Yasuke and Naoe bring their own unique arsenal to the table in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, each weapon fundamentally shaping their approach to combat. Snag the game early by pre-ordering on the Microsoft Store for Xbox, and you’ll be treated to the Claws of Awaji expansion and an extra quest, Thrown to the Dogs, on the house. Mark your calendars: the adventure kicks off on March 20, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S.
In this fresh installment of Assassin’s Creed, dive into two distinct roles—Naoe, a nimble ninja, and Yasuke, a mighty samurai. Each of these dynamic characters boasts unique fighting styles influenced by their choice of weapons. Whether it’s the two types they can wield simultaneously or their distinctive combat techniques, choosing the right weapons can dictate the flow of battle. Here’s a detailed look at the weapons available to both heroes to help you strategize your playthrough.
### Yasuke’s Arsenal
#### Long Katana
Imagine slicing through opponents with the grace and speed reminiscent of a true samurai—Yasuke’s long katana offers exactly that. Although its reach may not be the longest, the rapidity and accuracy of this blade make it perfect for cutting down clusters of enemies or those lone souls brave or foolish enough to challenge a samurai at heart.
#### Naginata
With sweeping attacks that can down multiple foes in one fell swoop, the Naginata stands as a formidable polearm in Yasuke’s collection. While it might lag behind the katana in speed, its impressive reach allows Yasuke to hold adversaries at bay—a strategic advantage in skirmishes against foes wielding similar weaponry.
#### Kanabo
A different beast altogether, the Kanabo represents sheer, unadulterated force. Though it lacks speed, the power it holds is undeniable. Even its lightest strikes can shatter defenses and leave enemies vulnerable, breaking armor in mere moments. Yet wielding this behemoth comes with its risks, as Yasuke might find himself exposed in a crowd while swinging this hefty club.
#### Bow
Yasuke’s bow balances the force of his melee weapons, lending stealth to his combat repertoire. It’s a quiet executioner, ideal for picking off unsuspecting guards from afar. Enhance its stealth factor with abilities that slow time or allow rapid arrow releases, offering a tactical edge even in the heat of battle.
#### Teppo
For situations where subtlety isn’t necessary, the teppo rifle delivers powerful shots at the cost of stealth. Because reloading after each shot becomes vital amidst combat, this noisy weapon might urge a switch to melee when swarmed by enemies. However, when used creatively, like detonating gunpowder or swinging as a club, it can clear paths through opposition with ease.
### Naoe’s Weaponry
#### Katana
Don’t mistake Naoe’s katana for a mere sword. In her deft hands, it’s a versatile tool, delivering strikes interspersed with agile flips and kicks. Quick and adaptable, it shines in solo showdowns and skirmishes with smaller groups alike.
#### Tanto/Hidden Blade
Quick, precise, and lethal—Naoe’s tanto and hidden blade combo is tailor-made for those up-close encounters. While its range requires getting right up to foes, its rapid attack sequence ensures singular threats are dispatched swiftly. With upgrades, this choice allows Naoe to perform dual assassinations, making it an attractive choice for stealth-focused players.
#### Kusarigama
Versatile and lethal, the Kusarigama offers Naoe a suite of options from swift scythe slashes to sweeping chain strikes. This weapon’s extensive reach helps keep foes at a safe distance, while heavy attacks clear large groups effectively. Perfect for those who enjoy a blend of agility and devastation, its passive ability further enhances Naoe’s assassination potential.
#### Tools
Lacking traditional ranged weapons, Naoe turns to various thrown tools for fulfilling her stealthy ambitions. Her kunai, for example, make swift work of unarmored foes, while shuriken serve to distract and disorient opponents, setting them up for a lethal follow-up.
### Enhancing Your Gear
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, your weaponry can evolve alongside your character through a variety of upgrades. Each weapon type boasts an exclusive mastery tab to amplify its power and unveil new skills. As you climb in levels and unlock higher-tier weapons, remember that a well-equipped Forge in your Hideout can boost your gear’s stats to match your prowess.
Weapons also come in different rarities, from Common to Legendary. Uncommon swords and beyond offer unique engraved perks that boost abilities like critical hit chances. Personalize these perks at your Hideout’s blacksmith to create synergy with your combat strategy, ensuring a steady flow of adrenaline to power your special moves.
There are no wrong choices—only different paths to mastery. As long as you’re besting your foes, you’re on the right track.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will debut on March 20, 2025, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S. There’s still time to pre-order and claim the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest. For those eager to dive deeper, the Digital Deluxe Edition, packed with the Sekiryu Dual and Hideout Packs, offers additional gear, a new weapon set, and mastery points to enhance your gameplay experience. Embrace the epic narrative set in Feudal Japan as you toggle between Yasuke and Naoe, unleashing their unique strengths in a dynamic, richly woven world.
