Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows has ignited massive anticipation across the fanbase, particularly due to its long-awaited journey into feudal Japan. Amid the dual-protagonist narrative, one question has captivated many: How Old is Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? The story follows Naoe Fujibayashi, a female shinobi, alongside Yasuke, the legendary African samurai. Understanding Naoe’s age is essential for decoding the historical timeline, her motivations, and her transformation from a grieving daughter into a skilled assassin.
Naoe’s story is set during Japan’s late Sengoku period—a turbulent era of civil war, shifting power, and fractured loyalties. Players are introduced to her as a young ninja in training, shaped by family tragedy and hardened by political turmoil. Age plays a pivotal role in how she’s perceived—both in-universe and by fans eager to know where she fits into the broader Assassin’s Creed legacy.
Naoe’s Timeline Within the Assassin’s Creed Universe
To determine Naoe’s age, it’s vital to first understand the timeline. Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place around 1579 AD, a period marked by the rise of Oda Nobunaga, the unification of Japan, and the presence of foreign influence including Christianity and gunpowder. This setting is crucial, not just for historical accuracy but also for charting Naoe’s developmental arc.
Naoe’s family, particularly her father Fujibayashi Nagato, represents the fading shinobi clans of Iga Province. After Nobunaga’s siege of Iga—a real historical event—Naoe becomes a fugitive, survivor, and revolutionary. Her emotional and strategic maturity throughout this arc suggests a character in her late teens to early twenties.
Estimating Naoe’s Age Through Canon Clues
Ubisoft has not officially disclosed Naoe’s exact age, but fans and lore analysts have deduced strong evidence from in-game dialogue, trailers, and artbook leaks. Based on her physique, behavior, and relationships, Naoe is likely between 19 and 21 years old during the events of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
In the first gameplay footage, Naoe refers to her father’s recent death during the invasion of Iga in 1579. Considering she was trained by him and already exhibits high-level combat skills and infiltration expertise, she is assumed to have spent several years mastering ninjutsu. This indicates that Naoe had reached physical and mental maturity prior to the main events of the game.
Comparing Naoe’s Age With Other Assassins
For context, other iconic Assassin’s Creed protagonists such as Ezio Auditore started their journeys around 17 years old. By contrast, Naoe already demonstrates the poise, skills, and judgment of a trained operative. Her path mirrors that of Evie Frye more than Ezio—focused, calculated, and mission-driven from the beginning.
Unlike teenage rebels like Arno Dorian or brash characters like Shay Cormac, Naoe enters the conflict not out of impulse but through family legacy and systemic injustice. This maturity indicates her story begins post-adolescence, with a clear sense of purpose.
How Old is Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Yasuke, the game’s second protagonist, was a real historical figure believed to have arrived in Japan in 1579. If Ubisoft’s narrative aligns with actual records, Yasuke would be approximately 26 to 30 years old during the events of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
This age gap between Naoe and Yasuke adds an intriguing dynamic. Yasuke brings the brute force and experience of a seasoned warrior, while Naoe contributes agility, stealth, and emotional depth. Their contrasting ages enrich their chemistry and give players variety in playstyle and worldview.
Can You Switch Between Naoe and Yasuke?
Yes, players can freely switch between Naoe and Yasuke in open-world gameplay. Each character offers unique mechanics: Naoe uses stealth, tools, grappling hooks, and poisons. Yasuke wields brute strength, heavy armor, and devastating swordplay. Missions can be completed in different styles based on your chosen assassin, allowing deep replay value.
This duality not only enhances gameplay but also mirrors their respective roles in the narrative. Yasuke fights the empire’s external brutality. Naoe infiltrates it from within.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Naoe Face Model and Visual Design
Naoe’s in-game model has generated much discussion. Her design was inspired by authentic Japanese features, avoiding Western stylization. Ubisoft collaborated with Japanese historians and motion capture artists to ensure historical and cultural accuracy.
While her exact face model name remains under wraps, her appearance reflects her heritage: tied hair, shinobi garb, and subtle facial scarring that suggests battle experience. Her outfits evolve as the game progresses—from simple Iga ninja gear to elaborate armored cloaks for infiltration in enemy castles.
Does Naoe Become an Assassin?
