Skills inAssassin’s Creed Shadowsare divided up into tiers based on Knowledge Ranks, with six core categories for each character. There is also an additional set of Knowledge Paths after you reach Knowledge Rank 6 for both characters, allowing you to further hone Naoe or Yasuka’s abilities and delve deeper into a particular expertise. Skills are categorized as abilities or passives, with some passives being global, meaning they don’t apply solely to any single skill tree. Knowledge Paths are all Global Passives, for example, affecting a general attribute for each character.
You can unlock more abilities and passives by increasing your Knowledge Rank with Knowledge Points, which are earned for completing any of the various activity types, such as Kofuns orAC Shadows' Kuji-Kirimini-games. Abilities can be slotted into your ability widgets after unlocking them, and can be activated by filling your adrenaline gauge by landing hits on enemies. Each weapon type has three unique abilities, and both characters have unique non-weapon-based skill trees, such as the Samurai tree for Yasuke and Naoe’s Shinobi tree.
All Naoe Skills In AC Shadows & What They Do
All Katana Abilities & Passives For Naoe
The Katana will be your first introduction to Naoe’s diverse set of skills, and will get you oriented to howAC ShadowsKnowledge Points& Ranks work. The three Katana abilities are Tidal Wave, Eviscerate, and Guard Breaker.Tidal Wave is the first ability you’ll learn playing as Naoe, and it gives you a glimpse at how abilities work in general, but it can also be buffed to deal massive damage. Eviscerate & Guard Breaker are excellent damage-dealing skills as well.
1
Increase damage with Melee Weapons by 2%
Increase damage up to 9%
Dodge Attack
Passive
After a dodge, launch a fast counter-attack and quickly get back to the enemy
Tidal Wave
Ability
An extremely fast strike dealing 25% ability damage and making the enemy Vulnerable
2
Increase damage on Afflicted Enemies by 2%
Increase damage up to 12%
Dodge attacks generate 25% of an adrenaline chunk on hit
Increase Dodge Attack up to 40%
Increase dodge attack damage by 25%
Counter Attack
Turn your Deflect into a counter attack at the last moment.
3
Second Wave
Tidal Wave can now be chained two times in a row
(Increase Tidal Wave damage to 40%)
Eviscerate
Strike an enemy, dealing 75% ability damage and pushing them away. Half as effective on large enemies.
4
Increase damage up to 6%
Increase Dodge attack damage up to 60%
Guard Breaker
Unleash 9 strikes, each dealing 10% ability damage and breaking armor. Half as effective on large enemies.
Increase Eviscerate damage by 60%
5
Increase guard breaker damage up to 40%
Can now drop a Smoke Bomb after pushing with Eviscerate
Increase Eviscerate damage up to 60%
6
Guard Breaker can no longer be blocked or parried.
Increase Guard Breaker damage up to 60%
Third Wave
Tidal Wave can now be chained three times in a row.
Increase Tidal Wave damage up to 60%
Counter Attack can now be performed on Unstoppable Attacks
Increase Counter Attack Damage by 60%
All Kusarigama Abilities & Passives
The Kusarigama is by far my favorite weapon, and is as effective with groups of enemies as it is one vs. one. It also has an incredible ranged assassination ability that can be accessed in the Assassin tree.The Cyclone Blast ability is by far Naoe’s best AoE skill, swinging the weapon violently in circles and dealing ability damage per hit, pushing enemies back in the process. Combined with the Snake Bite ability, which is perfect for head-to-head encounters, the Kusarigama tree has something for every occasion.
Increase Affliction buildup by 1%
Increase Affliction buildup up to 6%
Feral Outburst
Launch Naoe towards a single enemy and unleash a flurry of 4 strikes dealing 20% ability damage each.
Quick Strike
After any attack, momentarily pause and then launch 2 extra strikes.
Increase effect up to 15%
Cyclone Blast
Swing the Kusarigama in large circles around Naoe, dealing 8% ability damage per hit and pushing back struck enemies.
Catalyst
After a combo ender, extend the combo with a Quick Strike.
Increase Quick Strike damage by 40%
Tug of War
When pulling an enemy towards Naoe, perform a powerful attack that deals 50% ability damage and knocks them down
Increase Cyclone Blast damage by 40%
Feral Outburst now unleashes 2 extra strikes
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Snake Bite
Wrap the chain of the Kusarigama around a single enemy’s foot to knock them out and deal 40% ability damage.
Increase Critical Damage up to 12%
Hard Fall
After getting up from a Snake Bite attack, the enemy is afflicted by Daze.
Increase Quick Strike damage by 60%
Increase Snake Bite damage by 60%
All Tanto Abilities & Passives
The Tanto is a sleek and fast weapon with three excellent abilities, ideal for taking out single targets. Abilities in the Tanto skill tree include the Shadow Piercer, Shadow Barrage, and Hidden Hand. The Tanto can also beenhanced through the Assassin skill tree to allow dual assassinations.
Increase Armor Piercing up to 18%
Leap forward toward the target and strike
Shadow Piercer
Throw the Tanto, then dash forward to stab the target and make them Vulnerable, dealing 40% ability damage with each strike.
Increase damage from behind by 2%
Increase damage from behind up to 12%
Perform a strike and backward dodge.
Increase Leap Strike damage by 40% and Escape Strike Damage by 40%
Shadow Barrage
Naoe will automatically perform a quick evade before getting hit, lasting 20 seconds and up to 7 hits. Does not work on Grab Attacks.
Backstab
Light Posture attacks that hit an enemy’s back trigger Weak Point attacks
Blood Rush
Leap Strike and Escape Strike generate 25% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit.
Increase Leap Strike damage by 60% and Escape Strike damage by 60%.
Back Breaker
Posture attacks performed behind an enemy now have 100% Armor Piercing
Hidden Hand
Sheath your Tanto and extend the Hidden Blade in its classic form to perform an Assassination while in combat
Increase Shadow Piercer throw distance by 10 meters
Increase Shadow Piercer damage by 60%
Endless Barrage
Each kill while Shadow Barrage is active increases all damage by 5%
Increase Shadow Barrage duration by 5 seconds or up to 1 additional hits
Increase Critical Chance by up to 4%
+1 Health Segment removed when used against unaware enemies
Hidden Hand cannot be blocked or parried
Weakpoint Attacks triggered from behind an enemy restore 5% health
N/A
All Tool Abilities & Passives
Tools are a universally useful set of items to have on hand as you explore and complete various side quests throughout the game. Tools consist of Kunai, Shurikens, Smoke Bombs, and Shinobi Bells, all serving a unique purpose.Naoe can use these to distract enemies, lure them in, take them out from a distance, and more. Tools can also be buffed in various ways with gear.
Increase damage with Tools by 3%
Increase damage with Tools up to 18%
Throw a smoke bomb and break all lines of sight.
Kunai
Throw a Kunai that deals 4000% damage. Headshots on unsuspecting enemies will remove 1 Health Segment.
Quick Throw
Automatically throw the equipped tool at the closest enemy or object.
Throw a Shinobi Bell that distracts nearby enemies
Smoke Bomb has its duration increased to 10 seconds
Naoe removes 1 additional Health Segment with Kunai
Shuriken
Throw a Shuriken that deals 100% damage. Staggers enemies and can be used on the environment.
Increase Adrenaline Gain up to 15%
Golden Bell
Shinobi Bell is now golden, and its shine can attract enemies from afar.
Kunai now have 50% Armor Piercing
Increase Kunai damage by 10%
Larger Tool Bag 2
Increase Maximum capacity for all tools. +1 Kunai, +2 Shuriken, +1 Smoke Bomb, +2 Shinobi Bell
Smoke Bomb has its radius increased to 10 meters
Increase Shuriken damage by 10%
Increase Affliction buildup up to 9%
Shinobi Bell has its radius increased to 5 meters
Triple Threat
Naoe can throw 3 Shurikens at the same time for the cost of 1
Larger Tool Bag 3
Increase maximum capacity for all tools. +1 Kunai, +2 Shuriken, +1 Smoke Bomb, +2 Shinobi Bell
Everlast
Kunai can no longer break on hard impact and can be retrieved indefinitely
Increase Kunai damage by 15%
All Shinobi Abilities & Passives
Shinobi skills are an integral part of Naoe’s character and narrative background. Her mother was a Shinobi, and these skills are a reflection of the Shinobi influence on Naoe’s life and motivations.Only one Shinobi ability can be equipped at a time,and there are only two to choose from, so choose wisely. The choice will depend on your tendency to use stealth over engaging in combat, or vice versa.
Increase damage with Abilities by 2%
Increase damage with Abilities by up to 9%
Grab
While undetected, grab an enemy. Once grabbed, you can move with them and knock them out.
Shallow Water Breathing
Allows Naoe to breathe through a reed while remaining still in shallow water.
While using the Grappling Hook, Naoe can climb much faster
Vault
After deflecting an attack, you can jump over an enemy and make them Vulnerable
Increase damage after a Vault by 2%
Increase damage after Vault by up to 12%
Lightning Kicks
Knock down the 2 closest enemies and deal 15% damage to each
Heighten Senses
While undetected, time slows down around Naoe for 8 seconds. Aborts on enemy contact.
Destabilizing Vault
Increase Critical Chance by 25% over 10 seconds after using Vault
Increase the knockdown duration of Lightning Kicks by 4 seconds
Increase Lightning Kicks damage by 40%
Increase Heightened Senses duration by 4 seconds
Increase damage with Tools during Heightened Senses by 10%
+3% less Cooldown with Abilities
Up to +15% less Cooldown with Abilities
Knock out after Grab can now be performed faster
Throw a Shuriken mid-air on a successful Vault
Sweep the Leg
Lightning Kicks can now perform 1 additional leg sweep on a nearby target that is not already knocked down.
Critical Insight
Duration of Heightened Senses is reset on a successful assassination. Can only be reset once per activation.
All Assassin Abilities & Passives For Naoe
Assassin abilities are the heart of the AC Shadows experience, and are integral for any successful stealth encounters. Importantly, the Hidden Blade skills in the Assassin tree will be made irrelevant if you play withGuaranteed Assassinationenabled. The Assassin tree has skills thatenhance each of Naoe’s weapons with a unique assassination option, such as the Kurisagama’s Rush Assasinate that lets you lunge at enemies from a distance.
Increase damage on vulnerable enemies by 2%
Increase damage on vulnerable enemies up to 2%
Ground Assassinate
Assassinate regular enemies while they are on the ground and remove Health Segments
Shoji Door Assassination
While using a katana, Naoe can assassinate a target through a Shoji panel.
Assassinate regular enemies and remove Health Segments.
Increase damage during the night by 2%
Increase damage during the night by up to 12%
Double Assassinate
While using a tanto, Naoe can assassinate two targets standing close together with a single attack
Naoe removes 1 additional health segment with assassinations
Increases Naoe’s adrenaline chunks by 1
Hidden Blade can now be used against large enemies
Increase the longevity of Eagle Vision’s effect after deactivation
Increase damage while Health is full by 2%
Increase damage while health is full by up to 12%
Increase Naoe’s Adrenaline chunks by 1
Rush Assassinate
While using a Kusarigama, Naoe can close the distance and deal assassination damageto a single target.
Hand of the Creed
Hidden Blade can no longer be denied when enemies see Naoe coming.
Naoe removes 1 additional Health Segments with assassinations
All Skills Available To Unlock For Yasuke & What They Do
All Long Katana Skills For Yasuke
Yasuke’s Long Katana includes three unique abilities as well:Power Dash, Payback, and Samurai Showdown. Power Dash and Payback deal high damage to single targets, while Samurai Showdown can be enhanced to taunt up to four enemies at a time, dealing damage to each of them.
Sheathed Attack
Sheathe the Long Katana and launch a stronger strike that can break the target’s guard
Power Dash
Dash to a single enemy, dealing 50% ability damage, then move behind them to make them vulnerable
Right after blocking a hit, perform an immediate Riposte
Increase damage with melee weapons by 2%
Increase damage with melee weapons by up to 9%
Riposte now restores 5% health
Increase Riposte damage by 40%
Increase adrenaline gain by up to 15%
Increased Sheathed Attack damage by 20%
Payback
Deal 3 powerful strikes to a single enemy, each dealing 35% ability damage and restoring 10% health
Samurai Showdown
Taunt up to 3 different enemies and attack them, dealing 15% ability damage to each
Increase Power Dash damage by 40%
Increase Payback damage by 1% per 1% Health missing
Increase Payback damage by 40%
Defensive Strike
Riposte now has 100% critical chance when performed against a Flurry Attack
Increase Riposte damage by 60%
Increase armor damage with melee weapons by 3%
Increase armor damage with melee weapons by up to 18%
Sheathed Attack generates 50% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit
Increase Sheathed Attack damage by 30%
Increase Sumari Showdown damage by 40%
Payback can no longer be blocked or parried
Increase Payback damage by 60%
Samurai Showdown can now taunt up to 4 different enemies
Increase Samurai Showdown damage by 60%
Power Dash can now be chained a second time
Increase Power Dash damage by 60%
All Naginata Abilities & Passives
The Naginata is a long bladed weapon with the Crescent Strike, Impale, and Onslaught abilities available. There’s also an excellent Whirlwind passive that requires a little getting used to but can be chained extremely effectively against multiple opponents.Impale is a great single-target damage-dealer, as well as Onslaught, which deals eight strikes against a single enemy.
Increase damage when hitting multiple enemies by 3%
Increase damage when hitting multiple enemies by up to 15%
Far Reach
Enemies hit by the tip of the Naginata take 15% more damage
Crescent Strike
Jump to an enemy and swing the Naginata in a large arc in front of you, dealing 25% ability damage and pushing them back
Whirlwind
Perform a powerful combo dealing 5% more damage with each strike
Increase Armor Piercing with Combo Enders by up to 24%
Impale
Impale an enemy, dealing 15% ability damage and moving with them up to 13 meters. On release, they become Vulnerable.
Crescent Strike now inflicts 35% Bleed buildup
Increase Crescent Strike damage by 40%
Impale now moves further with the impaled enemy
Increase Impale damage by 40%
Onslaught
Unleash a flurry of 8 strikes on a single enemy, dealing 15% ability damage each. Half as effective on large enemies.
Increase Armor Piercing with consecutive hits by 2%
Increase Armor Piercing with consecutive hits by up to 12%
Far Reach generates 10% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit
Impale now pushes back enemies on the path
Increase impale damage by 60%
Crescent Strike now knocks down enemies
Onslaught now has its full effect on large enemies
Increase Onslaught damage by 40%
Onslaught can no longer be blocked or parried
Increase Whirlwind damage by 60%
All Kanabo Abilities & Passives
The Kanabo is a heavy damage dealer thatcan deal effective AoE damage against swarms of enemieswith the Crushing Shockwave and Slugging Rampage. You’ll send enemies flying with this weapon; it’s quite satisfying, especially when chaining together hits. The Kanabo deals the highest damage of any weapon type, and makes most encounters a cakewalk if properly specced.
Devastation
Switch attack type at the end of a combo to trigger an additional combo ender
Spine Breaker
Grab an enemy with the Kanabo, dealing 50% ability damage and knocking out regular enemies. Half as effective on large enemies.
Increase damage with Combo Enders by 2%
Increase damage with Combo Enders by up to 12%
Turmoil
Devastation combo enders generate 50% of an adrenaline chunk on hit
Increase Devastation damage by 40%
Power Surge
Each successful Forward Momentum before Combo Ender increases its damage by 15%
Increase Spine Breaker knockout duration by 10 seconds
Increase Spine Breaker damage by 40%
Crushing Shockwave
A downward strike that deals 90% ability damage, disables the targets, and staggers all enemies in a 3 meter radius.
Infinite Devastation
Press the opposite attack input after a Devastation to perform a second one.
Increase Devastation damage by 60%
Slugging Rampage
A series of spinning strikes that deal 20% ability damage each and sends everyone nearby flying backward
Spine Breaker now has its full effect on large enemies
Crushing Shockwave now afflicts enemies with Daze
Increase Crushing Shockwave damage by 40%
Increase damage reduction by 1%
Increase damage reduction by up to 6%
Slugging Rampage now lasts longer
Increase Slugging Rampage damage by 40%
Slugging Rampage now lasts even longer
Increase Slugging Rampage damage by 60%
Increase Crushing Shockwave size by 167%
Increase Crushing Shockwave damage by 60%
All Teppo Abilities & Passives
The teppo is a matchlock rifle that can deal very high damage at range or in close proximity with the Close Quarters ability, allowing you to swing it at enemies for ability damage and breaking the target’s armor.The teppo has three special ammo types:Steel Bullets that make enemies Vulnerable, Concussive Bullets that deal Daze, and Shrapnel Bullets that deal Bleed damage.
