The Ultimate Weapon Guide for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows set to release on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, players are thrust into the thrilling world of feudal Japan where they can embody two distinct characters: Naoe, the nimble ninja, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai. Each character offers a unique set of weapons and fighting styles, challenging players to maximize their strengths in battle. This guide will walk you through their weaponry to help you craft the perfect combat strategy.

### Weaponry of Yasuke

#### Long Katana

Yasuke, a samurai of immense prowess, relies heavily on his trusty long katana. Known for its rapid strikes, this weapon excels in slicing through adversaries with unparalleled agility. While it lacks the reach of some other weapons, its speed is perfect for cutting down small groups of adversaries swiftly, giving you the ultimate samurai experience against wandering challengers.

#### Naginata

For those facing overwhelming odds, the Naginata offers sweeping attacks designed to control the battlefield. Although it demands a bit more time than the katana, it grants Yasuke the advantage of long-range engagement, keeping foes at bay and allowing strategic positioning.

#### Kanabo

A symbol of brute strength, the Kanabo is a hefty club that trades speed for power. Even its lighter blows can shatter enemy defenses, swiftly dismantling armor and health alike. Its massive strength comes with the risk of leaving Yasuke exposed during lengthy swings, particularly in crowded skirmishes.

#### Bow

Stealth is effortless with Yasuke’s bow—a silent instrument of death skilled in sniping unsuspecting guards from a distance. With special abilities that slow time or unleash a flurry of arrows, the bow becomes more than just a tool of stealth but a formidable option in any skirmish.

#### Teppo

When subtlety isn’t required, the Teppo rifle delivers a thunderous punch, though it demands caution as its loud discharge attracts unwanted attention. Its power necessitates strategic reloading and weapon-switching to avoid being overwhelmed, yet its versatility is clear with explosive area attacks and its secondary function as a blunt weapon.

### Weaponry of Naoe

#### Katana

Naoe’s approach with the katana is a dance of flips and agile strikes, contrasting Yasuke’s more straightforward style. This medium-speed weapon suits small-scale battles, allowing for a dynamic interplay of attacks that leverage Naoe’s dexterity to full effect.

#### Tanto/Hidden Blade

Quick and decisive, the tanto works hand-in-hand with Naoe’s Hidden Blade, letting her unleash a storm of rapid blows. Its short reach requires close encounters but when paired with Assassin mastery, it enables simultaneous dual assassinations—a boon for stealth aficionados.

#### Kusarigama

The Kusarigama stands out for its versatility, featuring a bladed scythe and a weighted ball linked by a chain. Its varied attack styles handle light skirmishes or group brawls with ease. Adaptable in nature, its long reach allows Naoe to maintain a safe distance while still executing deadly combinations.

#### Tools

Although Naoe lacks conventional ranged weapons, she has an arsenal of throwable tools. Her kunai are deadly with pinpoint shots to unarmored targets, while shuriken serve to hinder foes, letting Naoe regroup or mount a follow-up strike.

### Enhancing Your Arsenal

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the journey of mastering weaponry involves more than just choosing your favorites. Each weapon comes with its own mastery upgrades and levels, ensuring a tailored growth path that increases their effectiveness and unlocks special attributes.

Weapons are categorized from Common to Legendary, each offering unique perks. These range from heightened critical hit probabilities to increased adrenaline gain during afflicted conditions.

Explore the expansive world of feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where crafting your arsenal and mastering your strategy will prove crucial in the adventures that await. And with the game’s release coming up, there’s still an opportunity to pre-order through the Microsoft Store for exclusive bonuses like the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs quest, adding depth to your impending journey. Choose wisely, for every weapon holds the key to countless victories.