Assassin's Creed Shadows Unveils Transmog Feature for Enhanced Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a transmog feature, allowing players to customize weapon stats while preserving their preferred visual style. Explore the game’s deep progression system and extensive customization options below.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Explores In-Depth Progression Mechanics

Weapon Customization and Transmog System

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers a detailed look at its progression system, featuring a transmog option that lets players adjust weapon stats while keeping their desired aesthetic. On March 1, 2025, the AC Shadows team shared insights on their website about how progression and customization enhance gameplay. Associate Game Director Julien outlined the team’s vision for a highly customizable experience.

The transmog feature enables players to alter a weapon’s appearance without affecting its stats. For example, if a player prefers a weapon’s stats but not its look, they can swap its visual design while retaining performance. Unlocking this feature requires building a Forge in the Hideout, after which it becomes accessible via the inventory menu.

Julien noted, “The Forge is central to inventory management, allowing players to upgrade or break down weapons and gear. More details on the Hideout will follow in a future update.” Players can also combine elements, such as a blade from one weapon, a guard from another, and a handle from a newly acquired item, for a unique look.

Revamped Progression System

During 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 two distinct characters with unique archetypes in feudal Japan challenged us to rethink progression.” She added, “We aimed to align with the philosophy of mastering martial arts, ensuring depth in player development.”

Mastery Trees, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces distinct mastery trees for protagonists Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a samurai, each tailored to their unique archetypes.

Julien elaborated, “Mastery trees allow players to specialize in a weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their expertise.” She continued, “Investing points in a tree unlocks bonuses that enhance progress for that weapon or archetype.”

Abilities within the mastery trees unlock new gameplay mechanics and increase damage output. However, certain abilities and tree sections require reaching specific Knowledge Rank levels, achievable through non-combat activities like collecting Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or mastering new Kata for Yasuke.

Tailoring Your Playstyle

AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ideal playstyle through extensive customization options. Perks allow players to enhance or specialize equipment, offering stat boosts, status effects, or unique conditions that encourage diverse gameplay approaches.

Despite their core archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can adopt varied playstyles. For instance, Naoe can focus on exotic combat, excelling in ground attacks with quick engagement and disengagement. Yasuke, meanwhile, can lean into stealth or ranged builds, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth capabilities or archery skills.

With recent reveals building excitement for the game’s launch, fans are eager to experience AC Shadows after years of anticipation.

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