Assassin’s Creed Shadows Explores Progression Mechanics

Transmog and Weapon Personalization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers a detailed look at its progression system, highlighting the transmog feature for tailoring weapon aesthetics and stats. On March 1, 2025, the AC Shadows team shared a comprehensive overview of progression and customization on their website. Associate Game Director Julien outlined the team’s vision for deep player customization.

The transmog system allows players to alter a weapon’s appearance while preserving its stats. For example, players can keep a weapon’s stats but swap its look to match their style. This feature unlocks after building a Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.

Julien noted, "The Forge is central to inventory management, where players can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. More details on the Hideout will follow in a future update." Players can also combine elements like a blade from one weapon, a guard from another, and a handle from a new piece for a unique look.

Revamped Progression System

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat and progression. A recent post from Ubisoft delved deeper into the mechanics driving player progression.

Julien explained the challenge of designing progression for dual protagonists: "Crafting two distinct characters with unique archetypes in feudal Japan led us to reimagine progression entirely." She added, "We aimed to embody the essence of martial arts mastery in every aspect of the system."

Mastery Trees, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces unique mastery trees for protagonists Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a samurai, each tailored to their archetypes.

Julien stated, "Mastery trees allow players to specialize in a weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their expertise." She added, "Investing points in a tree unlocks bonuses that enhance progress in that area."

Abilities within the mastery trees introduce new gameplay dynamics and increase enemy damage. Some abilities and tree sections require specific Knowledge Rank levels, earned through non-combat activities like finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Tailoring Your Playstyle

AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ideal playstyle with extensive customization options. Perks enable players to enhance or specialize equipment, offering stat boosts, status effects, or unique conditions that encourage varied gameplay.

Despite their core archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can adopt diverse playstyles. The team showcased builds like an exotic combat style for Naoe, emphasizing ground attacks and quick enemy engagement, or a stealth-focused Yasuke build with enhanced archery and subtlety.

With its release approaching, AC Shadows has generated significant excitement among fans eager to explore its rich customization.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest details by checking our article below!