The Ultimate Guide to Weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Get ready, because "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" is hitting the scene on March 20, 2025, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S. What’s really exciting about this installment is the chance to step into the shoes of two entirely different characters: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the mighty samurai. Each of them comes equipped with their own distinctive set of weapons, allowing for a variety of combat strategies. In this overview, we’ll explore all the weapon options available in "Assassin’s Creed Shadows," helping you prepare the perfect arsenal for any battle.

Yasuke’s Weapons

Long Katana

The Long Katana is Yasuke’s go-to weapon, synonymous with speed and precision. It might not have the longest reach, but its quick slashes are perfect for taking down small groups of enemies. Whether you’re aiming to feel like a true samurai or just want to teach that overconfident ronin a lesson, the Long Katana has got your back.

Naginata

With the Naginata, Yasuke has a tool tailored for crowd control. This polearm offers sweeping attacks with impressive reach, keeping threats at bay. While it’s slower than the katana, its advantage truly shines when you’re up against foes wielding similar weapons.

Kanabo

The Kanabo might be slow, but it compensates with raw power. It’s a heavy club capable of shattering enemy defenses with even its light swings, quickly dismantling armor and reducing health bars to nothing. However, Yasuke needs to be strategic, as the lumbering swings might leave him exposed to quick attackers.

Bow

For those times when subtlety is key, Yasuke’s bow is a silent but deadly option. Ideal for stealth operations, it lets you silently pick off guards from afar. Special abilities can enhance its capabilities, allowing for time-slowing precision or rapid-fire barrages, making it handy even in direct confrontations.

Teppo

When stealth isn’t a priority, the Teppo rifle steps in with explosive power. While its loud blasts will alert nearby foes, it provides devastating single shots. Don’t forget; you’ll need a melee weapon ready for quick defense during reloads. And with creative strategies, such as detonating gunpowder for area damage, the Teppo becomes more than just a loud gun.

Naoe’s Weapons

Katana

Don’t let the shared name with Yasuke’s weapon mislead you—Naoe’s katana style is entirely her own. Quick, acrobatic combos featuring kicks and flips characterize her style. It’s a balanced option, effective for both solo duels and small skirmishes.

Tanto/Hidden Blade

The Tanto, combined with Naoe’s Hidden Blade, delivers a rapid succession of close-quarters strikes. Perfect for dealing with solitary opponents, its speed compensates for its short range. Additionally, mastery upgrades enable dual assassinations, adding another layer to its stealth capability.

Kusarigama

Possibly the most adaptable tool in Naoe’s lineup, the Kusarigama is a chain-linked scythe and ball combo. Light strikes offer quick blows, while heavy attacks deliver wide-reaching carnage. Its extensive reach keeps threats at arm’s length, though collateral damage might occur with mischievous swings.

Tools

Naoe might not wield traditional ranged weapons, but her toolkit is second to none. Throwables like kunai can dispatch unarmored foes in a single hit, while shuriken are perfect for temporarily stunning adversaries, giving her the window she needs to strike decisively.

Upgrading Weapons

"Assassin’s Creed Shadows" doesn’t just hand you these weapons; it offers robust upgrade paths. Mastery tabs for each weapon type allow you to enhance their attributes and unveil new abilities. Levels determine what you can equip, while your Hideout’s Forge can enhance existing gear to your current prowess. And with five tiers of rarity—each offering unique perks—your arsenal customization options are virtually limitless.

Regardless of which weapon combination you decide on, the essence of mastering "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" lies in your adaptability and strategy. Whether stealthily eliminating foes like Naoe or confronting enemies head-on as Yasuke, having a vast and flexible weapon repertoire means you’ll always be prepared.

March 20, 2025, marks the date "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" becomes available on Xbox Series X|S. But why wait? Pre-order now from the Microsoft Store and score the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest at no additional cost. Upgrading to the Digital Deluxe Edition nets you extra perks like the Sekiryu Dual Pack, additional gear and decorations for your Hideout, and more mastery points to spend in your quest to become the ultimate assassin in Feudal Japan. With these exclusive bonuses, the battle for honor and mastery in the land of the rising sun begins even before launch day.