Assassin’s Creed Shadows: All Tools and How to Upgrade

Choosing to play as either Yasuke or Naoe in Assassin's Creed: Shadows unlocks a diverse range of tools to tackle challenges. This guide details each tool and its upgrade path.

Five unique tools are available, with two unlocked through story progression:

Grappling Hook

Naoe's exclusive grappling hook provides unparalleled traversal. Cling to structures, reach high vantage points swiftly, and even swing across gaps, offering superior observation and positioning advantages over Yasuke.

Kunai

These deadly throwing knives are perfect for silent eliminations. While effective against standard enemies, upgrades are crucial for overcoming heavily armored foes.

Smoke Bomb

A versatile tool for both offense and defense. Create smoke screens to break line of sight, escape detection, or confuse enemies during combat, setting up advantageous assassinations.

Shuriken

Classic throwing stars ideal for navigating guarded areas. While less damaging than Kunai, Shuriken can stagger enemies and trigger environmental interactions like sabotaging alarms or detonating barrels. Upgrades enhance damage and add ricochet capabilities.

Shinobi Bell

A distraction tool for those who prefer stealth over direct confrontation. Upgrades increase its range and effectiveness, drawing enemy attention away from your position.

Related: How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

How to Upgrade Tools in Assassin's Creed: Shadows

All tools (except the Grappling Hook) are upgraded using Mastery Points in the Tools skill tree. Unlocking some tools is tied to story progression.

Grappling Hook

The Shinobi Tree offers a single Grappling Hook upgrade: Ascension Boost (2 Mastery Points, Knowledge Rank 2). This significantly speeds up climbing, enhancing stealth.

Kunai

Focus on maximizing Kunai damage with upgrades like Kunai Assassination Damage (increased health removal per throw), Armor Piercing (enhanced penetration), and Everlast (instant retrieval).

Smoke Bomb

Extend the Smoke Bomb's duration with Enduring Haze (10 extra seconds) and increase its area of effect with Widespread.

Shuriken

Upgrades for Shuriken include Bank Shot (ricocheting between targets) and Triple Threat (throwing three at once).

Shinobi Bell

Enhance the Shinobi Bell's effectiveness with Golden Bell (increased enemy attraction) and Louder Chimes (extended radius).

This guide covers all tools and upgrades in Assassin's Creed: Shadows. For further game assistance, please visit The Escapist.

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