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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a groundbreaking feature: transmogging, allowing players to maintain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their aesthetic appeal. Dive into the details of the game's progression system and explore the extensive customization options available.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an immersive progression system, highlighted by the ability to transmog weapons. This feature allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their preferred stats. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows released a comprehensive overview on their website, detailing how player progression and customization function within the game. Julien, the Associate Game Director, shared insights into the team's vision and the game's extensive customization options.

The transmog feature becomes available after players construct a Forge in their Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu. Julien explained, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory, where you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. We'll delve deeper into the Hideout in an upcoming article." Players can mix and match weapon components, such as combining the blade of one weapon with the guard of another and the handle of a third, to create a unique look.

New Progression Loop

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat mechanics and progression. Ubisoft's recent post provides a more detailed look at the progression system and its underlying mechanics.

Julien highlighted the challenge of designing progression for two protagonists, stating, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan setting required us to rethink our approach to player progression. Our aim was to align closely with the philosophy of mastery and martial arts."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features distinct mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their archetypes as a shinobi and assassin, and a samurai, respectively. Julien elaborated, "The mastery trees allow players to specialize in a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their mastery over time. Investing points in these trees unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing your progress."

Abilities within the mastery trees offer new gameplay dynamics and increased damage against enemies. However, access to certain abilities and mastery points is contingent upon reaching specific Knowledge Ranks. These ranks can be elevated through non-violent activities such as discovering Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ultimate playstyle through various customization features. Perks enable players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat improvements, influencing afflictions, or creating different gameplay conditions.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be tailored to different playstyles. The game's post showcased potential builds for each character, illustrating the depth of customization. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, enhancing ground attack damage and facilitating quick engagement and disengagement with enemies. Conversely, Yasuke can be configured for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities boosting his stealth and archery skills.

With the excitement building over the past few weeks, fans eagerly anticipate the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game they've long awaited.

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