"Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Upgrading All Tools Guide"

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, players can choose between the characters Yasuke and Naoe, each offering unique approaches to problem-solving. Understanding the tools at your disposal and how to upgrade them is crucial for mastering the game. Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can access five distinct tools, with two unlocked through story progression. These tools are essential for navigating the game's challenges effectively.

Grappling Hook

Naoe's Grappling Hook is a game-changer for exploration. It enables you to latch onto structures and ascend without traditional handholds, making it ideal for scouting from high vantage points or swiftly traversing large gaps by swinging from one point to another.

Kunai

The Kunai, a lethal throwing knife, is perfect for those aiming to stay undetected while dispatching targets. A single Kunai can instantly kill standard enemies, but upgrades are necessary to penetrate the armor of stronger adversaries.

Smoke Bomb

The Smoke Bomb serves both defensive and offensive purposes. It can break enemy sightlines for a quick escape or create chaos in combat, allowing for surprise attacks and swift takedowns.

Shuriken

A staple for any shinobi, the Shuriken is effective in guarded areas. While it doesn't inflict as much damage as the Kunai, it can stagger foes and trigger environmental hazards like alarm bells or explosive barrels. Its silent nature makes it invaluable for stealth operations.

Shinobi Bell

For players who prefer misdirection over confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is the tool of choice. When thrown, it draws enemy attention, providing a distraction that can clear your path or set up crowd control tactics.

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

How To Upgrade Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

All tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be upgraded using Mastery Points through the Tools skill tree, with the exception of the Grappling Hook. Here’s how to enhance each tool:

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook's only upgrade, Ascension Boost, is found in the Shinobi Tree. For 2 Mastery Points at Knowledge Rank 2, this upgrade significantly speeds up Naoe’s climbing, reducing the chance of detection during ascents.

Kunai

To maximize the Kunai’s effectiveness, focus on Kunai Assassination Damage upgrades, which increase the damage per throw. Additionally, the Armor Piercing passive skill enhances its ability to penetrate armor, while Everlast ensures thrown Kunai can be immediately retrieved without breaking.

Smoke Bomb

After unlocking the Smoke Bomb, upgrade it with Enduring Haze to extend its duration by 10 seconds, offering more time to maneuver in smoke. Further enhance it with Widespread to increase the area of effect, making it harder for enemies to spot you.

Shuriken

Upgrade the Shuriken with Bank Shot to enable ricocheting between targets, increasing damage with each hit. Triple Threat allows you to throw three Shurikens simultaneously at the cost of one, amplifying your stealth and combat options.

Shinobi Bell

Enhance the Shinobi Bell's distraction capabilities with Golden Bell, making it more effective at drawing enemy attention. Louder Chimes extends its effective radius by five meters, allowing it to lure more enemies with a single throw.

Mastering the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will significantly enhance your gameplay experience. For more tips and guides, visit The Escapist.

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