Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a groundbreaking feature for fans: transmogging, allowing players to maintain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their aesthetic appeal. Dive into the details of the game's progression system and discover the extent of its customization options.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression
Transmogging and Weapon Customization
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers a comprehensive look at its progression system, highlighted by the innovative transmog feature. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed how players can customize and progress within the game on its official website. Julien, the Associate Game Director, shared insights into the game's vision and its approach to customization.
The transmog system allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their original stats. If a player appreciates a weapon's stats but not its design, they can change its look. This feature becomes available once players build a Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.
Julien noted, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory. Here, you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear, and we'll explore this further in an upcoming article about the Hideout." Players can also mix and match components from different weapons, creating a unique look by combining, for example, "the blade of one weapon, the guard of another, and the handle of a newly acquired one."
New Progression Loop
Previously, at IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows' Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game's combat mechanics and progression. A new post from Ubisoft delves deeper into how player progression is structured and the mechanics that support it.
Julien explained the approach to progression with two protagonists, stating, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression." She emphasized, "Our goal was to stay as close as possible to the philosophy of mastery and martial art."
Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks
AC Shadows features distinct mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their archetypes as a shinobi and assassin, and a samurai, respectively.
Julien elaborated, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves to a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it." She added, "The points you invest in a Mastery tree also unlock additional bonuses for that weapon or archetype, further reinforcing your progress."
Abilities within the Mastery trees unlock new gameplay mechanics and enhance damage output. However, access to certain abilities and Mastery tree points is tied to the player's Knowledge Rank, which can be increased through non-violent activities such as "finding Lost Pages in temples, taking time to pray in Shrines, doing some Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke."
Customizing Your Playstyle
AC Shadows enables players to tailor their playstyle extensively. Perks allow for modifications, enhancements, or specialization of equipment, offering stat improvements, influence on afflictions, or creating different gameplay conditions.
Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be played in various ways. The game provides examples of possible builds, showcasing the depth of customization. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, focusing on ground attacks for quick engagement and disengagement. Conversely, Yasuke can be built for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.
With the excitement building over the past few weeks, fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game long anticipated in the series.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our related articles below!
