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*, players can access 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, allowing you to latch onto structures and ascend without needing handholds. This tool is perfect for reaching high vantage points swiftly and silently, ideal for scouting enemy positions. You can also use it to swing across large gaps, enhancing your mobility.
Kunai
The Kunai is a lethal throwing knife that delivers significant damage. It's essential for players who prefer stealth, enabling instant kills on regular enemies. However, to tackle armored foes, you'll need to upgrade this tool to penetrate their defenses effectively.
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 lines of sight and allowing you to escape or set up for surprise attacks. Use it in combat to disorient enemies and gain the upper hand.
Shuriken
The Shuriken, a classic ninja weapon, is perfect for navigating heavily guarded areas. While it doesn't deal as much damage as the Kunai, it can stagger enemies and trigger environmental interactions, such as disabling alarms or igniting explosive barrels. Its silent nature makes it ideal for stealth missions, and upgrades can enhance its ricochet capabilities.
Shinobi Bell
For those who prefer non-lethal strategies, the Shinobi Bell is invaluable. When thrown, it distracts enemies, drawing their attention away from you. Upgrades can increase its range and add a golden shimmer, making it even more effective at diverting enemy focus and managing crowds.
How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Upgrading 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, except for the Grappling Hook. Here's how to upgrade each tool:
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 easier to ascend buildings undetected.
Kunai
To maximize the Kunai's effectiveness, focus on upgrades that increase its damage and armor-piercing capabilities. The Kunai Assassination Damage upgrade removes more health segments per throw, while the Armor Piercing passive skill enhances its ability to penetrate armor. The Everlast upgrade 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 broader coverage, the Widespread upgrade increases the area of effect, making it easier to obscure yourself from multiple enemies.
Shuriken
Enhance the Shuriken's utility with the Bank Shot passive upgrade, allowing it to bounce between targets with increasing damage. The Triple Threat upgrade 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 the Golden Bell enhancement, which increases its ability to attract enemy attention. Follow up with Louder Chimes to extend its effective radius by five meters, making it more effective at distracting larger groups of enemies.
Understanding and upgrading these tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will significantly enhance your gameplay, whether you're playing as Yasuke or Naoe. For more tips and guides, visit The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*