Yes. Naoe officially becomes a member of the Assassin Brotherhood during the game. Unlike many protagonists who stumble into the Creed, Naoe’s journey is more conscious. Her father’s death, betrayal by warlords, and her growing awareness of oppressive systems lead her to embrace the Assassins’ ideology of freedom over order.
This transition makes her one of the most organically written assassins in the franchise. The Brotherhood doesn’t rescue her—she finds it herself through suffering and awareness.
Who is Naoe’s Voice Actor and Actress?
Naoe’s voice actor and motion capture actress are Japanese, reflecting Ubisoft’s recent efforts to cast culturally authentic performers. As of now, their full names haven’t been publicly confirmed, but interviews with developers reveal the actress helped shape Naoe’s posture, expressions, and combat flow. Her movements are not exaggerated but grounded in real martial arts and stealth techniques.
This level of authenticity brings her character to life. It also explains why players resonate so deeply with her presence, even from early trailers.
Can Naoe Use a Katana?
Though Naoe primarily uses kunai, smoke bombs, grappling tools, and short swords, she can use a katana in combat. However, her style is more focused on quick strikes, dodging, and disabling enemies rather than frontal attacks.
This differentiates her from Yasuke, who excels in open battle. Naoe’s katana use is fluid and reserved for high-stakes moments, particularly boss fights and assassination sequences where she chooses precision over power.
Should I Play as Yasuke or Naoe?
Both protagonists offer rich, layered experiences. Players who enjoy stealth, silent takedowns, and espionage will gravitate toward Naoe. Those who prefer brute strength, heavy armor, and frontal assault should choose Yasuke.
However, Ubisoft encourages players to explore both storylines. Switching between them during key moments reveals different sides of the same conflict. Some missions offer branching paths based on character choice, while others blend their abilities.
Naoe’s Romance Potential and Relationships
Many fans are curious about Assassin’s Creed Shadows Naoe romance arcs. Ubisoft hasn’t confirmed specific romantic options, but early dialogue hints at strong emotional connections. One mysterious noble, one female healer, and possibly Yasuke himself are teased as romanceable characters.
Romance, if implemented, will likely depend on player choices during dialogue trees and side missions. Like Mass Effect or Witcher 3, choices could unlock deeper bonds or alliances that impact mission outcomes.
Historical and Cultural Design Around Naoe’s Journey
The game’s setting immerses players in 16th-century Japan, with vast cities, shogunate strongholds, bamboo forests, and snowy mountain passes. Naoe’s home province—Iga—is known for its hidden ninja villages and rugged terrain.
Mid-game, Naoe explores foreign-influenced cities like Kyoto and Osaka, where traders and missionaries converge. The world’s realism is enriched by the historical accuracy of buildings, fabrics, rituals, and daily life.
To fully appreciate the game’s stunning architectural design, explore this cultural breakdown: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Chinese Architecture
What Year Is AC Shadows Set In?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set during 1579 AD, one of the most volatile periods in Japanese history. This year aligns with the real-life arrival of Yasuke in Japan and the second Iga Rebellion, where Oda Nobunaga crushed shinobi resistance.
This backdrop allows the game to explore themes of occupation, resistance, secrecy, and revolution—all while connecting with the larger Assassin-Templar conflict.
What Does Naoe Call Her Dad?
Naoe refers to her father Fujibayashi Nagato with the respectful Japanese term “Otōsan”. Flashbacks and training sequences throughout the game reveal their close bond, and his death serves as the catalyst for Naoe’s transformation.
He also plays a symbolic role in guiding her path—she often remembers his sayings during missions, especially when facing moral dilemmas.
How Tall is Naoe in Assassin’s Creed?
Based on her in-game model and cinematic shots next to Yasuke (who is around 6’2”), Naoe stands approximately 5’5” to 5’6”. Her agility and frame are built for silent movement and high-speed traversal.
Is Naoe a Real Person in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Naoe is a fictional character created by Ubisoft, although her surname Fujibayashi is rooted in real Japanese ninja lineage. Historically, the Fujibayashi clan was one of the most influential shinobi families in the Iga region during the Sengoku era. The family’s teachings are preserved in real-world ninja manuals like the Bansenshukai.
