The Ultimate Weapon Guide for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed fans, mark your calendars for March 20, 2025! That’s when Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits the shelves for the Xbox Series X|S, promising an epic journey through Feudal Japan. What’s particularly exciting about this installment is the chance to step into the shoes of two fascinating characters: Naoe, the swift ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. Each brings their own set of unique weapons to the table, completely changing up the combat dynamics. Whether you’re slicing through foes or planning strategic takedowns, understanding these weapons will be crucial.

Exploring Yasuke’s Armory

Long Katana

Yasuke’s long katana is synonymous with the essence of a samurai. It’s a swift weapon, allowing Yasuke to swiftly cut through enemies with razor-sharp precision. Although it’s not the weapon with the longest reach, its speed is unmatched, making it perfect for dispatching smaller groups or any wayward ronin challenging your might.

Naginata

With the ability to deal sweeping attacks, Yasuke’s Naginata is tailor-made for crowd control, handling multiple adversaries simultaneously. It offers a longer reach compared to other melee weapons, ensuring enemies keep their distance, particularly those equipped with naginatas themselves.

Kanabo

This mighty club is all about brute strength. While heavy and slower in combat, the Kanabo can shatter through enemy defenses. Though vulnerable to interruptions in crowded battles, the destructive power of the Kanabo is formidable with light strikes capable of breaking guards and heavy ones that demolish armor.

Bow

For quieter eliminations, Yasuke employs the bow—his silent but deadly ranged weapon. Its stealth capabilities are bolstered by special abilities allowing for slowed shooting or multi-arrow releases, making it useful even in open combat scenarios.

Teppo

When stealth is unnecessary, Yasuke’s teppo rifle delivers devastating blows. Each shot demands a reload, so be ready to defend yourself with a melee weapon as foes converge. Its secondary use as a bludgeon adds utility, while explosive abilities can take out clustered opponents.

Delving into Naoe’s Arsenal

Katana

Naoe’s katana, although similar in name, is a very different beast when compared to Yasuke’s version. Fast and versatile, it incorporates an acrobatic mix of kicks and flips within her combos, serving well in both solo engagements and against multiple enemies.

Tanto/Hidden Blade

Naoe’s tanto, paired with her hidden blade, is her go-to for lightning-fast close combat. It’s all about rapid strikes, so proximity to the enemy is key. Combined with an upgrade, this weapon also unleashes dual assassinations, making it invaluable in her skilled hands.

Kusarigama

Armed with a scythe linked to a spiked metal ball via chain, Naoe’s Kusarigama is impressively versatile. Quick scythe attacks suit agile engagements, while the ball end offers wide-reaching power moves. It’s ideal for keeping adversaries at arm’s length or rushing in for an assassination.

Tools

Instead of traditional ranged arms, Naoe’s weaponry includes throwable tools. Her kunai can lethally strike unarmored foes, and shurikens are perfect for catching enemies off balance, providing a brief window to strategize your next move.

Upgrading Your Arsenal

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, upgrading your weapons is a multi-faceted endeavor. Mastery tabs for each weapon type let you spend mastery points to boost damage or unlock new capabilities. Weapons have rarity tiers—Common to Legendary—and come with unique perks. Lower-tier weapons can be upgraded, provided you invest in your Hideout’s Forge. For those who love using abilities in combat, some perks enhance adrenaline gain, especially when paired with effects like bleeding or poison.

In the sprawling world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there are no wrong choices when it comes to your loadout. Mastery comes from knowing each weapon’s strengths and managing your health against the enemy’s. With the game launching on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, now’s a great time to pre-order and secure extra content like the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest. You can even opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition, which offers exclusive gear, skills, and more to enhance your samurai and shinobi adventures.

Step confidently into Feudal Japan’s untamed beauty, as you explore engaging stories, master diverse combat styles, and build a formidable hideout to lead your shinobi league. Your legacy as the ultimate Assassin awaits!