"Assassin's Creed Shadows Introduces Transmogging: Change Stats, Keep Weapon Aesthetics"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a highly anticipated feature: transmogging, allowing players to maintain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their aesthetic appeal. This article delves into the game's progression system and the extent of its customization options, ensuring players can tailor their experience to their unique playstyle.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an in-depth exploration of its progression system, spotlighting the innovative transmog feature. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows released a comprehensive guide on its website, detailing how players can customize their weapons and progress through the game. Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the team's vision and the game's customization potential.

The transmog system in AC Shadows allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their preferred stats. This feature becomes accessible once players establish a Forge in their Hideout, which can then be utilized directly from the inventory menu. Julien emphasized the significance of the Forge, stating, "Overall, the Forge plays a key part in managing your inventory. There you can upgrade or dismantle weapons & gear, but we will share more in an upcoming article on the Hideout." Additionally, players can mix and match different parts of weapons, creating a unique look by combining the blade of one weapon with the guard of another and the handle of a newly acquired one.

New Progression Loop

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows' Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game's combat mechanics and progression. Ubisoft followed up with a detailed post, offering deeper insights into the progression mechanics and the dual-protagonist approach.

Julien highlighted the challenges and opportunities of featuring two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, in the feudal Japan setting. "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression," she noted. The team aimed to stay true to the philosophy of mastery and martial art, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for players.

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces distinct mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their archetypes as a shinobi and assassin, and a samurai, respectively. 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." Investing points in these trees unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing the player's chosen path.

Abilities within the Mastery trees provide new gameplay dynamics and increased damage potential. However, access to certain abilities and Mastery tree points is contingent upon reaching specific levels in the Knowledge Rank. Players can elevate their Knowledge Rank through non-violent activities such as 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 through a variety of customization features. Perks allow for the modification, enhancement, or specialization of equipment, offering stat improvements, influencing afflictions, or creating unique gameplay conditions.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be played in diverse ways. The game's guide suggests various builds, showcasing the flexibility in customization. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, focusing on ground attacks for quick engagements and disengagements. Conversely, Yasuke can be tailored 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 anticipate the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set for March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. To stay updated on the latest developments, be sure to check out our related articles.