Assassin's Creed Shadows Unveils Transmog Feature for Weapon Customization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces transmogging, enabling players to retain weapon stats while altering their visual style. Discover how the game enhances progression and offers extensive customization options.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Explores Progression Mechanics

Transmogging and Weapon Personalization

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) offers an in-depth look at its progression system, highlighting the transmog feature that lets players adjust weapon stats while preserving their preferred appearance. On March 1, 2025, the AC Shadows website published a comprehensive overview of player progression and customization. Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the team’s vision for creating a highly customizable experience.

The transmog feature allows players to modify a weapon’s appearance without altering its stats. For instance, players can keep a weapon’s stats they prefer while changing its look to match their style. This feature becomes available after building a Forge in the Hideout, accessible directly from the inventory menu.

Julien noted, "The Forge is central to inventory management, allowing players to upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. More details on the Hideout will follow in a future article." Players can also combine elements like a blade from one weapon, a guard from another, and a handle from a newly acquired piece for a unique look.

Revamped Progression System

At IGN Fan Fest 2025, Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat and progression mechanics. A recent Ubisoft post provided further details on how progression functions and the systems driving it.

Julien explained the approach to dual protagonists, stating, "Crafting two distinct characters with unique archetypes in feudal Japan challenged us to rethink progression." She added, "We aimed to align with the philosophy of mastery and martial arts, ensuring a meaningful progression experience."

Mastery Trees, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows features distinct mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their roles as a shinobi/assassin and samurai, respectively.

Julien elaborated, "Mastery trees allow players to specialize in a weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their expertise." She continued, "Investing points in a tree unlocks additional bonuses, reinforcing progression for that weapon or archetype."

Abilities within the mastery trees introduce new gameplay dynamics and increase enemy damage when unlocked. However, certain abilities and tree points require specific Knowledge Rank levels, achievable through non-combat activities like finding Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Tailoring Your Playstyle

AC Shadows empowers players to craft their ideal playstyle through extensive customization options. Perks enable players to enhance or specialize equipment, offering stat boosts, status effects, or unique conditions that encourage varied gameplay.

Despite their core archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be customized to suit different playstyles. The game’s blog highlighted potential builds, showcasing its flexibility. Naoe can adopt an agile combat style, excelling in ground attacks and swift enemy engagement. Yasuke, meanwhile, can be tailored for stealth and ranged combat, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.

With recent reveals building excitement for its release, fans are eager to experience AC Shadows, a highly anticipated title.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, explore our related article below!