The Ultimate Guide to Weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

On March 20, 2025, players on Xbox Series X|S are in for a treat with the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where they’ll step into the worlds of two distinctly different characters: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the towering samurai. Each character brings their own unique fighting style to the table, equipped with a tailored set of weapons that offer varied strengths and tactics in battle. Let’s dive into the weaponry and strategies that make each character a formidable opponent.

Yasuke’s Armory

Long Katana

Yasuke without his long katana is like a samurai without honor. This speedy weapon is all about deftly slicing through enemies with razor-sharp precision. Its shorter range may not cover much ground, but its swift slashes are perfect for taking on smaller groups of adversaries—or simply living the fantasy of a samurai effortlessly cutting down a bold ronin who dared to challenge him.

Naginata

Think of the naginata as Yasuke’s trusty polearm for crowd control. Although not as swift as the katana, it boasts unparalleled reach, making it great for fending off multiple foes at once. Facing enemies wielding similar weapons? The naginata is your perfect match in those situations, keeping those threats at bay.

Kanabo

Yasuke’s kanabo is the definition of raw power. Sacrificing speed for might, this massive club delivers crushing blows that break through defenses and armor in the blink of an eye. But be cautious; its heft could leave Yasuke exposed in the midst of numerous attackers ready to disrupt his swings.

Bow

Silent but deadly, the bow is Yasuke’s weapon of choice when stealth is paramount. It’s extraordinarily effective at picking off faraway guards without raising an alarm. And with the right abilities, you can manipulate time or shoot multiple arrows rapidly, transforming the bow into a lethal asset during larger skirmishes.

Teppo

For times when subtlety isn’t on the agenda, the teppo rifle takes center stage. Get ready for some major noise and attention, as each thundering shot demands a pause for reloading. This dynamic weapon isn’t just a one-trick pony; it can clear entire areas with gunpowder explosions or serve as a club for any close-range foes daring enough to approach.

Naoe’s Arsenal

Katana

While both Naoe and Yasuke swing a katana, Naoe’s style is a whirlwind of acrobatics, weaving swift kicks and flips with slices and slashes. It’s a balanced weapon that excels in one-on-one battles and smaller opponent clusters.

Tanto/Hidden Blade

With her tanto paired with a hidden blade, Naoe transforms into a frenzy of lightning-fast strikes. Close proximity is needed to unleash its full potential, making it ideal for single targets. Equip the tanto as one of her primary weapons, and Naoe gains the ability to perform stealthy dual assassinations, further expanding her assassin repertoire.

Kusarigama

Combining a scythe and a weighted chain, the kusarigama is Naoe’s versatile tool for nearly any battle. Quick scythe jabs contrast with swings of the chain’s metal ball for crowd control. Just be aware of collateral damage—heavy attacks don’t discriminate against crates, doors, or trees. Mastery builds allow Naoe to harness the hooks to zip to her next target with deadly speed.

Tools

Instead of traditional projectile weapons, Naoe turns to throwable devices. Her kunai are lethal enough to bring down most unarmored foes with a single shot, while her shuriken are best employed to stagger foes, buying precious seconds to regroup or press your attack.

Weapon Upgrades

In the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, upgrading weapons is key to success. Each weapon type benefits from a specialized mastery path to enhance damage and unlock unique skills. Levels matter, too, as weapons need to match your current player level. With the right forge, you can enhance lower-level weapons to keep pace with your growth.

Weapons come in varying levels of rarity—Common to Legendary—with the uncommon and rarer versions sporting engraved perks for bonuses like improved critical hit chances. Customize these perks at your blacksmith to suit your fighting style, such as increasing adrenaline gain when attacking afflicted enemies. This syncs perfectly with weapons that cause debuffs like bleeding or poison, ensuring you remain a formidable force.

So gear up, master the weapons of both Naoe and Yasuke, and find your perfect fighting style. Remember, as long as you’re outlasting the enemy, you’re winning.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows arrives on March 20, 2025. Pre-ordering on the Microsoft Store for Xbox unlocks the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest, both complementary add-ons. The Deluxe Edition expands the content further with exclusive gear, hideout customizations, and additional mastery points. Prepare to dive into the chaotic and enthralling world of Feudal Japan this spring!