Max Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Explained

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of the franchise’s most expansive titles, featuring a comprehensive progression system designed to match its ambitious scope. Here’s a detailed look at the maximum levels and how the level cap functions in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

What Is the Max XP Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a revamped progression system, integrating traditional XP-based leveling alongside a new Knowledge Rank system. XP progression is crucial for unlocking higher-tier weapons, armor, and gear, as well as enhancing the base stats of protagonists Naoe and Yasuke.

Players need to reach Level 35 to access all Japanese provinces in the game. However, the XP grind extends beyond this, with the initial level cap set at 40, as Ubisoft revealed before the game's launch. But dedicated players can push their characters all the way to Level 60. There's a possibility that this cap might be raised even further with the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion.

What Is the Max Knowledge Rank in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Mastery menu with low-level progress, Image via Ubisoft.

The Knowledge Rank system in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a significant evolution in the franchise's progression mechanics, distinct from XP leveling. Players earn Knowledge Points through various in-game activities focused on mindfulness and training. These points allow progression through the Knowledge Ranks, unlocking new skills for Naoe and Yasuke, which must then be activated using Mastery Points.

To access all available skills, players must reach Knowledge Rank 6. Beyond this, a new Knowledge tree becomes available, offering additional passive skills that players can use to tailor their preferred playstyle.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)

Is There a Cap for Mastery in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Mastery is another key component of progression in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, functioning similarly to skill points. Players need to allocate Mastery Points to unlock skills within six Mastery trees for each protagonist. The cost in Mastery Points can vary, with some skills requiring more points than others.

While there is a theoretical limit to how many Mastery Points one can accumulate, reaching this cap would require extensive engagement with the game's numerous activities. The Claws of Awaji expansion, set to release later in 2025, is expected to introduce new methods for earning Mastery Points.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have Level Scaling?

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, each province in Japan has an associated level requirement. The highest initial requirement is for Kii, set at Level 35. As players advance their XP level, the difficulty of these regions adjusts to match their progress.

Beyond Level 40, there's a scaling mechanism that ensures a consistent challenge. From Level 42 onward, the recommended level for each province remains two levels below the player's current XP level. This system helps maintain an engaging combat pace in the late game, rewarding those who invest significant time into the game.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.