Assassin's Creed Mirage: Customizable Weapons

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, highlighted by its robust transmogging system. In a March 1, 2025, blog post, Associate Game Director Julien detailed the game's progression and customization features. Players can modify weapon stats independently of their appearance. If you love a weapon's stats but hate its look, transmogrify it! This feature unlocks by building a Forge in your Hideout, accessible afterward from the inventory menu.

Julien explained the Forge's role in inventory management: "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, weapon customization extends beyond simple appearance changes; players can mix and match components—the blade of one weapon, the guard of another, and the handle of a third—to create truly unique arsenals.

A New Progression Loop

Following up on IGN Fan Fest 2025 discussions about combat and progression (Creative Director Charles Benoit), Ubisoft provided a deeper look into AC Shadows' progression systems. The dual-protagonist structure—Naoe, the shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, the samurai—influenced the design of the progression system.

Julien stated, "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

Separate mastery trees for Naoe and Yasuke reflect their distinct archetypes. Investing in these trees unlocks bonuses specific to weapons and playstyles. Abilities, which grant new gameplay options and increased damage, are also found within the mastery trees. Access to certain abilities and mastery tree points requires reaching specific Knowledge Ranks, earned through non-combat activities such as finding Lost Pages, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation (Naoe), or learning new Kata (Yasuke).

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows offers extensive playstyle customization. Perks modify, enhance, or specialize equipment, providing stat improvements, inflicting afflictions, or creating unique gameplay conditions. Despite their initial archetypes, players can deviate significantly from Naoe and Yasuke's default styles. Example builds highlight this flexibility: Naoe can be built for aggressive, high-damage ground combat, while Yasuke can be customized for stealth and ranged attacks.

With its innovative features and deep customization options, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a richly rewarding experience. The game launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates!