Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a transformative feature called transmogging, allowing players to maintain the stats of their weapons while customizing their appearance. Dive deeper into what this game offers in terms of progression and 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 players a comprehensive look at its progression system, featuring the innovative transmog feature. This allows players to tailor their weapons' aesthetics to their liking while retaining the stats they prefer. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed this system on their official website, where Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the game's vision and customization possibilities.
The transmog feature enables players to alter a weapon's appearance while keeping its original stats intact. To unlock this, players must establish a Forge in their Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.
Julien emphasized, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory, where you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. We'll delve deeper into the Hideout in an upcoming article." Additionally, players can mix and match different parts of weapons, such as combining the blade of one with the guard of another and the handle of a newly acquired one, to create a personalized look.
New Progression Loop
Previously, at IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat mechanics and progression. Ubisoft's recent post provides a detailed exploration of player progression and the mechanics driving it.
Julien discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by having two protagonists in the game's feudal Japan setting, 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 added, "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 unique mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their distinct archetypes—Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai.
Julien explained, "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 continued, "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 against enemies. Access to certain abilities and Mastery tree points is contingent upon reaching specific levels in the Knowledge Rank, achievable through non-violent activities like finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.
Customizing Your Playstyle
AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ideal playstyle with various customization features. Perks allow players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat improvements, influencing afflictions, or creating different conditions that encourage varied gameplay.
Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be customized extensively. The game provides examples of possible builds, showcasing the depth of customization. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, focusing on ground attacks and quick engagement and disengagement with enemies. Conversely, Yasuke can be tailored for a stealthy and ranged approach, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.
With the anticipation building over recent weeks, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game long in the making.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, be sure to check out our article below!
