Assassin's Creed Shadows adds weapon stat-transmog feature

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a transmog system that lets players maintain weapon stats while customizing their visual appearance. Discover how the game enhances player progression and offers deep customization options.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Offers Extensive Progression Details

Transmog and Weapon Customization Features

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) provides an in-depth progression system, including the ability to transmog weapons for both aesthetic preference and optimal stats. Ubisoft detailed these mechanics in a March 1, 2025 blog post, with Associate Game Director Julien explaining the team's vision for player customization.

The transmog system allows players to alter weapon appearances while preserving their stats - perfect for those who prefer different visual styles. This feature becomes available after unlocking the Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.

Julien stated: "The Forge serves as your inventory hub. Here you'll upgrade, dismantle, and customize weapons and gear - we'll share more Hideout details soon." Players can create unique weapon combinations by blending different components, like pairing one weapon's blade with another's hilt.

Redesigned Progression System

Following Creative Director Charles Benoit's IGN Fan Fest 2025 combat showcase, Ubisoft has revealed more about the game's progression mechanics. Julien discussed the challenges of balancing progression for dual protagonists:

"Feudal Japan's dual protagonists—each with distinct archetypes—required us to reinvent progression systems. We aimed to maintain martial arts philosophy while ensuring depth," she explained.

Mastery Trees, Abilities and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for protagonists Naoe (shinobi) and Yasuke (samurai), allowing specialized character development. Julien noted:

"Mastery trees let players specialize in weapons, playstyles, or archetypes, with invested points unlocking additional bonuses. Some abilities and upgrades require reaching specific Knowledge Ranks through activities like temple exploration, shrine prayers, Kuji-kiri meditation (Naoe), or martial arts practice (Yasuke)."

Playstyle Customization Options

Players can craft unique playstyles through various customization features. Perks modify equipment with stat boosts or special effects, encouraging diverse approaches. While Naoe and Yasuke have established archetypes, players can subvert expectations:

Naoe can adopt exotic combat techniques with enhanced ground attacks and mobility, while Yasuke can specialize in stealth archery builds. These possibilities demonstrate the game's extensive customization depth.

With continuous reveals leading to launch, anticipation grows for this long-awaited title. Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases March 20, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news through our continued coverage.