Mark your calendars for March 20, 2025! That’s when Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be released for Xbox Series X|S. This game promises to deliver an adventurous ride with Yasuke, a formidable samurai, and Naoe, a nimble ninja, each bringing their unique fighting style and weapons to the table. Whether you prefer the might of Yasuke or Naoe’s graceful agility, their distinct abilities will keep you engaged as you navigate the game’s challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the weapons you’ll be wielding in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and how they can change the way you play.
Yasuke’s Arsenal
Long Katana
Slide into battle with Yasuke’s long katana, a weapon that boasts incredible speed. This swift blade lets you slice through opponents with precision, perfect for tussling with smaller enemy groups. While its range might not be the longest, the quick attacks more than make up for it, creating moments where you feel like a true samurai, cutting down any who dare oppose you.
Naginata
If you need to clear some space on the battlefield, Yasuke’s naginata is your go-to. This polearm offers impressive reach and is ideal for dealing with multiple foes at once. Although its speed can’t rival the katana, its ability to swipe through crowds keeps enemies at a safe distance, making it a must-have for certain encounters.
Kanabo
For those who enjoy the sheer power of a weapon, the Kanabo is Yasuke’s heavy hitter. It’s a massive club that might not be the quickest in your arsenal, but it smashes through opponents like nobody’s business. Even light swings can demolish an enemy’s defenses. However, you’ll need to be tactical in crowded spaces as the weight of the Kanabo can leave you open to attacks.
The Bow
When stealth is the name of the game, Yasuke’s bow makes short work of distant enemies. It’s the ideal silent eliminator, allowing for draws that slow down time or fire multiple arrows. This makes the bow a versatile tool, equally effective whether you’re sneaking around or in a full-scale skirmish.
Teppo Gun
If subtlety isn’t your strategy, the teppo rifle offers noisy, devastating power. Each shot echoes through the area, drawing attention, and each subsequent reload might force you to swap to melee to fend off the rush of foes. With explosive capabilities, it can also turn explosive barrels into strategic advantage, dispatching groups of enemies at once.
Naoe’s Arsenal
Katana
Naoe turns the typical katana on its head with her acrobatic combat style. Her use of spins, kicks, and flips adds flair and function to each strike. She’s swift, making the katana an adaptable weapon for various battle situations, excelling in both one-on-one duels and smaller melees.
Tanto/Hidden Blade
Don’t underestimate the tanto’s brevity; in Naoe’s hands, it becomes a kinetic whirlwind of close-quarters devastation. Perfect for assassinations and quick engagements, paired with her Hidden Blade, it enables dual-kill strikes that are lightning fast.
Kusarigama
This versatile weapon, composed of a scythe linked by chain to a spiked ball, lets Naoe attack with speed and range. Light attacks utilize the scythe for quick hits, while heavy swings whirl the ball to dizzying effect. It’s perfect for crowd control, letting players decide engagement range with fluidity.
Tools for Naoe
Unlike Yasuke, Naoe lacks traditional ranged weapons but compensates with an arsenal of throwable tools. Kunai get rid of unarmored foes with precision, while shuriken momentarily stun, giving Naoe time to strike decisively.
Weapon and Gear Enhancement
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a wealth of options for customizing and enhancing your armory. Each weapon can be developed through dedicated mastery tabs, boosting damage and unlocking new capabilities. Remember, weapons have rarity levels, ranging from Common to Legendary, where higher rarities come with special bonuses and customizable perks to complement your play style.
Pre-order Benefits
Eager to jump in? Pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows at the Microsoft Store for Xbox and you’ll snag the Claws of Awaji expansion and the exclusive Thrown to the Dogs quest at no extra cost. And if you’re eyeing something extra special, the Digital Deluxe Edition offers you even more with gear sets, additional decks, and unique content that expand your journey in Japan’s feudal era, making every moment of gameplay count.
In a land steeped in history and mystery, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a thrilling quest brimming with tactical depth, stunning visuals, and countless challenges. Whether sneaking through shadows or charging head-on, your path in this strikingly-rendered world is yours to forge.