*Assassin's Creed Shadows* stands out as one of the most expansive entries in the beloved franchise, boasting a rich progression system that complements its vast world. Here's a comprehensive look at the maximum levels and how the level cap functions in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*.
*Assassin's Creed Shadows* has introduced a new way to progress within the series. While the core of unlocking skills now revolves around the innovative Knowledge Ranks system, traditional XP-based progression remains integral. Advancing your XP in *Assassin's Creed Shadows* not only unlocks higher-tier weapons, armor, and gear but also enhances the base stats of Naoe and Yasuke.
Although reaching Level 35 allows you to explore all the Japanese provinces on the game's map, the XP grind can extend far beyond this point. Initially, Ubisoft suggested a Level Cap of 40, but players can actually progress up to Level 60. It's also anticipated that this cap might be raised further with the upcoming *Claws of Awaji* expansion for *Assassin's Creed Shadows*.
To unlock every skill, players need to reach Knowledge Rank 6. However, the progression doesn't end there; upon reaching this rank, Naoe and Yasuke unlock a new Knowledge tree, offering several passive skills that allow players to tailor their build to their preferred playstyle.
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Mastery constitutes the third pillar of progression in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, serving as the game's equivalent to skill points. These points are necessary to unlock new skills within the various Mastery trees, with some skills requiring more Mastery to unlock than others.
With six Mastery trees available for each protagonist, there's a vast array of skills to explore. Mastery Points can be earned through a wide variety of in-game activities, ensuring ample opportunities to acquire the points needed for desired skills. Although it's theoretically possible to reach a limit on Mastery Points, this would require extensive gameplay, and the *Claws of Awaji* expansion, slated for later in 2025, is expected to introduce new ways to earn Mastery.
In *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, each province of Japan comes with an associated level. At the start of the game, Kii province requires a Level 35 to access, setting the initial benchmark for progression. As you advance through the game and gain XP, the levels of certain regions will scale to match your progress.
However, there's a late-game floor for how high the levels of enemies and the overall difficulty of provinces will scale. Beyond Level 40, the recommended level for each province typically remains two levels below your current XP level. This ensures the game maintains a challenging yet rewarding experience in the endgame, catering to players who invest significant time into their journey.
*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is available now on PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.