Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take you on an immersive journey through Feudal Japan, offering a mix of stealth, combat, and open-world exploration. To make sure you get the best start, here are some essential tips and tricks to help you master the game from day one.
Understand the Setting and Characters
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two playable protagonists: Yasuke, a powerful warrior who excels in brute-force combat, and Naoe, a stealth-focused Shinobi. Understanding their differences is important, as it is heavily linked to the game’s mechanics:
- Yasuke wields heavy weapons for direct confrontations
- Naoe specializes in agility, assassination, and deception.
Learning when to switch between them will help you adapt to different scenarios. Most quests will let you pick. Only a few specific lore-related quests force you to play with one or the other. For example, when playing Naoe’s specific story, you will, of course, not be able to use Yasuke.
The game is set in the Sengoku period, a time of war and political tension in Feudal Japan. Expect to navigate conflicts between warlords, samurai clans, and hidden factions as you progress through the story.
Stealth and Combat Mechanics
- Stealth is your best ally when playing as Naoe. Use shadows, rooftops, and distractions to take out enemies silently.
- Combat mechanics require strategic planning. Yasuke can handle multiple enemies but needs to manage stamina and positioning.
- Use the environment to your advantage. Hiding in tall grass, using sound to lure enemies, and taking advantage of the day-night cycle can turn the battle in your favor. The environment is very interactive, and there are so many possibilities to distract enemies, or kill them silently.
Explore the Open World
Feudal Japan is vast and filled with opportunities for exploration. Shadows really takes the best out of both, old and recent titles, when it comes to exploration. This entry in the franchise offers a massive world, but with enough things to do:
- Parkour and Grappling Hook: Climbing rooftops and using the grappling hook can give you a tactical advantage.
- Secret Locations: Seek out shrines and hidden temples for unique gear and abilities.
- Dynamic Weather and Time: Some missions or enemy behaviors change based on weather conditions and time of day. Use this to your advantage for infiltration or combat.
Upgrade Skills and Equipment Wisely
- Early Skill Priorities: Unlock core abilities that enhance movement, assassination efficiency, and Yasuke’s combat resilience.
- Equipment Upgrades: Focus on weapons and armor that complement your preferred playstyle.
- Crafting and Resources: Gather materials from the environment to improve gear and create useful tools like smoke bombs and poison darts.
Enemy AI and Combat Strategies
- Study Enemy Patterns: Samurai, archers, and elite guards have different attack styles. You can adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Parry and Counter: Timing is key when engaging in direct combat. Learn how to Parry and Counter early on.
- Assassination Tactics: Ledges, rooftops, and cover points provide the best angles for stealth kills.
Do Not Ignore Side Activities and Collectibles
- Side Quests: Many side missions offer valuable rewards, including XP, currency, and unique items.
- Hidden Collectibles: Look for historical artifacts, scrolls, and secret items that provide lore and bonuses.
- Training Grounds: Some locations allow you to improve your combat skills and test new techniques.
- Scouts: You will have access to characters you can recruit called Scouts. Make sure to use them to gather more resources for your Hideout!
Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a wonderful adventure through one of Japan’s most fascinating historical periods. By mastering stealth, combat, exploration, and upgrades, you will make this a smooth and rewarding experience. Take your time to experiment with both protagonists, and completely lose yourself in the beautifully crafted world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows!
