In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose between Yasuke and Naoe, each offering unique approaches to tackling challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the tools available and how to upgrade them to enhance your gameplay experience.
All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, you'll have access to five distinct tools, with two becoming available as you progress through the story. Here's a detailed look at each tool:
Grappling Hook
Naoe's Grappling Hook is a game-changer for exploration. It allows you to latch onto structures and ascend without needing handholds, making it easier to reach high vantage points and observe enemies. You can also use it to swing across large gaps, enhancing your mobility and strategic positioning.
Kunai
The Kunai is a lethal throwing knife perfect for silent takedowns. It can instantly kill common enemies, but upgrades are necessary to penetrate the armor of more formidable foes. This tool is essential for those who prefer stealth and precision in eliminating targets.
Smoke Bomb
The Smoke Bomb is a versatile tool that can be used both defensively and offensively. It creates a smoke cloud upon impact, breaking enemy line of sight and allowing for quick escapes or surprise attacks. It's invaluable for creating confusion in combat and setting up assassinations.
Shuriken
The Shuriken, a traditional throwing star, is crucial for navigating heavily guarded areas. While it doesn't deal as much damage as the Kunai, it can stagger enemies and trigger environmental interactions like sabotaging alarms or detonating barrels. Its silent nature makes it ideal for stealth operations.
Shinobi Bell
For players who favor distraction over direct confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is perfect. When thrown, it attracts enemies within its range, allowing you to clear paths or set up crowd control. Upgrades can increase its range and visual appeal, making it even more effective.
Related: How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order
How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Upgrading your tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is crucial for enhancing their effectiveness. Most tools can be upgraded using Mastery Points through the Tools skill tree, except for the Grappling Hook.
Grappling Hook
The Grappling Hook's only upgrade 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 harder for enemies to detect you as you ascend.
Kunai
To maximize the Kunai's potential, focus on upgrades that increase its damage. The Kunai Assassination Damage upgrade removes more health segments with each throw. Additionally, the Armor Piercing passive skill enhances its ability to penetrate armor, while Everlast ensures that thrown Kunai can be retrieved without breaking.
Smoke Bomb
After unlocking the Smoke Bomb, upgrade its duration with Enduring Haze, adding 10 more seconds to its effect. For even greater coverage, Widespread enlarges the area of effect, helping to obscure more enemies from view.
Shuriken
With the Shuriken, the Bank Shot passive upgrade allows them to bounce between targets, increasing damage with each hit. Triple Threat lets you throw three Shurikens at once for the cost of one, providing more options in both stealth and combat scenarios.
Shinobi Bell
Upgrade the Shinobi Bell with Golden Bell to enhance its visual appeal and effectiveness as a distraction. Follow up with Louder Chimes to increase its effective radius by five meters, drawing more enemies away 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 guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*