Assassin’s Creed Shadows Unveils Transmog Feature for Weapon Customization

Exploring Progression in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Weapon Customization and Transmog System

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an in-depth progression system, featuring a transmog mechanic that lets players tailor weapon stats to match their desired aesthetics. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows published a detailed overview on its website, outlining player progression and customization. Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the team’s vision for the game’s extensive customization options.

The transmog feature enables players to alter a weapon’s appearance while retaining its stats. If a player favors a weapon’s performance but not its look, they can modify its visual design without sacrificing functionality. This feature becomes available after building a Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.

Julien noted, "The Forge is central to inventory management. It allows players to upgrade or break down weapons and gear, with more details to come in a future Hideout article." Players can also combine elements like the blade, guard, and handle from different weapons to create a unique look.

Revamped Progression System

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat and progression mechanics. A recent Ubisoft post provided further details on the progression system and its underlying mechanics.

Julien explained the approach to dual protagonists, stating, "Crafting a game with two distinct characters in feudal Japan challenged us to rethink progression entirely." She added, "We aimed to align closely with the principles of martial arts mastery."

Mastery Trees, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces unique mastery trees for protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their roles as a shinobi assassin and samurai, respectively.

Julien elaborated, "Mastery trees allow players to specialize in a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their expertise." She continued, "Investing points in a tree unlocks additional bonuses, enhancing progression for that weapon or archetype."

Abilities within the mastery trees introduce new gameplay dynamics and increase damage output. However, some abilities and tree progression require higher Knowledge Ranks, earned through non-combat activities like finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Tailoring Your Playstyle

AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ideal playstyle through extensive customization. Perks enable players to tweak, enhance, or specialize equipment, offering stat boosts, affliction effects, or unique conditions that encourage varied gameplay approaches.

Despite their core archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can adopt diverse playstyles based on player preference. The post highlighted potential builds, showcasing the game’s customization depth. Naoe can adopt an agile combat style, excelling in ground attacks with quick engagement and disengagement. Yasuke, meanwhile, can lean into stealth and ranged builds, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth capabilities and archery.

With recent reveals building excitement for its release, fans are eager to experience AC Shadows. The game launches on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Check out our article below for the latest updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows!