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 discreetly. 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 for armored foes, upgrades are essential to penetrate their defenses. This tool is crucial for players who prioritize 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. Use it to confuse enemies during combat and gain the upper hand in assassinations.
Shuriken
The Shuriken, a traditional throwing star, is essential 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 missions.
Shinobi Bell
For those who prefer distraction over direct confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is invaluable. 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 at diverting attention.
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 and armor-piercing capabilities. The Kunai Assassination Damage upgrade removes more health segments with each 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 even greater coverage, the Widespread upgrade enlarges the area of effect, helping to obscure more enemies from view.
Shuriken
Enhance the Shuriken's effectiveness 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, which increases its visual appeal and effectiveness as a distraction. Follow up with Louder Chimes to extend its effective radius by five meters, attracting more enemies 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.*
