Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to make its debut on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, and it invites players into the thrilling worlds of two distinct characters: Naoe, a nimble ninja, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. The game cleverly distinguishes them not just through their fighting styles but also their choice of weaponry. Each character can wield up to two different weapon types at a time, allowing players to explore various combat strategies. Let’s dive into what each character has to offer in terms of weapons, so you can figure out what suits your playstyle best.
### Yasuke’s Arsenal
#### Long Katana
The katana is a symbol of the samurai, and for Yasuke, his long katana is key. It’s the quickest weapon in his arsenal, designed for those who prefer speed over reach. This sword is perfect for swiftly cutting down small groups of enemies—or for that dramatic moment when you channel your inner samurai against a rival ronin.
#### Naginata
The naginata is a polearm that excels in crowd control, thanks to its ability to perform sweeping attacks. While it might be a bit slower than Yasuke’s katana, its impressive range lets you keep enemies at bay, making it ideal for skirmishes against fellow naginata-wielders or any larger groups.
#### Kanabo
If sheer power is more your style, then the kanabo, a hefty club, is your weapon of choice. Though it’s slower than other options, its crushing blows can break an enemy’s guard with ease and can rapidly whittle away both armor and health. Just be wary of Yasuke’s vulnerability to attacks during its slow swings in crowded fights.
#### Bow
For those moments when you need to strike from a distance or silence is golden, Yasuke’s bow is the answer. It’s a stealthy option for taking out guards quietly from afar. Special skills let you slow time or unleash multiple arrows quickly, making the bow effective even when things get up close and personal.
#### Teppo
When stealth falls by the wayside, the teppo rifle delivers power in spades but comes with the drawback of being loud and requiring a reload after every shot. This necessitates switching to a melee weapon when enemies rush in. But don’t underestimate it—certain skills allow for explosive area damage or even using the rifle as a cudgel before firing for a dramatic flair.
### Naoe’s Combat Tools
#### Katana
Naoe’s katana, though the same weapon in name as Yasuke’s, becomes entirely different in her dexterous hands. Her fighting style is filled with acrobatic moves and quick succession attacks that keep her on the move. It strikes a balance between speed and versatility, making it perfect for encounters with a few foes.
#### Tanto/Hidden Blade
When quick, close-quarters combat is necessary, Naoe’s tanto, together with her Hidden Blade, is immensely effective. It’s a fast-deploying tool in her arsenal, best for dispatching single targets. Additionally, with a specific mastery upgrade, the tanto can be used in dual assassinations if chosen as one of her main weapons.
#### Kusarigama
The kusarigama is possibly Naoe’s most dynamic weapon—a combination of a scythe and a spiked ball linked by a chain. Light attacks focus on rapid scythe strikes, while heavy ones use the chain for sweeping damage. This weapon’s extensive reach allows Naoe to keep enemies at a distance while laying waste to everything in between, from structures to enemies. Furthermore, mastery upgrades let her use it for fast assassinations.
#### Tools
In place of traditional ranged weapons, Naoe carries throwable tech like kunai and shuriken. The kunai are lethal against unarmored foes with headshots, while shuriken, though causing minimal damage, can temporarily stun enemies, giving her the upper hand.
### Enhancing Your Gear
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, weapon enhancement is key. Each weapon can be upgraded through a mastery tab that boosts damage and unlocks new abilities. Leveling up your weapons ensures they grow with you, especially when upgraded at your Hideout’s Forge.
Weapons vary in rarity from Common to Legendary. Uncommon weapons feature a unique perk, like increasing critical hits, while higher-tier weapons offer more flexibility with additional engraving slots for perks, tailored to your combat preferences like enhancing adrenaline gains during fights.
Ultimately, there isn’t a wrong way to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Mastering your weapon loadout means adapting to situations so long as you’re the last one standing.
The game arrives March 20, 2025, and there’s still time to pre-order. Grab the game on the Microsoft Store for Xbox for bonuses like the Claws of Awaji expansion and Thrown to the Dogs quest. The Digital Deluxe Edition offers even more, including special gear and the Sekiryu Hideout Pack to personalize your base. Hurry and secure your copy, and prepare to immerse yourself in this richly crafted adventure across Feudal Japan.
