Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a transmog system that lets players maintain their weapon stats while customizing their visual appearance. Discover how the game's progression and customization systems offer players extensive control over their gear and playstyle.
Exploring Player Progression in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Weapon Transmogrification and Customization
Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a detailed view of its progression mechanics, including weapon transmogrification that enables players to align their gear with both aesthetic preferences and statistical needs. On March 1, 2025, the game's official website published an in-depth overview of player progression and customization. Associate Game Director Julien discussed the development team's vision while explaining the game's customization features.
The transmog functionality allows weapon statistics to be modified independently of their appearance. If players prefer a weapon's performance but not its look, they can change its visual design while preserving the original stats. This feature becomes available after constructing a Forge in your Hideout, after which it can be accessed directly through the inventory menu.
Julien elaborated, "The Forge serves as the central hub for inventory management. Here you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear, though we'll share more details about the Hideout in an upcoming article." Players can also create hybrid weapon appearances by combining elements from different weapons. According to the post, "Your final creation might feature one weapon's blade, another's guard, and the handle from your newest acquisition."
Redesigned Progression System
During IGN Fan Fest 2025, Creative Director Charles Benoit previously showcased the game's combat mechanics and progression system. The latest developer update provides additional depth regarding progression mechanics and their implementation.
Julien explained how dual protagonists influenced the progression design: "Implementing two distinct character archetypes in feudal Japan required us to reconsider our approach to player progression." She added, "We aimed to closely reflect the philosophy of martial arts mastery throughout the system."
Mastery Systems, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks
Assassin's Creed Shadows implements unique mastery trees for protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, each tailored to their core archetypes - Naoe as a shinobi assassin and Yasuke as a samurai.
Julien clarified, "The specialized Mastery trees enable players to commit to specific weapons, playstyles, or archetypes while developing their expertise." She continued, "Investing points in a Mastery tree unlocks additional bonuses for that weapon or archetype, rewarding dedicated progression."
Abilities embedded within the Mastery trees introduce new combat options and enhanced damage capabilities when unlocked. However, certain abilities and mastery points require specific Knowledge Rank thresholds. Players can increase their Knowledge Rank through non-combat activities like locating Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation as Naoe, or learning new Kata as Yasuke.
Tailoring Your Combat Approach
Players can develop their ideal combat style through multiple customization systems in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Equipment perks enable players to "modify, enhance, or specialize gear pieces." These enhancements can improve statistics, influence status effects, or create combat conditions that encourage varied gameplay approaches.
Despite their established archetypes, both Naoe and Yasuke support diverse playstyles. The development team highlighted potential builds for each character, demonstrating the game's flexibility. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style emphasizing ground attack damage with enhanced engagement and disengagement capabilities. Meanwhile, Yasuke can be configured for stealth and ranged combat through specific perks and abilities that improve his stealth efficiency and archery skills.
With numerous features revealed in recent weeks, anticipation continues building among fans eager to experience the game they've long awaited.
Assassin's Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates on Assassin's Creed Shadows, explore our related coverage below!
