Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to make its grand entrance on March 20, 2025, exclusively on Xbox Series X|S. This thrilling installment in the Assassin’s Creed series lets you embody two contrasting characters: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. Each character has distinctive combat styles defined by their choice of weaponry, making strategic play an essential part of the game.
Yasuke’s Arsenal
Yasuke, the towering samurai, wields a variety of impressive weapons, each with its strategic advantages:
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Long Katana: This sleek and speedy weapon allows Yasuke to conduct rapid, precise attacks. While its range is limited compared to other weapons, its swiftness is perfect for smaller skirmishes or up-close dueling against overconfident foes.
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Naginata: With its superior reach, the Naginata is ideal for clearing groups of foes while maintaining a safe distance. Despite its slower speed compared to speedier weapons, it’s immensely useful in effectively managing multiple adversaries.
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Kanabo: Unleashing the raw power of the Kanabo, a massive club, can quickly shatter enemy defenses. Although heavy and cumbersome, its sheer force can dismantle an opponent’s guard and armor in mere seconds, though Yasuke becomes vulnerable amid ongoing assaults.
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Bow: Yasuke’s bow excels in long-range engagements, especially when stealth is required. It allows for silent takedowns from afar and includes special abilities for dynamic long-range combat, such as shooting multiple arrows swiftly or slowing time to improve accuracy.
- Teppo (Rifle): When subtlety isn’t the aim, Yasuke turns to his trusty rifle. This weapon demands careful timing with its reloads but offers powerful, attention-grabbing strikes. Unique abilities with the teppo enable explosive damage and offer creative uses like clubbing foes.
Naoe’s Equipment
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Katana: Although similar in form, Naoe’s katana style is distinct from Yasuke’s swift and dynamic, often incorporating acrobatics into combat sequences. It’s a versatile choice for both single combat and engaging small enemy groups.
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Tanto/Hidden Blade: Naoe’s dagger combination offers breathtakingly fast strikes at close range and is invaluable for tackling individual enemies. Furthermore, it can be upgraded for performing dual assassinations.
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Kusarigama: This intriguing weapon combines a scythe with a chain-linked metal ball for diverse attack styles. It launches nimble strikes with its scythe and uses heavy, sweeping motions with the ball to control crowd-rich engagements. Mid-range flexibility allows tactical retreat or attack advancements.
- Tools: While Naoe doesn’t rely on traditional ranged options, her arsenal includes throwable tools like kunai and shuriken, each useful for differing purposes from finishing foes to offering momentary distractions in intense battles.
Enhancing Your Arsenal
Weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be customized with a spectrum of improvements through mastery points and crafting in your Hideout’s Forge. As you advance, weapons can be leveled to match your progress, ensuring their stats remain effective in combat.
These weapons are classified into five rarities: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. As you progress, you can equip perks that enhance combat effectiveness, like increasing adrenaline accumulation for special abilities when facing afflicted foes.
Get Ready for Adventure
The countdown is on for the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. By pre-ordering through the Microsoft Store, you’ll access the Claws of Awaji expansion and the adventurous Thrown to the Dogs quest at no extra charge. Or you might choose the Digital Deluxe Edition, which offers a host of extras including character gear, mastery bonuses, and customization options for your Hideout.
Immerse yourself in the chaotic yet beautiful world of Feudal Japan, where you’ll toggle between a mystery-driven ninja and a legendary samurai, each on a journey through stunning open-world landscapes. Will you adopt the stealthy path or wield undeniable power? It’s a saga where your choices and styles define your fate.
