Embarking on your adventure in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows can be exciting yet daunting, especially with the game’s rich mechanics and expansive world. Whether you choose to experience the stealthy finesse of Naoe, the skilled Shinobi, or the forceful prowess of Yasuke, the Samurai, understanding the game’s nuances from the start is vital for a seamless experience. The dual-protagonist setup enhances gameplay dynamics, but it also means there’s a lot to take in as you explore feudal Japan’s intricacies.
To ensure you excel in your journey within Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, here are seven critical tips for budding players.
Essential Tips for Beginners in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
1) Leverage Stealth Mechanics for Each Protagonist
Naoe specializes in stealth, making her adept at sneaking past enemies. Although Yasuke is not as nimble, he still possesses stealth capabilities, such as prone-crawling and shadow concealment, using a bow for silent ranged attacks. However, remember that his takedowns are more detectable due to their brutal execution. Unlike Naoe’s Eagle Vision, Yasuke has the Observe mechanic to gather intelligence, so mastering the strengths and weaknesses of each character will enhance your stealth gameplay.
2) Explore Castles for Unique Gear
As has been the tradition in previous titles, enemy strongholds are prime locations for acquiring powerful equipment. However, in Shadows, the castles are uniquely designed, each housing a special loot chest that holds exclusive gear. To access these chests, you must defeat the castle’s Samurai Daisho. Targeting castles with precision will yield the best rewards in terms of equipment upgrades.
3) Utilize the Affliction System for Tactical Edge
The new affliction system in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows allows you to weaken enemies with various effects from certain attacks. These include:
- Dazed: Slows enemy reactions and reduces attack effectiveness.
- Bleeding: Inflicts substantial burst damage when accumulated.
- Poisoned: Deals continuous damage, disrupting enemy actions.
- Knocked Out: Temporarily incapacitates, allowing for tactical decisions.
Using these afflictions strategically can dramatically shift the outcome of challenging encounters in your favor.
4) Master Naoe’s Unique Combat Style
Naoe’s strengths lie in her skillful agility rather than raw power. Equipped with her kusarigama, she excels in crowd control and maintaining distance from adversaries. Additionally, she can deploy smoke bombs for quick escapes. If you are playing as Naoe, focus on maintaining your mobility and using deception to gain the upper hand rather than engaging in direct confrontations.
5) Companions Enhance Your Gameplay
Naoe and Yasuke will develop relationships with allies residing in The Hideout. These characters are not mere background figures; they actively assist in both combat and stealth missions, giving you an edge in tougher encounters. Engaging with your companions also unlocks additional layers of narrative, making the game world feel more alive.
6) Customize Your Hideout for Advantages
Your Hideout serves as a crucial hub for improving Naoe and Yasuke’s skills. By customizing various areas, you can unlock beneficial perks, such as:
- Nando (Barracks): Reduces costs associated with refilling scouts.
- Gallery: Allows you to create and switch between tailored loadouts.
- Zashiki: Enhances health restoration for both protagonists.
Investing in these upgrades is essential for strategic advantages during gameplay.
7) Regularly Check In With Merchants
Merchants in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows are more significant than ever. They offer a diverse range of items, including cosmetics, weapons, and consumables, with their stock refreshing seasonally. Some merchants stock exclusive items that can’t be found elsewhere. Regular visits will ensure you discover rare items that can enhance your gameplay experience.