Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Deep Dive into Progression and Customization
Transmogging and Weapon Customization
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers players extensive customization options, including a robust transmogging system. In a March 1, 2025, website post, Associate Game Director Julien detailed the game's progression and customization features. Players can visually alter their weapons without sacrificing their stats. This transmogging feature unlocks after creating a Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.
Julien explained the Forge's central role in inventory management, stating, "Overall, the Forge plays a key part in managing your inventory. There you can upgrade or dismantle weapons & gear, but we will share more in an upcoming article on the Hideout." Furthermore, players enjoy unparalleled freedom in weapon appearance, mixing and matching blades, guards, and handles from different weapons. The post highlighted this flexibility, stating, "The final result could be the blade of one weapon, with the guard of another, and the handle of your newly acquired one."
A New Progression Loop
Following up on IGN Fan Fest 2025 discussions with Creative Director Charles Benoit regarding combat and progression, Ubisoft provided a deeper look into AC Shadows' mechanics. Julien addressed the challenge of designing progression for two protagonists, explaining, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression." She emphasized the team's commitment to a philosophy of mastery and martial arts.
Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks
AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for Naoe (shinobi/assassin) and Yasuke (samurai). These trees cater to their respective archetypes. Julien explained, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves into a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it." Mastery tree investments unlock additional bonuses, further enhancing progress.
Abilities, found within the mastery trees, introduce new gameplay elements and increased damage. However, access to certain abilities and mastery points requires reaching specific Knowledge Ranks, increased through non-violent activities like finding Lost Pages, praying at Shrines, Kuji-kiri Meditation (Naoe), or learning new Kata (Yasuke).
Customizing Your Playstyle
AC Shadows allows for extensive playstyle customization. Perks modify, enhance, or specialize equipment, offering stat improvements, influencing afflictions, and creating unique gameplay conditions. Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke offer diverse build possibilities. The post showcased examples: Naoe can adopt an aggressive, high-damage ground combat style, while Yasuke can focus on stealth and ranged attacks. Specific perks and abilities enhance these playstyles.
With recent reveals, anticipation for AC Shadows' March 20, 2025 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC is high. For the latest news, check out [ttpp] our article below!
