Assassin’s Creed Shadows: All Tools and How to Upgrade

Embark on thrilling adventures in Assassin's Creed Shadows, choosing to play as either Yasuke or Naoe, each offering unique approaches to problem-solving. Mastering the game's tools is key to success, and this guide details each tool and its upgrade path.

All Tools in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Five distinct tools enhance gameplay, with two unlocked through story progression:

Grappling Hook

A significant advantage for Naoe, the Grappling Hook allows for effortless traversal of structures, bypassing handholds. Ideal for scouting enemy positions and rapidly accessing high vantage points, it also enables dynamic swings across gaps.

Kunai

These sharp throwing knives deliver substantial damage, perfect for silent eliminations. While effective against standard enemies, upgrades are crucial for dispatching heavily armored foes.

Smoke Bomb

Serving both offensive and defensive purposes, the Smoke Bomb creates a concealing smoke cloud. Use it to break line of sight, escape detection, or create confusion during combat, setting up advantageous assassinations.

Shuriken

The classic throwing star, the Shuriken excels in navigating heavily guarded areas. While less powerful than the Kunai, it staggers enemies and triggers environmental interactions, such as disabling alarms or detonating barrels. Upgrades enhance damage and ricochet capabilities.

Shinobi Bell

A distraction tool, the Shinobi Bell diverts enemy attention. Upgrades increase its range and allure, making it effective for crowd control and clearing pathways.

How to Upgrade Tools in Assassin's Creed Shadows

All tools (except the Grappling Hook) are upgraded using Mastery Points within the Tools skill tree. Unlocking certain tools is tied to story progression.

Grappling Hook

Located under the Shinobi Tree, the Ascension Boost passive (2 Mastery Points at Knowledge Rank 2) significantly speeds up Naoe's climbing, enhancing stealth.

Kunai

Focus on maximizing damage with Kunai Assassination Damage upgrades, increasing health removed per throw. The Armor Piercing passive and Everlast upgrade further enhance capabilities.

Smoke Bomb

Extend the duration with Enduring Haze (+10 seconds) and increase the area of effect with Widespread for improved concealment.

Shuriken

Bank Shot allows ricocheting between targets, increasing damage with each level. Triple Threat enables throwing three Shuriken simultaneously for the cost of one.

Shinobi Bell

Golden Bell enhances its distraction capabilities, while Louder Chimes expands its effective radius by five meters.

This guide covers essential aspects of tools and upgrades in Assassin's Creed Shadows. For further assistance, consult The Escapist.

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