Yasuke and Naoe each bring their own distinctive style to combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, complemented by exclusive weapons that redefine their fighting techniques. Secure your pre-order for the game on the Microsoft Store for Xbox now, and you’ll score the Claws of Awaji expansion and an additional bonus quest named Thrown to the Dogs for free. March 20, 2025, marks the official release date for Xbox Series X|S.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits the shelves on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, introducing players to an adventure where they can step into the shoes of two unique characters: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. These characters not only differ in style but also in weapon choices. Both Naoe and Yasuke can arm themselves with a pair of weapon categories, each offering its own set of advantages and tactical approaches. Here’s your guide to all the weaponry available in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, helping you to tailor your armory for any battle.
### Yasuke’s Arsenal
#### Long Katana
The katana is the quintessential samurai weapon, and Yasuke’s lengthy version stands out for its incredible speed, enabling swift and precise enemy strikes. While it doesn’t cover the most ground, its brisk attack makes it ideal for engaging small enemy clusters or for that classic samurai experience of meeting a lone challenger.
#### Naginata
With its polearm design, the Naginata excels at sweeping assaults, an excellent choice for groups of adversaries. Though it lacks the rapidity of the katana, it boasts an impressive range, letting you maintain a safe distance from threats. It becomes especially advantageous when clashing with opponents who wield similar weapons.
#### Kanabo
This mighty club might trade speed for raw power, but its devastating hits are worth it. Even its light attacks can break through enemy defenses, and further swings can dismantle armor swiftly. While wielding the Kanabo, Yasuke is at risk of attacks from numerous foes due to its slow pace, emphasizing the need for strategic positioning.
#### Bow
As one of Yasuke’s go-to ranged options, the bow serves as a silent eliminator, ideal for taking out foes from afar without alerting others. Clever abilities slow down time for precise shots or unleash multiple arrows quickly, making it suitable for both stealth and open battles.
#### Teppo
The Teppo rifle is your go-to for high-impact, albeit attention-drawing, engagements. It demands reloading after each shot, so having a melee weapon ready is wise as foes close in. More than just a firearm, its abilities include explosive area effects and doubling as a surprisingly effective club.
### Naoe’s Weapons
#### Katana
In Naoe’s hands, the katana transforms, seamlessly integrating kicks and flips into its combat flow. This medium-speed weapon is versatile, perfect for individual duels and dealing with small cohorts, providing a balance of speed and agility.
#### Tanto/Hidden Blade
Speed is the essence of the tanto, paired with a Hidden Blade for delivering flurries of rapid hits. Its short range demands close quarters, but excels in personal encounters. An upgrade to Naoe’s Assassin skills allows for dual assassinations with the tanto in play.
#### Kusarigama
This weapon alternates between a swift scythe and a weighted chain end for versatile combat. Light attacks are quick and sharp, while heavy attacks devastate large groups with sweeping blows. Its extensive range allows for tactical distancing.
Naoe can use the Kusarigama effectively at almost any time, keeping foes at bay while managing collateral damage with its expansive reach. Passive enhancements boost her ability to leverage this weapon during surprise attacks.
#### Tools
While Naoe lacks traditional ranged weapons, her arsenal includes throwable tools, ideal for off-guard eliminations or in-combat diversion. Kunai can eliminate unarmored targets in one hit, while shuriken briefly stagger foes, creating openings for decisive actions.
### Weapon Upgrades
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers numerous methods to enhance your weapons. Every type has a mastery tab dedicated to upgrading damage and unlocking abilities. Weapons level alongside characters, and the Forge in your Hideout allows you to boost equipment to match your current stats.
Weapons feature five rarity levels: Common to Legendary. While uncommon varieties offer one engraved perk, rarer types offer two slots for unique engravings. Afflict damage for adrenaline boosts and maintain your edge in combat by selecting strategic perks matching your style.
There’s no definitive weapon loadout; mastering all weaponry ensures your superiority. Keep your health higher than your opponents, and you’re in the clear.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows drops on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. Pre-order through the Microsoft Store on Xbox to snag the Claws of Awaji extension and Thrown to the Dogs quest at no extra cost. The Shadows Digital Deluxe Edition also awaits, featuring additional gear, points, and customization options for enthusiasts wanting an all-inclusive experience.
Feel free to delve deeper into Feudal Japan’s enchanting world, unraveling its mysteries through evolving weather, seasons, and environments. Combine the distinct playstyles of the swift Naoe and the precise Yasuke, unveiling their intertwined fates. Forge your network of informants, crafting alliances with unique skills to aid your missions, and build a fortified hideout for your shinobi consortium. Customize your base’s infrastructure, engage in crafting, and interact with pivotal characters, bringing your vision for Japan’s new era to life.