Naoe serves as a symbolic representation of that legacy, rather than a direct adaptation of a historical figure. Ubisoft blends fact and fiction by grounding her in real historical events while crafting a personal story with emotional weight and agency.
What Gender is Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Naoe identifies as female. Unlike some Assassin’s Creed protagonists whose gender can be customized (like Eivor in Valhalla), Naoe has a fixed gender tied to her story and relationships. Her femininity is portrayed authentically, avoiding stereotypes. She is not hyper-sexualized nor limited by gender tropes.
Her journey explores loss, vengeance, compassion, and philosophical awakening. The balance of strength and emotional vulnerability sets her apart and makes her one of the franchise’s most compelling female leads since Aya of Origins or Evie Frye of Syndicate.
Can I Change From Naoe to Yasuke During Missions?
In most open-world segments, players can switch between Naoe and Yasuke freely. However, during story-specific missions, the game may assign a fixed character depending on narrative context. For example, infiltration sequences typically require Naoe’s tools, while boss fights or battlefield moments suit Yasuke.
This design encourages players to explore both perspectives. Ubisoft has confirmed that each mission is crafted to showcase one assassin’s strengths without sidelining the other.
Who is the Most Loved Assassin and Where Will Naoe Rank?
Ezio Auditore da Firenze has long held the title of the franchise’s most beloved assassin. However, each new protagonist earns fans for different reasons. Bayek won admiration for his emotional depth, Kassandra for her charisma, and Edward Kenway for his roguish charm.
Naoe has the potential to join this elite group. Her combination of deep cultural roots, stealth gameplay, emotional writing, and character growth is already generating massive pre-release praise. Whether she becomes one of the most loved assassins will depend on how her full story unfolds and how players resonate with her moral compass.
How Old Was Ezio When He Died?
For reference, Ezio Auditore was born in 1459 and died in 1524, making him 65 years old at the time of his death. He had one of the longest life spans in the franchise, and his arc was covered across multiple games.
Comparing that to Naoe provides useful insight. Naoe, in her early twenties during Shadows, represents the beginning of a new lineage and ideology. Her journey is likely the origin of the Japanese Assassin Brotherhood, meaning she may take on a mentorship role in potential sequels, similar to how Ezio evolved from rebel to leader.
What Is the Shortest Assassin’s Creed Game?
Among mainline entries, Assassin’s Creed Rogue holds the record for the shortest campaign, averaging 5 to 7 hours for the main story. In contrast, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expected to deliver 30+ hours of narrative gameplay, not including side quests, exploration, and character arcs.
Naoe’s missions appear to form the emotional spine of the game. Her chapters likely include the stealth-intensive assassinations, lore-focused objectives, and deep philosophical decisions players expect from the series’ roots.
How Many Endings Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have?
Ubisoft has not officially confirmed how many endings the game features. However, leaked gameplay notes and dev interviews suggest that player choices between Naoe and Yasuke may influence how the story concludes.
Naoe’s actions throughout the game could affect not only the fate of her clan but also the broader Assassin Brotherhood in Japan. Decisions made during missions—such as whether to assassinate, spare, or expose key characters—may shape regional alliances and even Yasuke’s role in the end.
Thematic Significance of Naoe’s Arc
Naoe’s journey is filled with themes of generational trauma, cultural preservation, and ideological awakening. She does not inherit the Assassin cause by chance. She builds it from ashes, redefining what it means to fight for freedom in a time when Japan was teetering between unification and collapse.
This thematic structure makes her arc unique. It’s not simply a revenge tale or power fantasy. Naoe must face internal dilemmas—when to kill, whom to trust, and how to lead. Her decisions impact not just her future but the philosophical direction of the Creed in Japan.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Cultural Milestone
The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a turning point in Ubisoft’s global storytelling. After years of fan requests, the franchise finally embraces feudal Japan. Yet, what makes this game stand out isn’t just its location—it’s the authenticity of its characters, particularly Naoe.
Through her, the developers offer a fresh lens on Japanese history, moving beyond clichés and tropes. She is not a samurai, not a soldier, and not a passive observer. She is a shinobi—an infiltrator, observer, and architect of silent resistance. That role is revolutionary within the Assassin’s Creed world.
