Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Tools and Upgrade Guide

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose between Yasuke and Naoe, each offering unique gameplay styles and tools to tackle various challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the tools available and how to enhance them for optimal performance.

All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can utilize five distinct tools, with two unlocked through story progression. Let's explore each tool and their functionalities:

Grappling Hook

Naoe's Grappling Hook is a game-changer for exploration, enabling swift ascents without the need for handholds. It's perfect for reaching strategic vantage points and crossing large gaps, enhancing your ability to survey and navigate the environment effectively.

Kunai

The Kunai is a lethal throwing knife ideal for silent takedowns. It's particularly effective against common enemies, instantly eliminating them. Upgrades are necessary to penetrate the armor of more formidable foes, ensuring you can dispatch them with precision.

Smoke Bomb

The Smoke Bomb is a versatile tool that can be used both defensively and offensively. It creates a smoke cloud that breaks enemy line of sight, allowing for quick escapes or stealthy assassinations amidst the confusion it causes.

Shuriken

Shurikens are essential for navigating guarded areas. While they don't deal as much damage as Kunai, they can stagger enemies and trigger environmental hazards, such as sabotaging alarms or detonating barrels. Upgrades allow them to ricochet, increasing their effectiveness in combat.

Shinobi Bell

For those who prefer non-lethal tactics, the Shinobi Bell is perfect for creating diversions. Throwing it attracts enemies, clearing paths or setting up crowd control opportunities. Upgrades can extend its range and add visual effects to enhance its distraction capabilities.

Related: How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

Enhancing your tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is crucial for mastering the game. Most tools can be upgraded using Mastery Points through the Tools skill tree, except for the Grappling Hook. Here's how to upgrade each tool:

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook's only upgrade is the Ascension Boost passive under the Shinobi Tree, costing 2 Mastery Points at Knowledge Rank 2. This upgrade significantly speeds up Naoe’s climbs, making ascents quicker and less likely to be detected by enemies.

Kunai

To maximize the Kunai's effectiveness, focus on Kunai Assassination Damage upgrades to increase the damage per throw. Enhance its armor-piercing capabilities with the Armor Piercing passive skill, and use Everlast to ensure the Kunai can be reused without breaking.

Smoke Bomb

After unlocking the Smoke Bomb, upgrade its duration with Enduring Haze, adding 10 seconds to its effect. Further enhance its utility with Widespread, which increases the area of effect, allowing for greater control over enemy visibility.

Shuriken

Upgrade your Shurikens with Bank Shot to enable ricocheting between targets, with damage increasing at each level. Triple Threat allows you to throw three Shurikens simultaneously for the cost of one, offering versatile options in both stealth and combat scenarios.

Shinobi Bell

Enhance the Shinobi Bell with Golden Bell to improve its distraction capabilities. Follow up with Louder Chimes to extend its effective radius by five meters, making it easier to draw enemies away from your path.

That’s everything you need to know about the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*