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

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers players extensive character progression and customization options, including a highly anticipated transmogging feature. This allows players to maintain a weapon's stats while altering its visual appearance to match their preferred aesthetic. A recent March 1, 2025, website post detailed these features, shedding light on the game's design philosophy.

Weapon Transmogrification and Customization

The transmogging system, unlocked by crafting a Forge in the Hideout, lets players seamlessly switch weapon skins within the inventory menu. Associate Game Director Julien highlighted the Forge's role in inventory management, promising further details in a future article about the Hideout. Players can even mix and match weapon components – blade from one weapon, guard from another, and handle from a third – for truly unique creations.

Reimagined Progression System

Building on previous IGN Fan Fest 2025 reveals, Ubisoft provided a more in-depth look at AC Shadows' progression mechanics. The dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, with their distinct archetypes (shinobi/assassin and samurai, respectively), necessitated a novel approach to player progression. The focus remains on mastering martial arts, reflecting the game's setting in feudal Japan.

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

Separate mastery trees for Naoe and Yasuke allow players to specialize in specific weapons, playstyles, or archetypes. Investing points unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing character progression. Abilities found within these trees add unique gameplay elements and increased damage output. However, access to certain abilities and mastery points is gated by the player's Knowledge Rank, increased through non-combat activities like exploring temples, praying at shrines, or practicing meditation and kata.

Tailoring Your Playstyle

AC Shadows offers extensive customization options. Perks modify, enhance, or specialize equipment, offering stat boosts, inflicting afflictions, and creating diverse gameplay conditions. Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke are highly adaptable. Example builds showcase the potential for diverse gameplay: Naoe can be built for aggressive, close-quarters combat, while Yasuke can be a stealthy ranged attacker.

With its innovative features and deep customization, AC Shadows promises a compelling and replayable experience. The game launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates!