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

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a revolutionary feature—transmogging—that allows players to maintain the stats of their favorite weapons while customizing their appearance. Dive into the details of what the game offers in terms of progression and 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 a comprehensive look at its progression system, highlighted by the innovative transmog feature. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed on its official website how players can customize their weapons and gear. AC Shadows Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the game's vision, emphasizing its focus on player customization.

The transmog feature enables players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their preferred stats. This customization becomes available after constructing a Forge in the Hideout, which can then be accessed through the inventory menu.

Julien explained, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory. Here, you can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear, with more details to be shared in our upcoming article on the Hideout." Players can also mix and match different parts of weapons, allowing for unique combinations like the blade from one weapon, the guard from another, and the handle from a newly acquired one.

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 delves deeper into how player progression works within the game.

Julien highlighted the challenges of designing progression for two protagonists, saying, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan setting required us to rethink our approach to player progression." She added, "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—Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai.

Julien elaborated, "Our unique Mastery trees allow players to focus on mastering a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype. Investing points in these trees unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing your progress." Abilities within these trees offer new gameplay mechanics and increased damage output, but some are only accessible after reaching certain Knowledge Ranks. These ranks can be increased through non-violent activities such as finding 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 with a variety of customization options. Perks allow players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat improvements, afflictions, or conditions that encourage varied gameplay.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be adapted to different playstyles. The game provides examples of possible builds, showcasing its customization depth. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, focusing on ground attacks for quick engagements and disengagements, while Yasuke can be tailored for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.

With the exciting features and customization options revealed in recent weeks, fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set for 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 dedicated article below!