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, blog 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 constructing a Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.

Julien explained the Forge's role in inventory management: "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, the game allows for mixing and matching weapon components: "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 about combat and progression (Creative Director Charles Benoit), Ubisoft provided a deeper look into AC Shadows' progression mechanics. Julien addressed the design challenges of having two protagonists: "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 game's commitment to a "philosophy of mastery and martial art."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for Naoe (shinobi/assassin) and Yasuke (samurai). Each tree focuses on their respective archetypes.

Julien stated, "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, reinforcing player progress. Abilities within these trees provide gameplay-altering effects 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 offers extensive playstyle customization. Perks allow players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," providing stat boosts, affliction influences, and condition-based gameplay changes. Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke offer diverse build possibilities. Examples include a damage-focused, mobile ground combat style for Naoe, and a stealth/ranged build for Yasuke, utilizing perks and abilities to enhance these playstyles.

With the recent reveals leading up to its launch, anticipation for Assassin's Creed Shadows is high.

Assassin's Creed Shadows releases March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest news, check out [ttpp] (link to article).