In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose to play as either Yasuke or Naoe, each offering unique approaches to problem-solving. Here's a comprehensive guide to all the tools at your disposal and how to upgrade them for a more dynamic gameplay experience.
All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Throughout your journey in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll unlock five essential tools, with two becoming available as you progress through the story. Let's dive into each one:
Grappling Hook
The Grappling Hook is a pivotal tool for Naoe, enhancing her exploration capabilities. It allows you to latch onto structures and ascend swiftly without relying on handholds. This tool is perfect for securing high vantage points to survey enemy movements or to swing across wide gaps effortlessly.
Kunai
The Kunai is a lethal throwing knife designed for those who prefer stealthy eliminations. It's capable of instantly killing common foes, but for armored enemies, upgrades are necessary to ensure effectiveness. This tool is crucial for players aiming to remain undetected while neutralizing specific targets.
Smoke Bomb
The Smoke Bomb serves dual purposes, acting as both a defensive and offensive asset. Deploy it to break enemy lines of sight and escape unnoticed, or use it in combat to disorient foes, setting up perfect opportunities for surprise attacks and swift assassinations.
Shuriken
Shuriken, the classic ninja throwing star, is invaluable in heavily guarded areas. While not as damaging as the Kunai, it can stagger enemies and trigger environmental traps, such as sabotaging alarms or igniting explosive barrels. Its silent nature makes it ideal for stealth missions, and upgrades can enable ricocheting between targets for added impact.
Shinobi Bell
For players who prefer diversion over direct confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is a must-have. When thrown, it attracts the attention of nearby enemies, creating openings for you to navigate or set up crowd control. Upgrades can increase its range and add a gold shimmer to enhance its distracting effect.
How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist
Upgrading your tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is crucial for enhancing your gameplay. Most tools can be upgraded using Mastery Points through the Tools skill tree, with the exception of the Grappling Hook. Here’s how to upgrade each tool:
Grappling Hook
The only upgrade for the Grappling Hook is found in the Shinobi Tree. For 2 Mastery Points at Knowledge Rank 2, you can unlock the Ascension Boost passive, which significantly speeds up Naoe’s climbing, making it easier to ascend without detection.
Kunai
To maximize the Kunai's effectiveness, focus on upgrades like Kunai Assassination Damage, which increases the damage per throw. Enhance its armor-piercing capabilities with the Armor Piercing passive skill, and use Everlast to ensure thrown Kunai can be retrieved without breaking.
Smoke Bomb
Once you've unlocked the Smoke Bomb, consider upgrading its duration with Enduring Haze, adding 10 more seconds of cover. For even greater impact, Widespread can expand the area of effect, blocking more enemies from spotting you.
Shuriken
Upgrade your Shuriken with Bank Shot to enable them to bounce between targets, increasing damage with each hit. Triple Threat allows you to throw three Shurikens at once, enhancing your stealth and combat options.
Shinobi Bell
Enhance the Shinobi Bell's distraction capabilities with Golden Bell, making it more effective at drawing enemy attention. Louder Chimes further extends its range by five meters, allowing you to lure more enemies with a single throw.
Understanding and upgrading your tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* can significantly impact your gameplay, providing you with more strategic options as Yasuke or Naoe. For further guidance on the game, explore resources available at The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
