"Assassin's Creed Shadows Introduces Transmogging: Change Weapon Stats While Retaining Appearance"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a compelling feature for players: transmogging, allowing them to maintain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their aesthetic appeal. This innovative system enhances the player's journey through the game by offering deep customization and progression options. Dive into the details of what Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings to the table in terms of player progression and customization.

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an in-depth exploration of the game’s progression, highlighted by the ability to transmog weapons. This feature allows players to align their gear with their personal style without compromising on stats. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed this system on their official website, with Associate Game Director Julien elaborating on the team’s vision for customization and progression.

Players can utilize the transmog feature by creating a Forge in the Hideout, which, once unlocked, becomes accessible through the inventory menu. Julien noted, "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." The game's customization goes beyond simple aesthetics, allowing players to mix elements from different weapons, such as using the blade from one, the guard from another, and the handle from a third.

New Progression Loop

The game's progression system was further explored at IGN Fan Fest 2025 by Creative Director Charles Benoit, focusing on combat mechanics and the broader progression loop. A recent post from Ubisoft provided a comprehensive look at how players will advance in the game, emphasizing the unique approach to managing two protagonists in the feudal Japan setting.

Julien discussed the challenges and opportunities of featuring dual protagonists, stating, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression." She added, "Our goal was to stay as close as possible to the philosophy of mastery and martial art."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces unique mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their respective archetypes of shinobi/assassin and samurai. Julien explained, "With the unique Mastery trees, we want to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves into a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, and ensure they can deepen their mastery of it." As players invest in these trees, they unlock additional bonuses and abilities that enhance their gameplay and damage output.

The progression is further deepened by the Knowledge Rank system, which players can advance through non-violent activities such as finding Lost Pages in temples, praying in Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke. These activities unlock higher tiers of abilities within the Mastery trees.

Customizing Your Playstyle

Players can tailor their gameplay experience extensively in AC Shadows through perks that modify, enhance, or specialize equipment. These perks can improve stats, influence afflictions, or create different gameplay conditions, encouraging varied playstyles.

While Naoe and Yasuke start with defined archetypes, players have the freedom to experiment. The game's official post highlighted potential builds, showcasing Naoe's ability to adopt an exotic combat style, focusing on ground attacks and quick engagement/disengagement. Conversely, Yasuke can be customized for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.

With the excitement building up as Assassin’s Creed Shadows approaches its release, fans are eager to explore the rich customization and progression systems the game offers.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Keep up with the latest updates by checking out our article below!