Dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where the art of customization reaches new heights, allowing players to truly personalize their gameplay experience. Learn more about the game's innovative features and how they enhance your journey through feudal Japan.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an immersive experience with its detailed progression system, highlighted by the game's transmog feature. This feature, detailed on the official website on March 1, 2025, allows players to tailor their weapons to their preferred aesthetics without sacrificing performance. Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the game’s vision, emphasizing the importance of customization in enhancing player engagement.

In AC Shadows, players can modify weapon stats to retain their preferred performance while changing the weapon's appearance. This is achieved through the Forge, a key component of the Hideout that can be unlocked and accessed directly from the inventory menu. Julien noted, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory, where you can upgrade or dismantle weapons & gear. We'll delve deeper into the Hideout in an upcoming article." Players can mix and match components, such as the blade from one weapon, the guard from another, and the handle from a newly acquired one, to create a unique look.

New Progression Loop

Building on the insights shared by Creative Director Charles Benoit at IGN Fan Fest 2025, Ubisoft has released a comprehensive overview of the progression mechanics in AC Shadows. Julien discussed the challenges and innovations involved in crafting a progression system for two protagonists set in feudal Japan, stating, "Our dual protagonists, each with unique archetypes, inspired us to rethink player progression while staying true to the philosophy of mastery and martial arts."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces individual Mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, designed to deepen players' engagement with their chosen archetypes. Naoe, as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke, as a samurai, each have tailored trees that allow players to specialize in specific weapons, playstyles, or archetypes. Julien explained, "Our Mastery trees are designed to give players the freedom to master a particular weapon or style, unlocking additional bonuses that reinforce their progress."

Abilities within these trees not only enhance gameplay but also require players to reach certain Knowledge Ranks, achieved through non-violent activities like finding Lost Pages, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ultimate playstyle through various customization features. Perks allow for modifications that can enhance or specialize equipment, impacting stats, afflictions, and gameplay conditions, encouraging diverse playstyles.

Despite their initial archetypes, both Naoe and Yasuke can be customized to fit different playstyles. The game's official post showcased potential builds, such as Naoe with an exotic combat style focused on ground attacks for quick engagement and disengagement, or Yasuke with a stealth and ranged build, enhancing his stealth and archery capabilities.

As Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to unveil its depth and customization options leading up to its release, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to explore this richly detailed world.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our dedicated article.