Yasuke and Naoe each come equipped with unique weaponry that heavily influences their combat styles in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Be sure to pre-order the game on the Microsoft Store for Xbox and grab the Claws of Awaji and Thrown to the Dogs bonus for free. The game officially hits Xbox Series X|S on March 20, 2025.
On March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S, promising players an exciting adventure with two distinct heroes: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. Both characters are equipped with their own unique set of weapons, capable of equipping up to two types at a time, offering players various strengths and tactics in battle. Let’s delve into the arsenal available in Assassin’s Creed Shadows to find the perfect combination for any challenge.
Yasuke’s Weapons
Long Katana
A samurai’s bond with his katana runs deep, and Yasuke’s long katana is the epitome of speed and finesse, allowing him to swiftly carve through adversaries with deadly precision. Though not the longest in reach, its speed is perfect for tackling small enemy groups or for that cathartic samurai experience of vanquishing a rogue ronin with audacity.
Naginata
The Naginata, a long polearm, excels in dealing with crowds thanks to its sweeping attack capabilities. Although it lacks the nimbleness of the long katana, its extended reach makes it an excellent choice for keeping enemies at bay, especially those armed with similar weapons.
Kanabo
A hefty club known as the Kanabo trades speed for sheer power. Its massive force can shatter an opponent’s defenses with relative ease, taking down armor and health bars alike with brutal efficiency. However, Yasuke is open to attacks due to its slow swing in crowded fights.
Bow
For those silent takedowns, Yasuke turns to the bow, which is essential for any stealth approach, letting him eliminate foes quietly from afar. Upgrading abilities can even slow time during a shot or rain multiple arrows in quick bursts, making it a handy option in open combat scenarios too.
Teppo
When stealth isn’t a priority, Yasuke reaches for his trusty teppo rifle. Though loud and attention-grabbing, the teppo delivers a powerful impact. After each shot, you’ll need to reload, potentially switching to melee if surrounded. It’s more than just a firearm—abilities like explosive gunpowder sacks enhance its tactical use, and it can function dually as a club for close encounters.
Naoe’s Weapons
Katana
Naoe wields her katana in contrast to Yasuke’s method, incorporating fluid kicks and flips seamlessly with her strikes. The shorter katana provides a balance of speed and agility, making it superb against individual foes or smaller groups; no blade is slow in Naoe’s nimble hands.
Tanto/Hidden Blade
With the tanto, a quick dagger, Naoe can unleash a rapid succession of strikes paired seamlessly with her Hidden Blade. Though its range is limited, it’s particularly effective against single enemies. A mastery upgrade even enables dual assassinations when the tanto is equipped.
Kusarigama
Naoe’s kusarigama, featuring a scythe and weighted chain, boasts versatility. Quick scythe strikes contrast with powerful chain swings, making it effective against groups and maintaining distance. This adaptable weapon demands precise control, causing chaos in confined spaces but wreaking havoc with heavy swings.
Tools
Naoe lacks traditional ranged weapons but isn’t short on distance options. Her kunai can dispatch foes with pinpoint accuracy, while shurikens offer less damage, primarily serving to stun enemies and strategize the next move.
Upgrading Weapons
Enhancing your weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows comes in different forms. Each weapon features a mastery tab for upgrading damage and unlocking new abilities. Weapons must be of a lower or matching level before equipping, but upgrading through a Hideout Forge elevates a weapon’s stats to align with your level. Additionally, weapons vary in rarity from Common to Legendary, each with unique perks. Rare and above weapons provide extra customization, offering perks to complement playstyles, such as boosting adrenaline gain with afflicted enemies.
Your choice of weaponry and combinations is vast in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, allowing for mastery of every tool at your disposal. As long as you stay ahead in health, victory is near.
The official release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, so there’s still time to pre-order on the Microsoft Store to receive a free Claws of Awaji expansion, launching later in 2025, and the Thrown to the Dogs quest. Consider the Digital Deluxe Edition as well for additional content like the Sekiryu Dual Pack and Hideout Pack, which offer exclusive weapons, gear, and customization options. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an epic journey through Feudal Japan!
