Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gets a Raft of Details on Combat Mechanics and Weapons

Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets a Raft of Details on Combat Mechanics and Weapons

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for the Assassin’s Creed series and a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, I can hardly contain my excitement for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows“. With its dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, offering distinct fighting styles, this game promises to offer an immersive and challenging experience.

Ubisoft has detailed the combat system for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” having closely examined its stealth mechanics last month. As anticipated, the dual protagonists – the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the samurai warrior Yasufeel, will have distinct fighting styles. In addition to regular light and heavy attacks, they’ll also employ ‘Posture Attacks’.

You can link these together to form Posture Break Combos. To execute a Posture Break, press and hold the light or heavy attack key continuously; you can maintain this hold indefinitely, escalating the damage. Posture Breaks are particularly effective at breaching an opponent’s defense or even cracking their armor.

In simpler terms, Charles Benoit, the game director, explains that swift light attacks can be executed quicker compared to strong heavy attacks. However, if you manage the timing correctly, heavy posture attacks can deliver a powerful blow. Just remember, opponents will try to dodge these posture attacks and thwart your charge, so stay vigilant!

Naoe and Yasuke are versatile evaders; they can both move to avoid attacks from any angle. Naoe performs rolls to dodge, while Yasuke steps aside. If you execute a flawless dodge, it leaves your opponent exposed, creating an opportunity for a swift counterattack that inflicts heavy damage. Furthermore, both characters are skilled at parrying and deflecting attacks.

When Yasuke blocks an attack, the opponent is sent reeling, offering a chance for a follow-up strike. To put it simply, Yasuke stands firm and doesn’t give ground. The update indicates this. Naoe’s block shares similar timing but redirects attacks, exposing the enemy’s sides, making you vulnerable to nearby enemies. Therefore, stay vigilant.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that only Yasuke has the knack for direct blocks, which comes in handy when dodging projectiles such as arrows and kunai. However, it’s essential to remember that he’s not invincible; unstoppable attacks aren’t called that without reason. These nuances in offensive and defensive moves are what give each character their distinct control and flexibility, as Benoit points out, making them adaptable to my preferred playstyle.

As you advance in the game Shadows, you’ll pick up various talents and techniques along the way. These include manually triggered abilities, different combo styles, and expansions on those combos, as well as new game mechanics and strategic methods. You’ll earn Mastery Points by vanquishing formidable foes, which you can use to unlock weapon-related skills from the Mastery skill trees.

Benoit expresses that active abilities are the most impressive skills to obtain due to their visually striking nature, strong impact, and additional advantages such as closing gaps, breaking armor, and even healing. On the other hand, passive skills can also be acquired, providing benefits like faster adrenaline regeneration, health enhancements, extended time dilation, and more.

In addition, Yasuke will boast a stylish Sheathed Charge Attack, allowing him to ready a surprise attack as his sword remains sheathed. According to Benoit, this move not only looks impressive but can catch many opponents off guard if used at the right moment. Furthermore, both characters can equip two weapons simultaneously, and there’s an array of options to select from for their armament.

Naoe is proficient in using a Katana, the combined weapon Kusarigama (a scythe with a chain), and Tanto & Hidden Blade for simultaneous attacks; whereas Yasuke carries a Long Katana, a Naginata staff with a blade tip, a spiked Kanabo (two-handed club), and long-range weapons such as the Yumi Bow and Teppo Firearm. Additionally, you can use Master Points to acquire new weapon abilities.

Different kinds of adversaries present distinct challenges, ranging from the cunning Outlaws to the skillful Ronin, heavily armed Ashigaru Soldiers, and both Samurai and formidable Samurai Daisho. Each type of enemy employs unique strategies, attacks, and defensive maneuvers that require careful consideration and caution.

Feel free to delve deeper into the intricate details of combat in the videos provided. The much-anticipated “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is slated for release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on the 14th of February, 2025.