Yasuke and Naoe are about to showcase their unique martial prowess in the eagerly awaited Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set to launch on March 20, 2025, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S. Each character is equipped with distinctive weaponry, crafting a varied combat experience. Pre-ordering from the Microsoft Store bags you the Claws of Awaji expansion and the exclusive Thrown to the Dogs quest without any extra cost.
In this action-packed game, players are treated to the experiences of Naoe, a nimble ninja, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. The contrast between these two characters extends from their fighting styles right down to the arsenal they wield. Players can switch between different weapon types to suit their preferred combat strategy. Here’s an overview of the weapons each character can utilize.
### Yasuke’s Arsenal
#### Long Katana
A samurai’s essence is embodied in his katana, and Yasuke’s long katana stands out as his quickest weapon. Its rapid strikes allow you to swiftly dispatch adversaries with precision, making it perfect for handling small clusters of foes or defeating overly confident rivals.
#### Naginata
This polearm lends Yasuke an advantage against larger groups. While it lacks the speed of the katana, its extended reach enables Yasuke to stymie multiple enemies simultaneously, especially when confronted by foes armed with comparable weapons.
#### Kanabo
Power is the Kanabo’s calling card. Though slow, its powerful blows can obliterate an opponent’s defense, shattering armor and health bars in moments. However, Yasuke must be cautious as using it in crowded fights can leave him exposed to attacks.
#### Bow
For stealth and precision from afar, the bow is Yasuke’s silent ally. It excels at quietly eliminating guards, and with the right skills, can even slow time or launch a barrage of arrows, making it viable even when surrounded by threats.
#### Teppo
When silence is not an option, Yasuke’s teppo rifle delivers devastating blasts. But, it’s a loud entry and requires reloading after each shot, demanding a quick switch to melee weapons if overwhelmed. Abilities like detonating gunpowder sacks or using it as a bludgeon make the teppo versatile on the battlefield.
### Naoe’s Arsenal
#### Katana
Naoe’s approach with the katana turns it into a different beast from Yasuke’s. Her acrobatics mix kicks and flips with each slash, making it moderately fast and well-suited for both duels and taking on smaller groups.
#### Tanto/Hidden Blade
Speed defines Naoe’s tanto and Hidden Blade combo. Perfect for swift, close encounters, this setup shines in one-on-one scenarios. An Assassin mastery upgrade even allows for dual assassinations when equipped.
#### Kusarigama
Versatility is the name of the game with Naoe’s kusarigama. It mixes scythe slashes with metal-ball swings for crowd control and distant strikes. It’s highly effective but beware of causing unintended destruction with its wide-reaching attacks.
#### Tools
While Yasuke employs ranged weaponry, Naoe uses various throwable tools. Her kunai can immediately deal with unarmored foes, whereas shuriken work best for stunning adversaries, providing openings to execute.
### Enhancing Armaments
The game offers diverse ways to augment your gear. Each weapon type has a mastery tab to boost damage and unlock skills. Weapons also have levels, and by using the Forge in your Hideout, you can upgrade them to your current level, improving base stats.
Weapons are classified into five rarity tiers—Common to Legendary. As you progress, you can engrave unique perks, from boosting critical hit chances to making use of bleeding or poison effects to refill adrenaline faster, enhancing your combat engagement.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is all about finding your perfect synergy. Get prepped for its release on Xbox Series X|S, and remember, pre-ordering gives you added content, including the Claws of Awaji expansion and Thrown to the Dogs quest. Opting for the Digital Deluxe Edition also grants access to additional gear, mastery points, and customizable hideout ornaments to enhance your Shinobi league. Embrace your dual heritage in feudal Japan, balancing stealth with force as you uncover the destinies of Naoe and Yasuke.
