Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces an innovative transmogging feature, allowing players to retain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their aesthetic appearance. 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 a comprehensive view of its progression mechanics, including a robust transmog system. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows shared an extensive breakdown on their website detailing how player progression and customization operate within the game. AC Shadows Associate Game Director Julien provided insights into the team’s vision and the game's customization depth.

Players can utilize the transmog feature to alter the appearance of their weapons while maintaining their preferred stats. This allows for a personalized look without compromising performance. To unlock this feature, players must establish a Forge in their Hideout, which can then be accessed through the inventory menu.

Julien highlighted the significance of the Forge, stating, "Overall, the Forge plays a key part in managing your inventory. There you can upgrade or dismantle weapons & gear, but we will share more in an upcoming article on the Hideout." The game also supports mixing and matching weapon components, allowing players to combine the blade of one weapon with the guard of another and the handle of a third, as detailed in the post.

New Progression Loop

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat mechanics and progression. Ubisoft followed up with a detailed exploration of player progression and its underlying mechanics.

Julien elaborated on the challenges of developing progression for two protagonists in the feudal Japan setting, saying, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression." She emphasized the team's commitment 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 respective archetypes—Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai.

Julien explained, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves into a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it." She added that investing points in the Mastery tree unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing the player's progression.

Abilities within the Mastery trees unlock new gameplay mechanics and increase damage output against enemies. However, some abilities and points are only accessible after 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 options. Perks allow players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat boosts, affliction influences, or unique conditions that encourage diverse playstyles.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be tailored to suit different playstyles. The game provides example builds for each character, illustrating the depth of customization. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, enhancing ground attacks and enabling swift engagement and disengagement from enemies. Conversely, Yasuke can be configured for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities boosting his stealth capabilities and archery skills.

With the excitement building up to its release, fans eagerly anticipate experiencing the extensive features Assassin’s Creed Shadows has to offer.

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!