"Assassin's Creed Shadows Introduces Transmogging: Change Weapon Stats While Retaining Appearance"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces an innovative feature called transmogging, allowing players to maintain their preferred weapon stats while customizing their appearance. Dive deeper into the game's progression and customization systems to understand what awaits you in this eagerly anticipated title.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Provides A Deep Dive on Progression

Transmogging and Weapon Customization

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), players can explore a comprehensive progression system that includes a robust transmog feature. On March 1, 2025, AC Shadows unveiled a detailed breakdown of player progression and customization on their official website. Associate Game Director Julien shared insights into the game's vision and the extent of its customization options.

The transmog system enables players to alter the appearance of their weapons while retaining their original stats. If you're fond of a weapon's stats but not its look, you can change its appearance to match your style. To unlock this feature, players must establish a Forge in their Hideout, which then becomes accessible through the inventory menu.

Julien emphasized, "The Forge is central to managing your inventory, allowing you to upgrade or dismantle weapons and gear. We'll delve deeper into the Hideout in an upcoming article." Additionally, players can mix and match different components of weapons, such as the blade from one weapon, the guard from another, and the handle from a newly acquired one, to create a personalized look.

New Progression Loop

Earlier at IGN Fan Fest 2025, AC Shadows’ Creative Director Charles Benoit discussed the game’s combat mechanics and progression. Ubisoft followed up with an in-depth look at how player progression functions and the mechanics behind it.

Julien explained the unique challenge of developing the game's progression system with two protagonists, stating, "With two distinct characters and their unique archetypes in our feudal Japan setting, we had to rethink our approach to player progression." She further noted, "Our aim was to remain true to the philosophy of mastery and martial arts."

Mastery, Abilities, and Knowledge Ranks

AC Shadows introduces unique mastery trees for its protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, tailored to their respective archetypes as a shinobi/assassin and a samurai.

Julien detailed, "Our mastery trees allow players to focus on a specific weapon, playstyle, or archetype, deepening their mastery over time." She added, "Investing points in the mastery tree not only enhances your weapon or archetype but also unlocks additional bonuses, reinforcing your progress."

Within these mastery trees, players can unlock abilities that add new gameplay dynamics and increase damage against enemies. However, access to certain abilities and points in the mastery tree is contingent upon reaching specific Knowledge Ranks. These ranks can be improved through non-violent activities such as discovering Lost Pages in temples, praying at Shrines, practicing Kuji-kiri Meditation for Naoe, or learning new Kata for Yasuke.

Customizing Your Playstyle

AC Shadows offers players extensive options to tailor their playstyle. Perks allow for the modification, enhancement, or specialization of equipment, offering stat boosts, inflicting conditions, or altering gameplay dynamics to encourage diverse playstyles.

Despite their initial archetypes, Naoe and Yasuke can be customized to suit various playstyles. The game suggests potential builds for each character, showcasing the depth of customization available. Naoe can adopt an exotic combat style, excelling in ground attacks and enabling quick engagement and disengagement from enemies. Conversely, Yasuke can be geared towards a stealthy and ranged approach, with perks and abilities enhancing his stealth and archery skills.

With the excitement building up to its release, fans are eagerly awaiting their chance to dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which promises a rich and engaging experience.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our articles below!