Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a robust transmogging feature, allowing players to personalize their weapons and gear while maintaining desired stats. Dive into the details of what the game offers in terms of progression and customization.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an extensive look at its progression system, which includes the ability for players to transmog their weapons. This allows them to align their aesthetic preferences with their preferred stats. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed player progression and customization on its official website. Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the team's vision and the game's customizable elements.

The transmog feature in AC Shadows enables players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their original stats. This can be accessed after building a Forge in the Hideout, available directly from the inventory menu. Julien highlighted, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory, where you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. We'll delve deeper into the Hideout in a future article." Players can also mix and match different weapon parts, creating unique combinations such as a blade from one weapon, a guard from another, and a handle from a third.

New Progression Loop

During IGN Fan Fest 2025, Creative Director Charles Benoit introduced the game's combat mechanics and progression. A recent post from Ubisoft provides a more in-depth look at how player progression functions within the game.

Julien discussed the challenges of developing two distinct protagonists in the setting of feudal Japan, stating, "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, "Our goal was to stay as close as possible to the philosophy of mastery and martial art."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their respective archetypes: Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai. Julien explained, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves to a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it." She added, "The points you invest in a Mastery tree also unlock additional bonuses for that weapon or archetype, further reinforcing your progress."

Abilities within the Mastery trees offer new gameplay mechanics and enhance damage output. Access to certain abilities and Mastery tree points is contingent on achieving specific Knowledge Ranks, which players can increase through non-violent activities like finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Customizing Your Playstyle

Players can craft their ultimate playstyle with AC Shadows' extensive customization options. Perks allow for equipment modification, enhancement, or specialization, offering stat boosts, afflictions, or unique gameplay conditions that encourage varied playstyles.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be customized to suit different playstyles. The game provides example builds for each character, showcasing the depth of customization available. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, focusing on ground attacks for quick engagement and disengagement. Meanwhile, Yasuke can be built for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.

With the excitement building over the past few weeks, fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game they've been anticipating for a long time.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our related articles!