Assassin’s Creed Shadows Weapons Guide#
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a lineup of historically grounded weapons, from melee staples like the katana and naginata to ranged picks such as the yumi bow and the teppo matchlock gun. This page breaks down every main weapon type and how to get the most out of each one.
1. Melee Weapons#
| Weapon | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Katana | Balanced all-rounder and the melee mainstay | Naoe, Yasuke |
| Kusarigama | Agile chain-and-sickle hybrid that controls crowds while still dealing solid damage | Naoe |
| Tanto | Short and quick, can be dual-wielded with the hidden blade | Naoe |
| Naginata | Long shaft, wide attack range | Yasuke |
| Kanabo | Heavy blunt weapon with devastating hits | Yasuke |
2. Ranged Weapons#
| Weapon | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Yumi (bow) | Traditional ranged option with charged shots, ideal for stealth |
| Teppo | Matchlock gun, huge damage, slow reload |
3. Throwables and Support Tools#
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Shuriken | Extinguish lights, deal damage, and pull enemies away |
| Kunai | Thrown damage and disruption |
| Smoke bomb | Create cover to break line of sight |
| Hidden blade | Silent takedowns from behind |
4. Weapon Mastery#
Every weapon family has its own skill tree. Putting points into mastery unlocks higher-tier combos and passives, so a weapon keeps growing stronger the more you use it.
5. Weapon Perks and Upgrades#
Weapons can roll perks that affect damage, attack speed, critical hits, and other stats. Upgrading and enhancing your weapons makes a noticeable difference in combat.
6. Matching Weapons to Characters#
- Naoe: katana, kusarigama, tanto, naginata, teppo.
- Yasuke: odachi (long katana), naginata, kanabo, yumi bow, teppo.
7. How to Get Weapons#
Weapons come mainly from exploration, quest rewards, crafting, and buying from merchants. Different regions and strongholds unlock different weapon recipes.
8. Weapon Loadout Setups#
| Loadout | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Melee-focused | Katana + kusarigama, balancing reliability and flexibility |
| Ranged-focused | Yumi bow + teppo for stealth picks and suppression |
| Hybrid | Melee + ranged + throwables to handle any situation |
9. Weapons and Combat Style#
Picking a weapon is picking a combat style. Stealth-oriented players can lean on the katana plus throwables, while aggressive players should look at the naginata and kanabo. Set up your loadout around your own preferences to get the most out of your build.
10. Final Thoughts#
The arsenal here is meticulously researched and impressively varied. Once you understand what each weapon type is meant to do, and pair it with the right character and perks, you will find a fighting style of your own on the Sengoku battlefield.
11. Getting and Upgrading Weapons#
Weapons come mainly from exploration, quest rewards, crafting, and buying from merchants. Upgrading a weapon raises its base stats, keeping it in step with your level and progress.
12. Weapons and Perks#
Weapons can carry perks that influence damage, attack speed, crit chance, and more. The right perk combinations let a weapon punch well above its weight.
13. Matching Weapons to Characters#
- Naoe: katana, kusarigama, tanto, naginata, teppo.
- Yasuke: odachi (long katana), naginata, kanabo, yumi bow, teppo.
14. Weapons and Combat Style#
Your weapon choice shapes your combat style. Players who favor stealth can run the katana alongside throwables, while players who prefer brute force can pick the naginata and kanabo. Configure around your own preferences to bring out maximum combat power.
15. Weapons and Stealth#
Ranged weapons and throwables play a big role in stealth. The yumi bow and teppo can eliminate targets from a distance, while shuriken kill lights and stir up distractions. Mixing weapons sensibly while sneaking keeps you in control.
16. Weapons for High-Difficulty Fights#
Against tough bosses and fortress assaults, the right weapon pairing is key. Knowing each weapon type’s traits and packing accordingly will tilt the odds in your favor.
17. Weapons and Personal Style#
The game’s arsenal is carefully researched and rich in variety. Whatever your preference, there is a weapon that fits. Learn how each type works and you will get the most out of your time on the Sengoku battlefield.
18. Where to Find Weapons#
Weapons come from exploration, quest rewards, crafting, and merchant purchases. Different regions unlock different recipes, so exploring more and clearing side quests speeds up your collection.
19. Weapons and Build Depth#
Weapon perks, skills, and armor perks together form the depth of a build. Combining the right weapons with the right perks lets you create a combat setup that is truly your own.