Final Reflection: Why Naoe is a Milestone in Assassin’s Creed
Naoe represents a shift in Assassin’s Creed storytelling. She is not just another assassin in a different era. Her development from a daughter of Iga to a symbol of resistance and strategic warfare feels grounded, earned, and emotionally compelling.
So, How Old is Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Most likely 19 to 21 years old. Yet her wisdom, combat finesse, and emotional maturity suggest someone shaped by intense loss and greater purpose. Her age may be young, but her legacy feels destined to leave a lasting impact on the Creed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Naoe based on?
Naoe is a fictional character inspired by the historical Fujibayashi ninja clan from the Iga region in Japan.
Q: How old is Gennojo?
Gennojo’s exact age has not been confirmed by Ubisoft, but he appears to be in his late 30s to early 40s.
Q: Who trained Naoe?
Naoe was trained by her father, Fujibayashi Nagato, a master shinobi and one of the last defenders of Iga’s ninja traditions.
Q: Can Naoe use a bow?
Yes. Naoe can use a bow for long-range stealth attacks, especially during infiltration and assassination missions.
Q: Is Naoe a samurai?
No. Naoe is a shinobi (ninja), not a samurai. Her role relies on stealth, agility, and subterfuge rather than honor-based combat.
Q: How many hours is AC Shadows?
The main storyline is estimated to take around 30 hours, with completionist runs reaching 60+ hours of gameplay.
Q: Is Naoe LGBTQ?
Ubisoft has not officially confirmed Naoe’s sexuality, but romance options in the game may allow for LGBTQ choices.
Q: Is Ibuki a girl in AC Shadows?
Yes. Ibuki is portrayed as a young female ally in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, assisting Naoe during certain missions.
Q: Do Naoe and Yasuke get together?
The narrative hints at a complex bond between them, but whether it becomes romantic depends on player choices.
Q: How tall is Naoe in feet?
Naoe is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, based on in-game comparisons with other characters like Yasuke.
Q: How tall was Bayek?
Bayek stood about 6 feet tall, consistent with his depiction in Assassin’s Creed Origins as a formidable Medjay.
Q: How tall is Seer?
Seer’s height varies depending on interpretation, but she is roughly 5 feet 8 inches in her narrative design.
Q: How tall is the assassin IV?
Assassin IV likely refers to Edward Kenway, who is about 6 feet 1 inch tall in the Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Q: Is Naoe or Yasuke better?
Both offer different strengths. Naoe excels in stealth and agility, while Yasuke dominates in strength and heavy combat.
Q: Does Naoe become an assassin?
Yes. Naoe becomes a formal member of the Assassin Brotherhood after embracing its values during the events of Shadows.
Q: How tall is Jafar?
In various portrayals, Jafar is around 6 feet 2 inches tall, though height can vary by adaptation.
Q: How old is Bayek in Valhalla?
Bayek does not appear in Valhalla. His story concludes decades before the events of Eivor’s saga.
Q: How tall was Ezio?
Ezio Auditore stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall during the Renaissance period portrayed in the series.
Q: Did Aya really love Bayek?
Yes, but their shared mission for justice created emotional distance, leading to a painful yet respectful separation.
Q: How tall is Lifeline?
In Apex Legends, Lifeline is listed as being around 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Q: How tall is Altair in feet?
Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is estimated to be about 6 feet tall, making him one of the taller assassins in the franchise.
Q: How old is Fuse Apex?
Fuse is approximately 54 years old in Apex Legends, known for his rugged charm and explosive combat style.
Q: How tall is the MA824?
The MA824 is not a standard Assassin’s Creed reference. Clarification would help identify its relevance.
Q: How tall is Shay Cormac?
Shay Patrick Cormac stands around 6 feet tall in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, similar to Edward and Bayek.
Q: How tall is the assassin spirit?
This is symbolic rather than literal. The “assassin spirit” refers to the ideology of freedom and resistance across timelines.
Q: Can Naoe use a bow?
Yes. Naoe wields a bow as part of her stealth loadout, ideal for silent ranged eliminations.
Q: Can the Tsuno be saved?
The fate of Tsuno depends on in-game decisions. Certain story choices may affect Tsuno’s outcome.
Q: Who is Naoe based on?
Naoe is a fictional character inspired by Japan’s historical Fujibayashi ninja clan from the Iga region.
