Assassins Creed Shadows brings players into the rich, complex world of feudal Japan, combining stealth, open world exploration, tactical combat, and dual protagonist gameplay. With two distinct characters, Naoe the shinobi and Yasuke the samurai, players experience two contrasting playstyles that shape missions and outcomes. Because the game encourages creativity and unique approaches, many players, especially newcomers, may find themselves wondering how to progress efficiently, how to master stealth and combat, and how to build each character properly. This detailed how to guide provides everything you need to succeed, organized into ten meaningful stages that follow the natural flow of progression in Assassins Creed Shadows.

How to Begin Your Journey in Assassins Creed Shadows

The early stages introduce players to the basics of movement, stealth, and combat. Take your time learning these mechanics before rushing into missions. Explore the environment, practice climbing structures, hiding in shadows, and using the landscape to your advantage. Understanding core systems early helps you avoid unnecessary difficulty later.

New players should also experiment with both protagonists. Switching between Naoe and Yasuke allows you to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Naoe specializes in silent takedowns, stealth routes, and precise assassinations, while Yasuke excels in direct combat, crowd control, and armor based survival. Balancing the two playstyles ensures you remain versatile throughout the game.

How to Use Stealth Effectively as Naoe

Stealth is a defining feature of Assassins Creed Shadows, especially with Naoe. Focus on learning how to use darkness, rooftops, and vegetation to approach enemies unnoticed. Timing is crucial. Watch guard patterns, patrol routes, and blind spots. Avoid rushing or making noise, as enemies react quickly to unusual movement.

Naoe excels with tools like shuriken, smoke bombs, noise makers, and grappling gear. Use these tools creatively to distract guards or create openings. For example, throwing a shuriken at a distant object can lure enemies away from your path, allowing you to strike silently. Stealth encourages patience, but mastering it turns you into a lethal shadow capable of clearing entire outposts without triggering alarms.

How to Fight Like a Samurai With Yasuke

Yasuke provides a completely different experience. As a powerful samurai warrior, he is built for open confrontation. To master Yasuke, practice timing blocks, counters, and heavy strikes. His combat style focuses on controlling battlefield flow through intimidation and precision.

Yasuke uses strong melee weapons like katanas, spears, and heavy blades. Each weapon type offers unique combos. Katanas deliver fast and responsive attacks, while heavy blades break enemy defenses. Learning when to dodge or block is essential, as brute force alone will not carry you through tougher encounters. Yasuke is your answer to heavily armored enemies that Naoe struggles to defeat silently.

How to Explore Japan and Discover Hidden Opportunities

Assassins Creed Shadows features an expansive map filled with shrines, villages, forests, mountains, rivers, and castles. Exploration is rewarded heavily. Many quests, rare items, and secret areas are hidden off main roads. Take time to wander. Climbing temples, crossing bamboo forests, and diving into lakes often reveals hidden treasures.

Throughout Japan, players can find side missions, historical references, secret passages, or collectibles. Completing these activities improves character progression, strengthens your equipment, and enriches the story. Exploration also allows you to gather crafting materials, interact with NPCs, and learn more about the world. Staying curious ensures a richer gameplay experience.

How to Upgrade Skills and Abilities

Skill progression is a major part of Shadows. Both protagonists have unique skill trees. Naoe specializes in stealth, agility, and assassination efficiency. Her skills improve mobility, silent takedowns, and gadget effectiveness. Focus on unlocking abilities that enhance stealth routes and reduce detection.

Yasuke, on the other hand, has skill trees centered on strength, defense, and weapon mastery. His ability upgrades improve combat resilience, stagger potential, and finishing moves. Investing early in defensive skills ensures longer survival during battles. For both characters, mix essential skills with supportive ones for a well balanced build.

How to Craft, Upgrade Gear, and Gather Materials

Crafting is essential for improving your tools and weapons. Players must collect materials such as metal, wood, herbs, and special crafting components found throughout the world. These materials upgrade assassins tools, enhance weapon power, and unlock higher tier equipment.

Naoe benefits from crafted gear like reinforced kunai, improved smoke bombs, and silent climbing tools. Yasuke relies on weapon sharpening, armor plating, and durability improvements. Constantly gather materials from the environment, defeated enemies, or side missions. Upgrading gear early helps you avoid difficulty spikes and gives you more control during fights and stealth operations.

How to Approach Missions and Multi Path Objectives

Missions in Assassins Creed Shadows are designed with multiple paths. You can choose stealth, combat, infiltration, or diplomacy depending on character choice. Before engaging, scout the area. Look for alternative entrances, rooftops, tunnels, or distractions. Each mission rewards creativity.

If you prefer stealth, identify shadows, tall grass, and high ground. For combat focused approaches, clear weaker enemies first to avoid getting overwhelmed. Some missions allow switching between characters, giving you freedom to adapt if conditions change. Completing missions with different methods expands your mastery and makes the game more dynamic and enjoyable.

How to Build Reputation, Allies, and Influence

Reputation influences how NPCs react to you. Helping villages, completing tasks, and defeating oppressive enemies increases your standing. Higher reputation unlocks new opportunities such as discounts, access to restricted areas, and special side quests. Building alliances with key characters creates advantages during important missions.

As your influence grows, people may provide intel, safe houses, or hidden routes. Maintaining good relations with communities enriches the narrative and supports long term development. Reputation is more than a score; it affects gameplay depth and immersion. Engage with the world to benefit from its support.

How to Prepare for High Level Challenges and Endgame Content

Late game content features heavily guarded castles, elite samurai squads, and complex infiltration missions. Success requires mastery of both characters, maximized equipment, and strong awareness. Prepare by upgrading your weapons fully, unlocking high tier skills, and stocking up on tools for both stealth and combat.

Tougher missions require planning. For stealth, map out enemy clusters, snipers, and alarm systems. For combat, choose weapons that counter enemy types. Heavy armored samurai require armor piercing weapons or Yasuke powerful swings. Endgame areas test everything youve learned, turning you into a true assassin warrior.

How to Stay Adaptable and Enjoy Both Playstyles

The strength of Assassins Creed Shadows lies in its dual protagonist structure. Embrace both playstyles instead of focusing on just one. Switching between Naoe and Yasuke keeps gameplay fresh and teaches you how to adapt. If stealth becomes too challenging, use Yasuke force. If battles become overwhelming, switch to Naoe for silent infiltration.

Enjoying both paths deepens immersion in the story. The contrast between shadows and steel embodies the core theme of the game. Staying adaptable increases replay value and helps you appreciate the full depth of the world Ubisoft has built. Approaching missions with different strategies also reveals hidden routes and alternate story elements.

Conclusion

Assassins Creed Shadows blends stealth, historical storytelling, exploration, and intense combat into one of the most immersive entries in the series. Whether you prefer the silent precision of Naoe or the honorable strength of Yasuke, mastering both characters will lead you to success. By exploring the world, upgrading skills, crafting gear, utilizing stealth, learning combat techniques, and building reputation, you can navigate the complex landscape of feudal Japan with confidence. This guide provides everything you need to progress naturally from novice warrior to master assassin. Take your time, stay observant, and enjoy the beautiful yet dangerous world of Assassins Creed Shadows.

Summary

A complete how to guide for mastering Assassins Creed Shadows through stealth, combat, exploration, upgrades, crafting, missions, and late game strategy.