Shadows: where I'd start with the skills

Shadows: where I'd start with the skills Practical base-game advice, not a claim to list every post-launch skill. One of the things I liked about Shadows was having two characters who actually felt different. The skills are worth treating that way too. I wouldn't try to make Naoe and Yasuke into the same character with different weapons. First, separate Mastery points from Knowledge rank. Mastery points buy skills. Knowledge opens access to higher tiers. If you have points but the skill you want is still locked, more combat may not be the answer. Temples, shrines, Naoe's meditation and Yasuke's kata help with Knowledge. Some skills also require particular questlines. Their progression is shared, so spending time with one isn't leaving the other hopelessly behind. You can reset Mastery points if you want to change your approach. Ubisoft's progression explanation (https://t.co/xIohZuZyaU). For Naoe, I'd look at: - Assassination Damage upgrades if stronger targets keep surviving. - Double Assassinate for pairs of guards. This needs the tanto; don't expect it to work just because you bought the skill. - Reinforced Blade for using the hidden blade against larger enemies. - Dodge Attack if you use her katana and want a quick response after evading. For Yasuke, I'd look at: - Link Attack if you enjoy switching weapons during a fight. - Regeneration for a little health back after kills. Helpful, not a replacement for avoiding damage. - Energizing Defense if you use the long katana: it adds healing to a successful Riposte. Skill effects and equipment requirements (https://t.co/K5y8dOfh7D). My recommendation is to start with the weapon you like, fix the thing that's frustrating you, and expand from there. A smaller set of skills you understand is more useful than points scattered everywhere just because another box lit up. Shadows — which side activities actually help? If you've got points sitting there and still can't buy the skill you want, look at your Knowledge rank. Grinding fights isn't the same thing as opening the next set of skills. - Shrines: visit every prayer spot in that shrine. One prayer isn't necessarily the whole activity. - Temples: collect the scattered pages. Check different heights, not just the main floor; Naoe can reach places Yasuke can't. - Kofun: underground tomb routes. If the entrance or obstacle clearly needs the other character, switch instead of fighting the same wall. - Kuji-kiri: Naoe's meditation sequences. Follow the button pattern, including when the prompts disappear. - Hidden trails: Naoe's climbing routes, with equipment at the finish. - Kata: Yasuke's weapon practice. - Horseback archery: Yasuke rides the course while you hit the targets. I'd mix those into the normal trip through each province. It is a better use of the journey than ignoring every activity and coming back only when the skill menu stops you. This is the activity guide, not a claim that every castle and ordinary chest is required for an achievement. The full achievement checklist and the specific meditation/legendary-animal lists stay separate. Research: GamesRadar activity mechanics (https://t.co/O4VtUeFAEZ). Old rank-cap information on that page is deliberately not carried over.