Weapons Guide for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
In “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,”the character Naoe wields a variety of weapons that enable her to navigate various combat situations effectively. Her primary arsenal consists of three distinct weapon types: the Katana, the Tanto, and the Kusarigama. While her combat style primarily favors stealth, the right selection of weapons can transform her into a powerful combatant.
This comprehensive guide evaluates Naoe’s weapons, categorizing them from S-tier to C-tier based on their overall potency, versatility, and user-friendliness.
Naoe’s Weapon Ranking in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

S-Tier Weapons
S-tier weapons represent the pinnacle of effectiveness and damage in the game. They boast powerful attributes and perks that make them indispensable in various combat scenarios.
| Weapon | Type | Acquisition Method | Recommended Level | Special Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masked Death | Katana | Found in a legendary chest in Shimagahara Valley (Otogi Pass, Iga) | Level 23 | Posture attacks retain charge post-dodge |
| Death Whisperer | Kusarigama | Defeat the Wounded enemy in the Shinbakufu questline (Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | +200% damage on enemy collisions |
| Call of the Void | Tanto | Defeat the Godai of Void in The Godai Shinobi quest (Omi) | Level 18 | +30% damage on tagged enemies |
| Yami no Kage | Katana | Found in a legendary chest in Hiraiyama Fort (The Warfields, Harima) | Level 23 | Deals 100% damage to attacker on deflect |
| Bloodshade | Katana | Found in a legendary chest on a ship in Osaka (Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Affliction buildup is retained over time |
| Dragon’s Edge | Katana | Defeat the Two-Faced enemy in the Topple the Traitor quest (Yamashiro) | Level 10 | Creates an area of effect on hits with dodge attacks |
A-Tier Weapons
A-tier weapons are robust and reliable, offering solid perks. Though slightly less powerful than S-tier options, they are easier to acquire in the early stages of the game.
| Weapon | Type | Acquisition Method | Recommended Level | Special Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinobi’s Fury | Tanto | Defeat the Golden Teppo in the Shinbakufu questline (Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Weakpoint attacks inflict additional vulnerability |
| Igan Sunset | Tanto | Found in a legendary chest in Tozuku’s Lair (Katano Foothills, Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Slows down time on Escape Strike |
| Kaen Kusarigama | Kusarigama | Available through purchase with Animus points or in the Kaen bundle | N/A | +135% damage when surrounded by two or more foes |
| Eikyo Kusarigama | Kusarigama | Purchase with Animus points | N/A | Quick strike following a dodge |
B-Tier Weapons

B-tier weapons provide solid functionality but are ultimately outshined by higher-tier counterparts. They are suitable for use in the early to mid-game.
| Weapon | Type | Acquisition Method | Recommended Level | Special Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kabukimono’s Greed | Katana | Reward from the Ghost General in the Kabukimono questline (Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Increases adrenaline gain at critical health |
| Saburo’s Deference | Katana | Defeat Saburo in the Twisted Tree questline (Yamashiro) | Level 10 | +100% adrenaline gain at critical health |
| Untamable One | Katana | Defeat Takahashi Shiro in the Twisted Tree questline (Yamashiro) | Level 10 | Provides good damage and posture-breaking capabilities |
C-Tier Weapons
C-tier weapons can be beneficial during the initial stages of the game but lose their effectiveness as players progress.
| Weapon | Type | Acquisition Method | Recommended Level | Special Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hushing Kusarigama of Whispers | Kusarigama | Found in a chest in Makino Kurumazuka Kofun (Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Basic damage without notable perks |
| Widower’s Solace | Katana | Defeat the Grave Dancer in Osaka (Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Moderate damage output |
| Hidden Pleat | Tanto | Defeat Mucho in the Butterfly Collector questline (Osaka, Izumi Settsu) | Level 4 or higher | Poor damage and weak bonuses |
Optimal Weapons by Combat Style

1) Top Katana for Naoe
Masked Death: With some of the highest DPS metrics in the game, Masked Death also maintains posture attack charges after dodging, enabling fluid heavy strikes and effective defense breaking against enemies.
2) Top Kusarigama for Naoe
Death Whisperer: This weapon excels in dealing substantial damage during enemy collisions, making it perfect for fights involving multiple foes. Its accessibility early in the game enhances its value.
3) Top Tanto for Naoe
Call of the Void: Offering a 30% damage boost on tagged enemies, this Tanto is perfect for stealthy eliminations. Its impressive damage capability aligns seamlessly with Naoe’s stealth-oriented tactics.
Naoe’s effectiveness in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”stems from her capacity to switch between stealth and open confrontation. Selecting the appropriate weapons is crucial for optimizing her performance in both approaches. Prioritizing S-tier weapons whenever possible is recommended, while A-tier alternatives serve as reliable backups in case legendary weapons are not at hand.