Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to make its grand entrance on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, thrusting players into the roles of two uniquely different warriors: Naoe, an expert ninja with unmatched agility, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai with immense power. Their contrasting combat styles extend to the weaponry they wield, allowing players to switch between two weapons to tackle any battle scenario. Let’s dive into the arsenal you’ll have at your disposal in this epic adventure.
Yasuke’s Weapons
Long Katana
Yasuke, as a samurai, is intrinsically connected to his long katana, the swiftest weapon in his collection. Despite its relatively short range, its speed is unmatched, making it perfect for slicing through smaller enemy packs or confronting a lone ronin daring enough to stand in your path.
Naginata
The naginata, a powerful polearm, excels in crowd control with its sweeping attacks, though it sacrifices speed for reach. This formidable weapon lets Yasuke keep adversaries at bay and is especially effective against foes wielding similar equipment.
Kanabo
This massive club may be slow, but the Kanabo’s raw power can shatter defenses and armor with ease. While vulnerable during its slower swings, it can obliterate health bars when timed correctly against relentless assaults.
Bow
For Yasuke, the bow is a silent partner in crime—the go-to for dispatching guards from afar without raising alarms. Special abilities like slowing down time while aiming or firing bursts of arrows make it adaptable even during hectic skirmishes.
Teppo
When stealth isn’t a priority, the teppo rifle brings heavy firepower to the table, albeit at the cost of noise and the need to reload after each shot. With features like explosive capabilities and the option to use the rifle as a makeshift club, it’s a versatile addition to your strategic options.
Naoe’s Weapons
Katana
Naoe’s approach to the katana is distinct, incorporating dynamic moves like kicks and flips into her attack combinations. This medium-speed weapon suits her nimble fighting style, handling both one-on-one confrontations and small groups with flair.
Tanto/Hidden Blade
The tanto, a rapid dagger, complements Naoe’s Hidden Blade in delivering speedy attacks at close range. Ideal for single-target engagements, its lethal potential is amplified by upgrades that allow dual stealth kills.
Kusarigama
Arguably Naoe’s most adaptable weapon, the Kusarigama combines a scythe with a chain-linked spiked ball. Quick hits with the scythe and sweeping strikes with the ball make it effective against multiple foes while providing strategic range.
Tools
While Naoe doesn’t equip traditional ranged weapons, her toolkit includes throwables like kunai for quick eliminations and shuriken for stunning mid-fight, allowing tactical repositioning or quick follow-up attacks.
Upgrading Weapons
To enhance your weaponry in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you can allocate mastery points within dedicated tabs to boost damage and unlock powerful abilities. Weapon levels must align with your player level, but a Forge in your Hideout allows you to upgrade them accordingly. Weapons vary in rarity from Common to Legendary, with perks that can be customized to augment your playstyle. Whether boosting adrenaline gain or inflicting conditions like bleeding, your approach to combat is yours to shape.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there’s no wrong path—mastery of all weapons is key to becoming a true Assassin. Whatever your strategy, staying ahead of your foes’ health will ensure your success.
The game launches March 20, 2025, but there’s still time to pre-order on the Microsoft Store for Xbox. Early birds will snag the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest at no extra cost. Upgrading to the Digital Deluxe Edition unlocks a treasure trove of goodies, including exclusive gear and customization options for your hideout, all setting the stage for your journey through Feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Embrace the destiny of both a legendary samurai and a skilled shinobi.
