Assassin's Creed Shadows Allows for Transmogging, Keeping a Weapon's Looks While Changing Its Stats

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Deep Dive into Progression and Customization

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers players extensive customization options, including a robust transmogging system. In a March 1, 2025, website post, Associate Game Director Julien detailed the game's progression and customization features. The transmog feature allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons without affecting their stats. This means you can keep the powerful stats of a weapon while making it visually appealing to you. Unlock this feature by building a Forge in your Hideout; once built, access it directly from your inventory menu.

Julien explained the Forge's importance, 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." Furthermore, the game allows for truly unique weapon designs: "The final result could be the blade of one weapon, with the guard of another, and the handle of your newly acquired one."

A New Progression Loop

Following up on IGN Fan Fest 2025 discussions about combat mechanics and progression (led by Creative Director Charles Benoit), Ubisoft provided a deeper look into AC Shadows' progression system. Julien addressed the challenge of designing progression for 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. 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 Naoe (shinobi/assassin) and Yasuke (samurai). Each tree caters to their respective archetypes. Julien highlighted the player agency, explaining, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves into a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it. The points you invest in a Mastery tree also unlock additional bonuses for that weapon or archetype, further reinforcing your progress."

Mastery trees also unlock abilities, adding new gameplay options and increased damage output. However, access to certain abilities and mastery points requires reaching specific Knowledge Ranks, which increase through non-violent activities like finding Lost Pages, praying at Shrines, meditating (Naoe), or learning Kata (Yasuke).

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows offers extensive playstyle customization. Perks allow players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," providing stat improvements, influencing afflictions, and creating unique gameplay conditions. Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke offer diverse build options. Examples include a damage-focused, mobile ground combat style for Naoe, and a stealth/ranged build for Yasuke, leveraging perks and abilities to enhance their respective strengths.

With the recent reveals, anticipation for AC Shadows' March 20, 2025 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC is high. For the latest updates, check out our related articles!