Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Tools Upgrade Guide

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose between Yasuke and Naoe, each offering unique approaches to tackling challenges. Here's a detailed guide on the tools available and how to enhance them to maximize your gameplay experience.

All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can unlock a total of five essential tools, with two being part of the story progression. Let's dive into each tool and its utility:

Grappling Hook

Naoe's Grappling Hook is a game-changer for exploration. It allows you to latch onto structures, swiftly ascending without the need for handholds. This tool is perfect for scouting and reaching high vantage points, enabling you to plan your next move from above. Additionally, you can use it to swing across large gaps, adding a dynamic element to your movement.

Kunai

The Kunai is a lethal throwing knife, ideal for those who prefer stealth over confrontation. A single Kunai can take down regular enemies instantly, but you'll need upgrades to penetrate the armor of more formidable foes. This tool is crucial for silent eliminations and maintaining your covert presence.

Smoke Bomb

The Smoke Bomb is a versatile tool, functioning both defensively and offensively. Upon impact, it creates a thick cloud of smoke, breaking enemy line of sight. Use it to escape detection or during combat to disorient foes, setting up perfect opportunities for assassinations or quick strikes.

Shuriken

The Shuriken, a classic ninja weapon, is invaluable in stealth missions. While it doesn't pack the punch of a Kunai, it can stagger enemies and trigger environmental interactions, such as disabling alarms or igniting explosive barrels. Its silent nature makes it a stealth enthusiast's best friend, especially when upgraded to ricochet between targets.

Shinobi Bell

For those who favor distraction over direct confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is your tool of choice. When thrown, it creates a sound that draws enemy attention away from you. Upgrades can enhance its range and visual allure, making it an effective means of crowd control and path clearing.

Related: How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

Upgrading your tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is crucial for enhancing your effectiveness. Most tools can be upgraded using Mastery Points via the Tools skill tree, except for the Grappling Hook. Here's how to upgrade each tool:

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook's upgrade, Ascension Boost, is found in the Shinobi Tree. For 2 Mastery Points at Knowledge Rank 2, this passive skill significantly speeds up Naoe’s climbing, making ascents quicker and less likely to be noticed by enemies.

Kunai

To maximize the Kunai's potential, focus on the Kunai Assassination Damage upgrades, which increase the damage per throw, effectively removing more health segments. Enhance its armor-piercing capability with the Armor Piercing passive skill, and ensure retrieval with Everlast, preventing breakage and allowing immediate reuse.

Smoke Bomb

After unlocking the Smoke Bomb, extend its duration with Enduring Haze, adding 10 crucial seconds to your smoke cover. Further, Widespread increases the area of effect, allowing you to obscure more enemies at once, enhancing your stealth and escape tactics.

Shuriken

Upgrade your Shuriken with Bank Shot to enable ricocheting between targets, amplifying damage with each hit. Triple Threat allows you to throw three Shurikens simultaneously at the cost of one, offering versatility in both stealth and combat scenarios.

Shinobi Bell

Enhance the Shinobi Bell's distraction capabilities with Golden Bell, making it more visually appealing and effective at drawing attention. Follow up with Louder Chimes to increase the bell's radius by five meters, allowing you to lure more enemies with a single throw.

That's everything you need to know about the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore resources available on The Escapist.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*