"Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Tools and Upgrade Guide"

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose between Yasuke and Naoe, each offering unique approaches to solving in-game 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 essential tools, two of which are unlocked through story progression. Here's a detailed look at each:

Grappling Hook

Naoe's Grappling Hook is a game-changer for exploration. It allows you to swiftly ascend structures without relying on handholds, perfect for gaining strategic vantage points and swiftly navigating the environment. Use it to swing across wide gaps, enhancing your mobility and stealth.

Kunai

The Kunai is a lethal throwing knife ideal for silent eliminations. It's perfect for dispatching weaker enemies instantly. However, to take down armored foes, you'll need to upgrade it to penetrate their defenses more effectively.

Smoke Bomb

The Smoke Bomb is a versatile tool that can be used defensively to break enemy sightlines or offensively to create chaos in combat. It's essential for escaping detection or setting up surprise attacks within the smoke cloud.

Shuriken

Shuriken, the classic ninja throwing star, is invaluable for navigating heavily guarded areas. While not as damaging as the Kunai, they can stagger enemies and interact with the environment, such as triggering alarms or explosives. Upgrades can make them even more effective by allowing them to ricochet.

Shinobi Bell

If you prefer misdirection over direct confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is your tool. Throw it to divert enemy attention, clearing a path or setting up crowd control. Upgrades can increase its range and allure, making it even more effective at distracting multiple enemies.

How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Upgrading your tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is crucial for enhancing their effectiveness. All tools, except the Grappling Hook, can be upgraded using Mastery Points through the Tools skill tree.

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook has one upgrade option under the Shinobi Tree. For 2 Mastery Points at Knowledge Rank 2, you can unlock Ascension Boost, which significantly speeds up Naoe’s climbing, reducing the chances of detection.

Kunai

To maximize the Kunai's potential, focus on upgrades that increase its damage and armor-piercing capabilities. Kunai Assassination Damage upgrades will allow you to remove more health segments per throw. Additionally, the Armor Piercing passive skill enhances its effectiveness against armored enemies, while Everlast ensures you can retrieve and reuse your Kunai without breakage.

Smoke Bomb

After unlocking the Smoke Bomb, extend its duration with Enduring Haze, giving you an additional 10 seconds to operate within the smoke. Further enhance its utility with Widespread, which increases the area of effect, allowing you to obscure vision from more enemies.

Shuriken

Upgrade your Shuriken with Bank Shot, allowing them to bounce between targets and deal increasing damage. 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

Enhance the Shinobi Bell's distraction capabilities with Golden Bell, making it more likely to attract enemy attention. Follow up with Louder Chimes to increase the effective radius by five meters, enabling you to lure more enemies with a single throw.

Understanding and upgrading these tools in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will significantly enhance your gameplay experience. For more tips and guides, be sure to visit The Escapist.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.