Top Tips & Tricks for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Welcome to Feudal Japan, assassin. Whether you’re stalking your enemies in the shadows as Naoe or charging into battle as the fearsome Yasuke, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a game that demands strategy, skill, and a bit of ninja finesse.
To help you become the deadliest shadow in the land, we’ve pulled together the ultimate list of Assassin’s Creed Shadows tips and tricks. Let’s dive in!
1. Synchronise Early and Often
You know the drill — those stunning synchronisation points aren’t just for the views. They’re fast-travel locations, they reveal hidden secrets, and they make exploring Japan’s vast map ten times easier.
Every time you enter a new area, find the highest point and sync it up. You’ll thank us later when you’re not trekking through forests for 20 minutes straight.
2. Naoe’s Stealth Is OP – Use It
Naoe’s stealth game is elite. One of the first skills you’ll want to unlock is the smoke bomb. It lets you vanish or strike without being seen — perfect for when you’re outnumbered or just want to feel like a ghost in the night.
Combo it with her quick-throw skill for maximum crowd control. Strike fast. Disappear faster.
3. Don’t Skip Random Encounters
See a peasant in trouble? Hear someone yelling in the distance? Go investigate. These random events often reward you with resources, intel, or even rare items.
You’ll stumble into riddle contests, secret stashes, and scout hints that make life easier. It’s worth going off the beaten path — trust us.
4. Upgrade Your Scout Network
Scouts are a game-changer. At the start, you only get one. But by completing quests like Finding New Allies and upgrading your hideout’s study, you can have up to nine.
Scouts reveal objectives and smuggle resources — making them essential to your long-term strategy. Get them early, level them up, and send them out often.
5. Make Your Hideout a Powerhouse
Your hideout isn’t just a chill zone. It’s your upgrade hub. Build the forge to upgrade weapons, the study to boost scouts, and the stable to improve travel efficiency.
This isn’t a cosmetic base builder. The right upgrades here drastically affect how smoothly you progress through the game.
6. Raid Kofun Tombs for Legendary Gear
Tombs like the Ancient Tomb of Nanjo aren’t just spooky — they’re treasure troves. Completing these dungeon-style explorations rewards you with legendary weapons like Yukimitsu’s Revenge, a deadly tanto with a poisonous bite.
Explore these tombs for XP, lore, and powerful upgrades that give you the edge.
7. Mix Combat and Stealth with Yasuke
Yasuke’s a beast in battle, no doubt. But that doesn’t mean he can’t sneak. Using his bow to take out targets quietly or launching a surprise katana strike is both satisfying and strategic.
Sometimes it’s smarter to clear the guards before going full-on tank mode. Mix up your approach based on the mission.
8. Adapt to the Seasons
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features dynamic seasons that impact gameplay. Winter might freeze rivers you can walk across. Spring gives you thick cover in blooming forests. Summer brings open fields and long sightlines.
Every season offers new opportunities — and new challenges. Think before you strike.
9. Keep Your Gear in Top Shape
Weapons and armour degrade. If you don’t maintain them, they’ll fail you in battle. Visit the forge regularly to repair and upgrade your gear.
A broken sword mid-fight? Not ideal. Stay prepared, stay deadly.
10. Hit Up Kuji-Kiri and Kata Activities
Training grounds and meditation spots aren’t just filler. Kuji-Kiri unlocks new mental skills. Kata activities sharpen your combat techniques. Both give you Knowledge Points — vital for progression.
The more you train, the deadlier you become.
11. Pay Attention to Assassination Prompts
Going in for the kill? Watch that icon. Yellow means you’ll injure the target. Red means you’ll miss — and probably get spotted.
If the enemy’s too high-level, you might need to soften them up or switch tactics entirely.
12. Raid Fortresses and Castles for Loot
Want the best weapons and armour? Take them. Specifically, from heavily guarded castles and forts.
Taking down a Samurai Daisho unlocks unique gear stashed in elite chests. These missions are risky — but the rewards? Absolutely worth it.
13. Romance Adds Extra Layers
Yep, love is in the air — even for assassins. Both Naoe and Yasuke can form relationships that unlock special dialogue and even in-game benefits.
You’ll need to make the right choices in quests and convos, but hey, who doesn’t want a little romance in between assassinations?
14. Choose Your Experience Mode
Assassin’s Creed Shadows lets you tweak how you play. Want full immersion? Go with Exploration Mode. Prefer a story-focused experience? Try Guided Mode. You can also toggle Canon Mode for the dev-intended path, or Choices Enabled to let your decisions shape the journey.
Customise your experience and play your way.
15. Stay Sharp. Stay Deadly.
Above all, remain alert. Enemy patrols shift. Environments change. And new opportunities are always popping up. Keep your eyes open, read the world, and be ready to adapt on the fly.
Feudal Japan is unforgiving — but so are you.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — the ultimate Assassin’s Creed Shadows tips and tricks to help you rise through the ranks and leave a trail of stunned samurai behind you.
Whether you’re ghosting across rooftops with Naoe or smashing through enemy lines as Yasuke, there’s always a new tactic to master, a new secret to uncover, and a new blade to wield.
Now get out there, assassin. The shadows are calling.
Looking to gear up like a true legend? Don’t miss our full breakdown of the Best Weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – it’s a must-read before your next mission.
Get Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Xbox here | Get Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PS5 here
