Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Tools and Upgrade Guide

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose between Yasuke and Naoe, each offering unique approaches to tackling challenges. Understanding the tools at your disposal and how to upgrade them is crucial for mastering the game. Here’s a comprehensive guide on all the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In the game, players will unlock five distinct tools, with two becoming available as part of the story progression. Here's a detailed look at each tool:

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook is a vital tool for Naoe, enhancing exploration by allowing you to latch onto structures and ascend without needing handholds. It's perfect for reaching high vantage points quickly and observing enemies discreetly. Additionally, it enables you to swing across large gaps, making navigation seamless and efficient.

Kunai

The Kunai is a potent throwing knife that delivers significant damage. Essential for stealth, it can eliminate common enemies instantly. However, to deal with armored foes, upgrades are necessary to enhance its lethality and armor-piercing capabilities.

Smoke Bomb

The Smoke Bomb is a versatile tool that creates a smoke cloud upon impact, serving both defensive and offensive purposes. It can break enemy lines of sight, allowing for a quick escape, or be used in combat to confuse enemies, setting up surprise attacks and swift kills.

Shuriken

The Shuriken, a classic ninja throwing star, is crucial for navigating heavily guarded areas. While it doesn't hit as hard as the Kunai, it can stagger enemies and trigger environmental interactions like sabotaging alarms or detonating barrels. Its silent nature and ability to ricochet between targets make it invaluable for stealth missions.

Shinobi Bell

The Shinobi Bell is perfect for players who prefer distraction over direct confrontation. When thrown, it draws enemy attention away from you. Upgrades can enhance its range and visibility, making it an effective tool for clearing paths and managing crowds.

Related: How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Upgrading tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is facilitated through the Tools skill tree, using Mastery Points. Note that the Grappling Hook is the only tool not unlocked via this system.

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook can be upgraded within the Shinobi Tree. At Knowledge Rank 2, spending 2 Mastery Points on the Ascension Boost passive will significantly speed up Naoe’s climbing, reducing the chances of detection during ascents.

Kunai

To maximize the Kunai's effectiveness, focus on upgrading its damage and armor-piercing capabilities. The Kunai Assassination Damage upgrade increases the health segments removed per throw, while the Armor Piercing passive enhances its ability to penetrate armor. The Everlast upgrade ensures that thrown Kunai can be retrieved without breaking.

Smoke Bomb

Once unlocked, the Smoke Bomb can be upgraded to extend its duration with Enduring Haze, adding 10 seconds to its effect. Widespread further increases its area of effect, making it easier to obscure vision from more enemies.

Shuriken

Shuriken upgrades include Bank Shot, which allows them to bounce between targets with increasing damage. Triple Threat enables the simultaneous throw of three Shurikens for the cost of one, enhancing both stealth and combat capabilities.

Shinobi Bell

Upgrading the Shinobi Bell with Golden Bell improves its visibility, making it more effective at drawing enemy attention. Louder Chimes extends its effective radius by five meters, allowing it to lure more enemies with a single throw.

That’s everything you need to know about the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out The Escapist.

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