Gear and Perks#
The gear system of Assassin’s Creed Shadows covers weapons, armor, and perks, and is the foundation for building your combat and stealth style. This page outlines how to obtain and upgrade gear and how to combine perks.
I. Gear Categories#
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Katana, naginata, kanabo, bow, teppo and more |
| Armor | Improves survivability and stealth |
| Trinkets | Carry bonus perks |
| Throwables | Shuriken, smoke bombs and more |
II. Obtaining Gear#
Gear is mainly obtained through exploration, quest rewards, crafting, and buying from merchants. Different regions and strongholds unlock different gear recipes.
III. Gear Upgrading#
Gear can be leveled up and upgraded to raise its base stats. Sensible investment in upgrades keeps your gear in step with your level and progress.
IV. The Perk System#
Weapons and armor carry perks that affect damage, attack speed, critical hits, stealth, and other attributes. Combining perks is an important part of building your combat style.
| Perk Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Attack perks | Increase damage and critical hits |
| Defense perks | Improve survivability and guarding |
| Stealth perks | Improve shadow concealment and assassination |
| Exploration perks | Improve the grappling hook, parkour, and perception |
V. Perk Combination Advice#
| Playstyle | Recommended Perks |
|---|---|
| Stealth | Related to assassination, concealment, and staying hidden |
| Assault | Related to damage, critical hits, and guarding |
| Balanced | Both offense and defense, combined flexibly |
VI. Gear and Characters#
Both protagonists have independent gear systems and appearances. Allocating gear resources sensibly keeps both playstyles strong.
VII. Gear and Level Suppression#
Level gaps have a big impact on combat. If your power is short, upgrade your gear and run a few side quests to raise your level before taking on high-difficulty content.
VIII. Gear and the Four Seasons#
Some gear is more practical in specific seasons. For example, winter needs cold-weather gear and the rainy season needs waterproof gear. Adjusting your gear to the season improves exploration and stealth efficiency.
IX. Gear Appearance and Personalization#
As you progress, you unlock a large number of gear appearances. Players who like personalization can collect these appearances and trinkets while pushing the main story.
X. Summary#
The gear system gives combat and stealth in this game a depth worth investing in. Understand how to obtain and upgrade gear and how to combine perks, and you can build a character that fits your own playstyle.
XI. Crafting and Obtaining Gear#
Gear can be crafted at the forge in the Hideout, and also obtained through exploration, quest rewards, and buying from merchants. Different regions unlock different gear recipes.
XII. Gear and the Dual Protagonists#
Both protagonists have independent gear systems and appearances. Allocating gear resources sensibly keeps both playstyles strong.
XIII. Long-Term Gear Planning#
As you progress, you unlock increasingly powerful gear. It is recommended to upgrade your core gear according to current needs and put resources into the categories that most improve your experience.
XIV. Gear and Advanced Play#
In high-difficulty content and challenges, sensible gear setup is the key. Upgrade gear and prepare your perks before challenging high-difficulty bosses and castles, and your success rate rises significantly.
XV. Gear and Combat Style#
The perks and skills on your weapons and armor determine your combat style. Players who prefer stealth can stack assassination and concealment perks, while players who prefer assault can stack damage and guard perks.
XVI. Gear and Seasons#
Some gear is more practical in specific seasons. Cold protection in winter, waterproofing in the rainy season — adjusting your gear to the season improves exploration and stealth efficiency.
XVII. Obtaining and Growing Gear#
Gear is mainly obtained through exploration, quests, crafting, and buying from merchants. As you progress, you unlock increasingly powerful gear. Upgrading your core gear sensibly is the key to raising your power.
XVIII. Gear Upgrade Priority#
It is recommended to put resources into your main weapon and core armor first, as these two offer the best value. Trinkets and throwables come next and can be upgraded as needed.
XIX. Gear and Long-Term Planning#
As you progress, you unlock increasingly powerful gear. Keeping your main gear in step with your level is an effective way to avoid hitting a power wall.