Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands as one of the most expansive entries in the series, featuring a robust progression system to match its ambition. Discover the maximum levels in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and how the level cap functions.

What Is the Maximum XP Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows redefines progression for the franchise. While skill unlocks rely heavily on Knowledge Ranks (detailed below), traditional XP-based progression remains. Advancing your XP in Assassin’s Creed Shadows grants access to superior weapons, armor, and gear, while boosting Naoe and Yasuke’s core stats.

Although Level 35 is sufficient to explore all Japanese provinces on the game’s map, the XP grind extends far beyond. Ubisoft’s pre-launch progression insights suggested a Level 40 cap, but players can actually reach Level 60. The Claws of Awaji expansion, set for release post-launch, is likely to raise this cap even further.

What Is the Highest Knowledge Rank in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Knowledge Rank introduces a significant evolution to the series’ progression. Distinct from XP leveling, this system advances through Knowledge Points earned via diverse open-world activities focused on mindfulness and training. As players climb Knowledge Ranks, new skills unlock for Naoe and Yasuke, though Mastery Points must be spent to activate these abilities.

To access all available skills, players must achieve Knowledge Rank 6. Yet, this milestone unlocks an additional Knowledge tree, offering passive skills to tailor Naoe and Yasuke’s abilities to the player’s preferred playstyle.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)

Is There a Mastery Cap in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Mastery is a core progression element in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, functioning as the game’s skill point system. Players spend Mastery Points to unlock abilities within various Mastery trees, with some skills requiring more points than others.

With six Mastery trees per protagonist, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a wealth of skills to unlock. Mastery Points are earned through a wide range of activities, ensuring ample opportunities to acquire desired abilities. While a theoretical Mastery Point limit exists, reaching it demands extensive gameplay, and the Claws of Awaji expansion, launching in 2025, will likely introduce new ways to earn points.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Feature Level Scaling?

Each Japanese province in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has an associated level. At the game’s start, Kii demands the highest level at 35. As players progress and increase their XP, certain regions’ levels adjust to align with their progress.

From Level 40 onward, enemy and province difficulty scaling caps, with recommended levels stabilizing at two levels below the player’s XP from Level 42. This ensures a balanced endgame challenge, rewarding dedicated players while maintaining engaging combat pacing.

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