The highly anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is set to release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This newest chapter transports players to the rich landscape of Feudal Japan. This time, players will embody two distinct characters: Naoe, a proficient shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, the famed African samurai.
With an array of new features, including revamped combat systems, character-specific missions, and customizable armor, this guide aims to highlight essential gameplay mechanics and steer you clear of common pitfalls in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
7 Essential Mistakes to Avoid in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
1) Map Exploration
The game map spans roughly 31 square miles. While it may not be as vast as Valhalla, it offers ample opportunities for exploration. The main focus lies on central Japan, specifically cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Zushi, renowned for their historical impact during the era.
Kyoto and Osaka stand out as the two largest cities, with Kyoto’s map being approximately half the size of Unity’s. It features seven castles just waiting to be explored. Neglecting to explore these areas could mean missing out on valuable treasures, rich lore, and engaging side quests that significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
2) Character Switching
While playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you may prefer to stick with a single character. However, it’s essential to understand that you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke during most missions through the menu, except for critical stealth missions known as black box missions.
Once you select a character for these black box missions, switching is no longer an option, and failing to choose wisely could hinder your progress. For instance, tackling climbing tasks as Yasuke could be more time-consuming than using Naoe, who excels in agility.
3) Neglecting Skill Points
Enhancing your combat capabilities requires the strategic use of two systems: Mastery Skills and Knowledge Ranks. Both systems complement each other while functioning independently.
Mastery Skills enable players to unlock new abilities and weapon upgrades by earning mastery points. You acquire these points by leveling up, defeating formidable foes, or completing challenges at samurai dojos.
On the other hand, Knowledge Ranks are associated with mastery trees and consist of six ranks. To progress, you’ll need to earn knowledge points obtained through various missions and activities.
4) Charging into Combat
Combat strategies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows hinge not only on your skills but also on the character’s level. The maximum level cap is 60, but players can explore all areas from the outset. However, lower levels mean significant challenges when facing tougher enemies.
Enemy health bars reveal your odds: white indicates a certain kill, yellow shows you’ll deal damage but won’t finish them off, and red means failure. Stealth gameplay has received a notable upgrade, featuring dynamic lighting that allows players to utilize shadows for concealment. Players can throw certain items to create darkness, while new features also enable them to lie down or submerge underwater. Gadgets like smoke bombs enhance escape tactics, whereas kunais and shurikens can serve to disorient foes or set up strikes.
5) Ignoring Armor Customization
After unlocking the forge at your hideout, you can start crafting engravings to augment your weapons and armor. For instance, Naoe’s unique mushroom headband allows for impressive vaulting over opponents when sprinting.
Beyond practical perks, customization allows you to modify the look of your armor without influencing its stats, enhancing the gameplay experience compared to prior titles like Valhalla. You can also alter weapon skins, including handles and guards. Although legacy armor features from previous games have not been confirmed by developers, hints suggest upcoming news may provide further insights.
6) Utilizing Character-Specific Weapons
Naoe, as a swift shinobi, relies on speed and precision, wielding a katana ideal for swift assassinations, provided you equip it beforehand. She can also utilize a hidden blade for silent kills, allowing for a swift attack combo.
Conversely, Yasuke embodies brute strength. His main weapon, the naginata (a formidable spear), is excellent for controlling crowds and performing wide-reaching strikes. Additionally, he carries a kanabo, a heavy club capable of delivering devastating blows. Yasuke is equipped for long-range combat with two ranged weapons: the teppo rifle and the yumi bow, perfect for discreet eliminations.
7) Mastering Posture and Special Attacks
A notable addition in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the Posture System, which enhances combat mechanics from previous editions. To perform posture attacks, hold the light or heavy attack button for a charged strike.
As you charge the posture meter, your weapon will signal readiness to strike. Executing a successful posture attack will break nearly all enemy guard defenses, opening the door for combo follow-ups.
With its immersive open world, dynamic combat mechanics, and extensive character customization, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a captivating gaming experience. Familiarizing yourself with the game’s fundamental mechanics while avoiding frequent mistakes will ensure a smoother journey as you delve into this intricate universe.