Assassin's Creed Shadows Introduces Transmogging: Change Stats, Keep Weapon Aesthetics

Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces an exciting feature known as transmogging, allowing players to retain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their appearance. This innovative mechanic enhances the player's experience by offering extensive customization options as they progress through the game. Dive into the details to discover how Assassin’s Creed Shadows enhances player progression and customization.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers a comprehensive look at the game's progression system, which includes the ability for players to transmog their weapons. This feature allows players to alter the appearance of their weapons while maintaining the stats they desire. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows detailed on its official website how player progression and customization work within the game. AC Shadows Associate Game Director Julien provided insights into the team's vision and the game's extensive customization options.

The transmog feature in AC Shadows enables players to modify the stats of their weapons. If a player appreciates a weapon's stats but not its appearance, they can change its look while keeping the original stats. To access this feature, players must build a Forge in their Hideout, which then becomes available directly from the inventory menu.

Julien explained, "The Forge plays a crucial role in managing your inventory. Here, players can upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear, but we will delve deeper into the Hideout in an upcoming article." Players can also mix and match different parts of weapons, such as combining the blade of one weapon, the guard of another, and the handle of a newly acquired one, to create a unique aesthetic.

New Progression Loop

Previously, at IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game's combat mechanics and progression. The new post from Ubisoft provides a more detailed exploration of player progression and the mechanics behind it.

Julien discussed the approach to handling the game's two protagonists, stating, "Having two separate characters with unique archetypes in our feudal Japan world pushed us to rethink how we wanted to approach player progression." She added, "Our goal was to stay as close as possible to the philosophy of mastery and martial art."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features unique mastery trees for its two main protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. These trees are tailored to their main archetypes, with Naoe as a shinobi and assassin, and Yasuke as a samurai.

Julien elaborated, "With the unique Mastery trees, we aim to give players the freedom to dedicate themselves to a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, allowing them to deepen their mastery of it." She further explained, "The points invested in a Mastery tree unlock additional bonuses for that weapon or archetype, reinforcing your progress."

Abilities are also found within the Mastery trees. Once unlocked, these abilities introduce new gameplay mechanics and increase damage output against enemies. However, accessing certain abilities and points in the Mastery tree requires reaching specific levels in the Knowledge Rank. This rank can be increased through non-violent activities such as finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows allows players to craft their ultimate playstyle through various customization options. Perks enable players to "modify, enhance, or specialize a piece of equipment," offering stat improvements, influencing afflictions, or creating different conditions that encourage varied playstyles.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be customized to suit different playstyles. The game's post outlined potential builds for each character, showcasing the depth of customization available. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, dealing more damage with ground attacks and facilitating quick engagement and disengagement from enemies. Conversely, Yasuke can be built for a more stealthy and ranged approach, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.

With the recent updates and information leading up to its release, fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which promises a deeply engaging and customizable gaming experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be released on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. To stay up to date with the latest information on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, check out our article below!