Assassin’s Creed Shadows is gearing up for release on March 20, 2025, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S, offering players the chance to dive into the diverse playstyles of two unique protagonists—Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. This dynamic duo stands apart not only in persona but also in their weaponry, each tailored to suit their distinct combat approaches. Here, I’ll walk you through the arsenal available in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, helping you equip yourself strategically for every challenge.
Weapons in Yasuke’s Arsenal
The Long Katana is arguably Yasuke’s signature weapon, offering swift, precise strikes to take down foes efficiently. While it may not boast extensive reach, its speed makes it perfect for dispatching small enemy groups and those moments when you want to channel your inner samurai against wandering ronins.
Next, the Naginata, a polearm with sweeping capabilities, is ideal for holding back large crowds. Despite its slower pace compared to the katana, it offers unparalleled reach for Yasuke, allowing him to strike from a safe distance—especially useful against adversaries wielding similar weapons.
Yasuke’s Kanabo brings raw power to the battlefield, trading speed for brute strength. Even light blows with this massive club can shatter defenses, making it perfect for dismantling heavily armored opponents. However, it requires caution in large skirmishes, where multiple attackers can take advantage of its sluggishness.
For distance engagements, Yasuke wields a Bow, the perfect stealth tool for silently dealing with guards from afar. Its abilities to slow time and unleash rapid arrow flurries enable it to handle multiple threats effectively.
When subtlety isn’t the goal, the Teppo, a powerful rifle, delivers decisive blows albeit at the risk of drawing unwanted attention. After each shot, a reload is necessary, urging swift transitions to melee combat when enemies close in. This weapon isn’t limited to direct firepower; its versatility includes blowing up gunpowder kegs and doubling as a melee club to create chaos.
Naoe’s Unique Weapons
Naoe handles a Katana with her distinctive flair, incorporating acrobatic kicks and flips into her combat style. This weapon boasts medium speed and is a balanced choice for facing both individual adversaries and smaller groups.
Her Tanto/Hidden Blade combo suits quick, close-quarter engagements. While its range is limited, Naoe’s speed transforms it into a deadly tool for rapid strikes, and its mastery can augment her assassination capabilities, allowing for dual eliminations.
The Kusarigama, blending a scythe with a chained metal ball, might be Naoe’s most adaptable tool. Light and heavy attacks cater to taking down groups from a distance, and its chain provides the range to stay out of harm’s way. Its potency is unmatched, although caution is advised to prevent collateral damage.
Instead of conventional ranged weapons, Naoe employs Tools like kunai and shuriken, designed for silent kills and strategic diversion. The kunai dispatch unarmored foes swiftly, while the shuriken disrupt your enemies, creating tactical advantages.
Enhancing Your Arsenal
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can enhance their equipment through mastery tabs, boosting damage and unlocking new abilities as they invest mastery points. Weapons adhere to a tiered rarity system—Common through Legendary—offering a variety of perks. By accessing a Forge in your Hideout, lower-level weapons can be upgraded to match your character’s level, enhancing their base attributes.
Rare weapons come with various engravings, providing bonuses like increased critical hit chances. Combine these with status effects like bleeding or poison for effective combat strategies, ensuring adrenaline levels remain high for ability usage.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong way to equip your characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Mastery over these tools, complemented by having more health than your foes, is your key to success.
This epic journey through Feudal Japan releases on March 20, 2025. By pre-ordering through the Microsoft Store, you’ll gain access to the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest. Fans can also opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition, offering bonus gear, the Sekiryu Dual Pack, and more—making it an adventure well worth planning for. As you step into this world, prepare to wield these weapons with finesse and explore the depth of the narrative waiting in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
