Yasuke and Naoe, the two main characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, each wield a unique set of weapons that significantly shape their combat styles. Pre-ordering the game on the Microsoft Store for Xbox will also land you the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest at no extra cost. Mark your calendars for March 20, 2025, when Assassin’s Creed Shadows will debut on Xbox Series X|S.
Launching this March, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers players the chance to step into the shoes of Yasuke, a powerful samurai, or Naoe, an agile ninja. Each character boasts distinct abilities and can alternate between two chosen weapons, each offering varied advantages and strategic opportunities. To make the most of these tools in the game, let’s break down what weapons are available for each character and how they can be effectively combined in different scenarios.
### Yasuke’s Arsenal
#### Long Katana
For Yasuke, a katana is indispensable. Despite its shorter range, Yasuke’s long katana excels in its swift attack speed, perfect for slicing through small enemy groups with precision. If you ever want to channel the spirit of a true samurai, this weapon is your go-to for quick, efficient combat.
#### Naginata
This polearm is a masterpiece for crowd control, letting you maintain distance while dealing with numerous adversaries simultaneously. Although it doesn’t match the katana in speed, the Naginata’s long reach is unparalleled, making it perfect for fending off other polearm-wielding foes.
#### Kanabo
The Kanabo is all about raw power, trading speed for sheer destructive capability. A few strikes can obliterate an enemy’s defenses and health, though Yasuke might find himself vulnerable to interruptions from multiple attackers due to its slower swings.
#### Bow
A silent guardian in Yasuke’s armory, the bow is excellent for taking out unsuspecting enemies from afar. It’s a stealthy player’s dream but also adapts well to direct confrontations when abilities like time-slow or rapid-fire come into play.
#### Teppo
Need raw firepower? The teppo rifle is your answer, though it demands a tactical play given its loud retort and reload time. Don’t underestimate its utility, though; it can also double as a melee weapon or produce devastating area-of-effect damage with the right abilities.
### Naoe’s Set of Weapons
#### Katana
Naoe’s katana is deceptively versatile, allowing for fluid combinations of slashes and acrobatics. It’s not just about cutting foes but doing so with a dancer’s grace—ideal for one-on-one engagements or small brawls.
#### Tanto/Hidden Blade
Embrace close-quarters combat with the tanto, paired with Naoe’s Hidden Blade for lightning-fast strikes. It’s limited in range but devastatingly effective up close. Upgrades can even enable dual assassinations for this weapon.
#### Kusarigama
This exotic weapon pairs a scythe with a chained metal ball, offering both quick slashes and sweeping blows. Its range lets you keep adversaries at bay, although its wide arcs require mindful usage in cluttered environments.
#### Tools
While not traditionally ranged weapons, Naoe’s throwable tools like kunai and shuriken provide tactical options to damage or disorient enemies from afar, making them invaluable during intense skirmishes.
### Elevating Your Weapons
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, weapon enhancement is key. Through dedicated mastery tabs, players can invest points to buff weapon stats or unlock new skills. Weapons come in five rarity tiers, with perks like boosting critical hit chances or maintaining adrenaline through abilities, helping create a dynamic arsenal tailored to your playstyle.
No weapon combination is wrong in this game; true mastery involves understanding and leveraging what each offers. Stay agile, strategically upgrade, and keep your health higher than your foes.
As excitement builds towards its release on March 20, 2025, there’s still a chance to secure exclusive content with pre-orders through the Microsoft Store. Alongside the Claws of Awaji expansion, players will enjoy a host of additional content that further enriches the Assassin’s Creed Shadows experience. Elevate your adventure even further by considering the Digital Deluxe Edition, packed with exclusive gear, trinkets, and custom hideout options to fully immerse you in the world of Feudal Japan.
