With Assassin’s Creed Shadows scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, players are in for a treat as they step into the shoes of two contrasting characters: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. These distinct warriors come with their own distinctive arsenals, offering varied styles and strategies in combat. Players can equip Naoe and Yasuke with up to two types of weapons, each with its own unique abilities. Here’s a detailed look at the arsenal available to dominate any battlefield in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Yasuke’s Weapons
Long Katana
Yasuke wouldn’t be a true samurai without his long katana. It’s his swiftest weapon, slicing through the opposition with ease and grace. Although it lacks long-range reach, its speed is perfect for taking down small enemy groups and offering that authentic samurai vibe as you cut down overconfident foes.
Naginata
For sweeping strikes and dealing with crowds, the Naginata polearm is Yasuke’s go-to. While it lags a bit in speed compared to the katana, its impressive reach allows Yasuke to maintain safe distances from his enemies, especially useful when confronting adversaries wielding their own naginatas.
Kanabo
This hefty club compensates for its slower speed by delivering devastating force. Its light attacks crush guards’ defenses, while each successive strike dismantles enemy armor and health with shocking efficiency. However, Yasuke must stay vigilant against large groups that can interrupt the Kanabo’s momentum.
Bow
For those preferring subtlety, Yasuke’s bow offers stealthy elimination from afar. Silent but deadly, the bow excels at picking off guards quietly. Additionally, with abilities to slow time or unleash multiple arrows in succession, it becomes a formidable choice even in chaotic skirmishes.
Teppo
Sometimes, stealth isn’t the answer. When Yasuke fires the teppo rifle, it commands attention with its thunderous impact. While reloading after each powerful shot is necessary, the rifle offers abilities that create area-of-effect mayhem and can even be wielded in close-quarters combat.
Naoe’s Weapons
Katana
In Naoe’s hands, the katana transforms into an extension of her acrobatic fighting style. Her attacks blend graceful flips with sharp strikes, making this medium-speed weapon versatile for both single opponents and moderate gatherings.
Tanto/Hidden Blade
Sporting a tanto dagger alongside her hidden blade, Naoe darts forward with dizzying flurries of strikes. This weapon’s limited range requires a close approach but rewards with dual assassinations if paired with the Assassin mastery tab’s upgrades.
Kusarigama
Perhaps Naoe’s most adaptable weapon, the kusarigama combines a scythe and a metal ball for dynamic combat. Its light attacks are quick with the scythe, while heavy swings with the ball control large groups, offering Naoe the choice between reach and safety.
Tools
Naoe swaps traditional ranged weapons for throwable tools, adding tactical utility to her kit. Her kunai deal lethal blows to unarmored foes, while shurikens stun adversaries, providing a tactical edge in tense engagements.
Upgrading Weapons
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces myriad ways to enhance weaponry. Mastery tabs allow players to allocate points for improved damage and abilities. Weapons are tiered in rarity, with slots for unique perks increasing as rarity grows. Players can engrain effects that complement their combat style, such as boosting adrenaline gain for abilities.
Ultimately, there’s no definitive weapon configuration. Master Assassins will adapt to every scenario, ensuring triumph as long as their health exceeds their targets’.
With the release approaching, Xbox players still have the opportunity to pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows through the Microsoft Store, gaining access to the Claws of Awaji expansion and a bonus quest. For those eager for more, the Digital Deluxe Edition offers additional gear and customization options to enhance your journey. Explore Feudal Japan in its turbulent beauty and forge your path as an indomitable Assassin.