Assassin's Creed Shadows Allows for Transmogging, Keeping a Weapon's Looks While Changing Its Stats

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Deep Dive into Progression and Customization

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers players extensive customization options, highlighted by its robust transmogging system. In a March 1, 2025, blog post, Associate Game Director Julien detailed the game's progression and customization features. The transmog feature lets players alter weapon appearances without sacrificing stats. Unlock this by building a Forge in your Hideout; once built, access it directly from your inventory.

Julien explained the Forge's role in inventory management: "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." Furthermore, players can mix and match weapon components: "The final result could be the blade of one weapon, with the guard of another, and the handle of your newly acquired one."

A New Progression Loop

Following up on IGN Fan Fest 2025 discussions about combat and progression, Ubisoft provided a deeper look at AC Shadows' progression mechanics. Julien discussed the impact of having two protagonists: "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression. Our goal was to stay as close as possible to the philosophy of mastery and martial art."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for Naoe (shinobi/assassin) and Yasuke (samurai). Each tree focuses on their archetype.

Julien stated, "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. The points you invest in a Mastery tree also unlock additional bonuses for that weapon or archetype, further reinforcing your progress."

Mastery trees unlock abilities that add new gameplay elements and increased damage. However, some abilities and mastery points require specific Knowledge Rank levels, increased through non-violent activities: "non-violent activities such as finding Lost Pages in temples, taking time to pray in Shrines, doing some Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke."

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows allows for significant playstyle customization. Perks modify, enhance, or specialize equipment, offering stat boosts, affliction influences, and unique gameplay conditions.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke offer diverse build options. Examples include a damage-focused, mobile ground combat style for Naoe and a stealth/ranged build for Yasuke, utilizing perks and abilities to enhance their respective strengths.

With recent reveals, anticipation for AC Shadows' March 20, 2025 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC is high. For the latest updates, check out [ttpp] (link to article).