The Ultimate Weapons Guide for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Hitting shelves on March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Xbox Series X|S is poised to offer an exhilarating dual-character experience. Players get to immerse themselves in the role of Naoe, a nimble ninja, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. These two characters don’t just differ in appearance and personality—each boasts a distinct arsenal of weapons to suit various combat styles. Players can equip two different weapon types with each character, ensuring a unique approach to any battle situation. Let’s explore the diverse weapons that Yasuake and Naoe wield, so you can strategize your perfect loadout.

### Yasuke’s Weapons

#### Long Katana
Imagine yourself cutting through adversaries with the elegance and speed of a samurai wielding a long katana—Yasuke’s weapon of choice when facing opponents with precision. Though it might not reach as far as some weapons, its rapid strikes are perfect for small groups or putting a boastful ronin in their place.

#### Naginata
The naginata polearm is invaluable for its sweeping attacks. While it trades speed for reach, it’s ideal for crowd control, keeping threats at bay and besting foes who dare to wield a naginata themselves.

#### Kanabo
Now, if raw power suits your style, Yasuke’s massive Kanabo is ready to shatter defenses and armor alike. While its weight means slower swings, the sheer force behind each hit is undisputed, making up for lost speed and crumbling any enemy barrier.

#### Bow
Embrace the stealthy approach with Yasuke’s bow. Silently take down distant enemies with a shot as deadly as it is quiet. Abilities that allow time manipulation and multiple arrow shots ensure it’s not just for sneaking past threats—this bow can hold its own in the chaos of battle.

#### Teppo
Sometimes, subtlety needs to take a backseat to power. The teppo rifle packs a punch that’s impossible to ignore. Its thunderous blasts demand attention and follow-up shots may require switching to melee weaponry. Innovative abilities let you integrate explosions into your strategy, making it versatile in the right hands.

### Naoe’s Weapons

#### Katana
Naoe’s katana might share the same name as Yasuke’s, but it’s wielded with acrobatic flair. Her agile combat style combines swift swordplay with dynamic maneuvers, making it a versatile pick for both small brawls and solo encounters.

#### Tanto/Hidden Blade
Quick and lethal, Naoe wields the tanto and hidden blade to deliver a rapid barrage of strikes. Though its range demands closeness to the enemy, its benefits outweigh the risks. Enhance its effectiveness with mastery upgrades for stunning dual assassination capabilities.

#### Kusarigama
A fusion of a scythe and chained metal ball, the Kusarigama is perhaps Naoe’s most adaptable tool. Spin its ends for different attack styles, allowing vast reach when engaging multiple foes. Use it with caution, or expect some collateral damage as it cuts through structures with ease.

### Tools
Instead of traditional ranged weapons, Naoe utilizes throwable tools to keep foes at a distance. Precision headshots with kunai can eliminate threats instantly, while shuriken are ideal for temporary disruptions, giving you the edge in battle.

### Upgrading Weapons
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, developing your weapons involves mastering and level-boosting. Investing mastery points into specific weapon types unlocks additional damage and new skills. Players can adjust lower-level weapons to align with their current player level, enhancing their attributes. Rarity further influences performance; engravings and perks continuously fine-tune your approach to combat challenges.

Regardless of your chosen loadout, in the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, versatility and adaptability will make any weapon set effective. Be sure to pre-order on the Microsoft Store to scoop up enticing expansion perks, and prepare for an enthralling journey into Feudal Japan as you navigate the turbulent paths of Naoe and Yasuke. Enhance your experience with the Digital Deluxe Edition’s exclusive bonuses and broader customization options—absolute must-haves for dedicated fans of the franchise.