Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a groundbreaking feature: transmogging, allowing players to maintain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their aesthetic appeal. Dive into the details of the game's progression system and explore the extensive customization options available.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression
Transmogging and Weapon Customization
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an immersive progression system, highlighted by the ability to transmog weapons. This feature allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their preferred stats. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows released a comprehensive overview on their website, detailing how player progression and customization function within the game. Julien, the Associate Game Director, shared insights into the team's vision and the game's extensive customization options.
The transmog feature becomes available after players construct a Forge in their Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu. Julien explained, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory, where you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. We'll delve deeper into the Hideout in an upcoming article." Players can mix and match weapon components, such as combining the blade of one weapon with the guard of another and the handle of a third, to create a unique look.
New Progression Loop
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 detailed look at the progression system and its underlying mechanics.
Julien highlighted the challenge of designing progression for two protagonists, stating, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan setting required us to rethink our approach to player progression. Our aim was to stay true to the philosophy of mastery and martial arts."
Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks
AC Shadows features distinct mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their archetypes—Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai. Julien elaborated, "The unique Mastery trees allow players to focus on a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their mastery. Investing points in these trees unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing your progress."
Abilities within the Mastery trees offer new gameplay dynamics and increased damage against enemies. Access to certain abilities and points in the Mastery tree is contingent upon reaching specific Knowledge Ranks, which players can elevate 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 enable players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat improvements, influencing afflictions, or creating different gameplay conditions.
Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be played in diverse ways. The game's post showcased potential builds for each character, illustrating the depth of customization. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, excelling in ground attacks and quick engagements and disengagements. Conversely, Yasuke can be tailored for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.
With the excitement building over the past few weeks, fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game they've long anticipated.
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 on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our article below!
