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, highlighted by its robust transmogging system. In a March 1, 2025, website post, the team detailed player progression and customization, with Associate Game Director Julien outlining their vision. The game allows players to separate weapon stats from their appearance. If you love a weapon's stats but hate its look, transmog lets you keep the powerful stats while changing the cosmetic appearance. This feature unlocks after building a Forge in your Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.

Julien explained the Forge's central 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, players can mix and match weapon components for truly unique looks: "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

Building on Creative Director Charles Benoit's IGN Fan Fest 2025 presentation on combat mechanics, Ubisoft's new post delves deeper into player progression. Julien discussed the challenges of designing progression for 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." The team aimed to maintain the core philosophy of mastery and martial arts.

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." Investing points unlocks additional bonuses, reinforcing player progress.

Abilities found within the Mastery trees provide gameplay-altering twists and increased damage. However, access to certain abilities and Mastery tree points requires reaching specific Knowledge Ranks. These ranks increase 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 modify, enhance, or specialize equipment, providing stat improvements, influencing afflictions, and creating unique gameplay conditions.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke offer diverse builds. Example builds demonstrate this depth: Naoe can be built for aggressive ground combat with quick engagement/disengagement, while Yasuke can be customized for stealth and ranged attacks, leveraging perks and abilities to enhance stealth and archery.

With the recent reveals leading up to its release, fans eagerly anticipate Assassin’s Creed Shadows, launching March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with our upcoming articles!