Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces an exciting feature for players: transmogging. This allows you to keep the stats of your weapons while customizing their appearance to match your preferred aesthetic. Dive in to discover more about the game's progression system and the depth of its customization options.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression
Transmogging and Weapon Customization
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers players a comprehensive view of the game’s progression, highlighted by the ability to transmog weapons. This feature allows players to tailor their weapons to their desired look while retaining preferred stats. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows released a detailed overview on its official website, explaining player progression and customization. AC Shadows Associate Game Director Julien discussed the team’s vision, emphasizing the game's extensive customization options.
The transmog feature enables players to alter the appearance of their weapons while maintaining their stats. If you find a weapon with great stats but an unappealing look, you can change its appearance through the Forge, which you can unlock by building it in the Hideout. Once unlocked, the Forge is accessible directly from the inventory menu.
Julien noted, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory. Here, you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear, but we'll cover more about the Hideout in a future article." Players can also mix and match weapon parts, creating a unique look by combining the blade of one weapon with the guard of another and the handle of a third.
New Progression Loop
Earlier, at IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat mechanics and progression. Ubisoft's latest post provides a more in-depth look at how player progression works and the mechanics behind it.
Julien highlighted the challenges of designing progression for two protagonists, saying, "With two distinct characters and unique archetypes set in feudal Japan, we had to rethink our approach to player progression." She added, "Our goal was to stay true to the philosophy of mastery and martial arts."
Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks
AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Naoe, a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke, a samurai, each have a mastery tree tailored to their archetypes.
Julien explained, "The mastery trees allow players to focus on mastering a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their expertise." She continued, "Investing points in these trees unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing your progress."
Abilities within the mastery trees offer new gameplay mechanics and increased damage. However, accessing certain abilities and points requires reaching specific Knowledge Ranks, which can be achieved 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
AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ultimate playstyle through various customization features. Perks allow for modifications, enhancements, or specialization of equipment, offering stat boosts, influencing afflictions, or creating new gameplay conditions.
Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be played in diverse ways. The game provides examples of different builds for each character, showcasing the extensive customization options. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, excelling in ground attacks and quick engagements and disengagements. Conversely, Yasuke can be configured for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.
With the detailed insights AC Shadows has shared in recent weeks leading up to its release, fans are eagerly anticipating the game's arrival.
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 article below!
