’s like scavenging at a yard sale—most of it’s trash, but you’ll find a gem if you dig.
Master the Dodge—It’s Your Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

Alright, real talk: you’re gonna get hit. Guards aren’t rocket scientists, but they swing hard, and early on, you’re squishier than a marshmallow. Dodging’s your best bud—Naoe flips away like a leaf in the wind, Yasuke rolls like a boulder with attitude. Time it right, and you’ll dance around swords like nobody’s business.
First scrap you get into—say, a couple of ronin flexing at a bridge—practice that dodge button. Watch their wind-up, then whoosh, slip away. Pair it with a quick counter—Naoe’s got a stab that’s fast as lightning, Yasuke’s got a chop that hits like thunder. Mess up, and you’re toast, but nail it, and you’re strutting like a king. It’s your lifeline ‘til you bulk up, so treat it like gold.
Sneaky Shortcuts—Outsmart the Game
Now, let’s get crafty. Shadows loves its big, sprawling maps, but you don’t hafta slog through every inch. Look for shortcuts—ropes dangling from roofs, gaps in fences, rivers you can swim. Early on, you might need to deliver a message across town—don’t trudge the main road with guards eyeballing you. Scamper up a tree, hop some tiles, and drop down like a ninja ghost. Naoe’s built for this—her parkour’s smoother than butter on a hot skillet.
Yasuke’s trickier—he’s no wallflower—but he can muscle through. Bust a weak gate or shove a crate to clear a path. One early mission might have you chasing a thief—cut him off by swinging across a beam instead of chasing his tail through the mud. These little hacks save time, dodge fights, and make you feel like a genius. It’s like skipping the line at the DMV—pure bliss.
Upgrade Smart—Don’t Blow Your Load
So, you’ve got some XP and loot burning a hole in your pocket—don’t go wild yet. The skill tree’s a beast, with Naoe’s stealth perks and Yasuke’s combat boosts staring you down. Early game, focus on the basics. For Naoe, grab a perk that pumps up her sneaking—maybe quieter steps or a farther kunai toss. She’ll glide through missions like a shadow on steroids. Yasuke? Boost his health or sword damage—something to keep him standing when the fists fly.
Gear’s the same deal—don’t waste cash on flashy junk. Upgrade Naoe’s tanto for a sharper slice or Yasuke’s armor for a tougher shell. It’s tempting to splurge, but play it cool. Think of it like buying a burger—get the meat and bun first, skip the gold-plated pickles ‘til you’re rolling in dough.
Side Gigs—Your Secret Weapon
Main story’s great, but don’t sleep on side quests. Early on, you’ll stumble into little jobs—rescue a farmer’s kid, spy on a warlord’s camp, nab a scroll from a shrine. They’re quick, they’re dirty, and they’re XP machines. One might pop up in the first village—say, a granny needs her cat back. Sounds lame, but you’ll snag some coins and a skill point faster than you can say “meow.”
These gigs also teach you the ropes. A stealth job with Naoe sharpens your hiding game; a brawl with Yasuke hones your blocking. Plus, they flesh out the world—granny’s tale might hint at a bigger storm brewing. It’s like side dishes at a barbecue—small, but they make the meal.
Don’t Die—Play It Safe ‘Til You’re a Pro

Last but not least, don’t be a hero outta the gate. Shadows ain’t messing around—guards swarm like bees if you goof up, and your health bar’s thinner than a cheap napkin early on. Bite off more than you can chew—like storming a fort with two goons and a stick—and you’ll be respawning faster than you can blink.
Stick to one fight at a time. With Naoe, pick off stragglers—lure ‘em with a whistle, then thwip, they’re down. Yasuke can handle a duo, but dodge and block like your life depends on it—‘cause it does. If the screen’s flashing red, hightail it—climb a roof, duck in a bush, let the heat die down. It’s like playing tag as a kid—sometimes you just gotta hide ‘til they give up.
Keep the Hype Alive—You’re Just Getting Started
Alright, let’s wrap this up with a bow. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a beast—big, bold, and begging you to conquer it. These tips? They’re your launchpad, your cheat sheet, your golden ticket to ruling Japan’s wild lands. From dodging like a pro to looting like a pirate, you’ve got the tools to level up fast and strut your stuff. Naoe and Yasuke are counting on you, and the game’s just itching to see what you’ve got.
But here’s the kicker—this is just the warm-up. The deeper you dig, the crazier it gets: warlords scheming, temples hiding secrets, battles that’ll make your jaw drop. Every mission’s a stepping stone, every fight a lesson, every sneaky shortcut a little wink from the game saying, “You’re getting it.” So, don’t rush—savor the climb. You’re not just playing Shadows; you’re living it, breathing it, carving your name into its dusty trails.
So, what’re you waiting for? Fire up that console, crack your knuckles, and dive in. The shadows are calling, and they’ve got your number. Level up fast, play it smart, and watch Japan bow at your feet. You’ve got this, champ—now go make some history!
See this good external article: https://www.pcgamesn.com/assassins-creed-shadows/allies
See this good article in our blog: https://techforgewave.com/nasa-artemis-plan-the-moon-back-in-play/