Increase Armor Damage by up to 21%%
Steady Hand
While aiming, remain still for a short time to zoom in further and increase damage by 10%
Armor Buster
Reload the Teppo and follow up with a shot that deals 100% ability damage and breaks the target’s armor.
Larger Pouch 1
Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +4 Ammo, +2 Special Ammo
Increase Steady Hand damage bonus by 40%
Close Quarters
Swing the Teppo at an enemy, dealing 60% ability damage, knocking them down and automatically shooting them.
Increase Teppo Reload Speed by up to 9%
Steady Hand can no longer be interrupted
Increase Steady Hand damage bonus by 60%
Explosive Surprise
Throw a gunpowder pouch and automatically shoot it to create an explosion that deals 35% ability damage.
Radial Effect
Armor Buster sends fragments of armor flying in every direction, dealing 25% ability damage in a 4-meter radius.
Increase Armor Buster damage by 40%
Increase Close Quarters damage by 40%
Larger Pouch 2
Increase Explosive Surprise damage by 40%
Teppo Tempo now makes the enemy Vulnerable
Increase Teppo Tempo damage by 40%
Concussion Bullets
Unlock a new bullet type that builds up the Daze affliction.
Increase damage with Ranged Weapons by 1%
Increase damage with Ranged Weapons by up to 6%
Increase Armor Buster damage by 60%
Close Quarters now automatically knocks out the target
Increase Close Quarters damage by 60%
Shrapnel Bullets
Unlock a new Bullet type that builds up the Bleed affliction
Large Pouch 3
Increase Maximum capacity for all ammo. +4 Ammo, +2 Special ammo
Explosive Warfare
The explosion from Explosive Surprise now knocks down anyone caught in the blast
Teppo Tempo uses a faster reloading technique
All Bow Abilities & Passives
Bows are one of Yasuke’s unique weapon types, and one of the only ways he can play stealthily. Bows can be enhanced with special arrow types: Poison arrows, Silent Arrows that remove Health Segments and can potentially one-hit enemies while hidden, and Serrated Arrows, which deal Bleed damage.
Increase Bow Draw Speed by up to 15%
Marksman’s Shot
When hitting the target’s head with a Posture Shot, fire a second arrow.
Staggering Blast
Shoot a powerful arrow at the target, dealing 60% ability damage and pushing them back
Poison Arrows
Unlock a new arrow type that builds up the Poison affliction.
Larger Quiver 1
Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow
Time slows down around you for 10 seconds while aiming
Silent Arrows
Unlock a new arrow that has 100% armor piercing and removes 2 Health Segments with headshots on unsuspecting enemies.
Increase Critical Damage by up to 12%
Retreating Shot
Shoot 4 arrows at the closest enemy, dealing 10% ability damage each time while evading incoming attacks
Staggering Blast now automatically aims at the head
Increase Staggering Blast damage by 40%
Kyudo Master
Release when the bow flashes to trigger Kyudo Master, enabling a longer Posture Window and a faster Reload time for 5 seconds
Larger Quiver 2
Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow.
Retreating Shot now fires more arrows: +1
Increase Retreating Shot damage by 40%
Effective Mindset
While Clear Mind is active, each kill increases damage by 15%
Increase damage during Clear Mind by 5%
Kyudo Master now slows down time on the next shot
Increase damage with Headshots by 2%
Increase damage with Headshots by up to 9%
Increase Retreating Shot damage by 60%
Level-Headed
While Clear Mind is active, Headshots increase the duration by 4 seconds
Serrated Arrows
Unlock a new arrow type that builds up the Bleed affliction.
Larger Quiver
Staggering Blast now automatically applies the Daze affliction
Increase Staggering Blast damage by 60%
Kyudo Master now automatically makes all shots Posture shots
All Samurai Skills For Yasuke
Samurai skills are Yasuke’s bread and butter, and cover a range of combat techniques useful for any of his weapons. This skill tree alsoallows Yasuke to perform his version of an assassination,the Brutal Assassination, which lives up to its name. The Samurai skill tree is also the only tree in the game with four separate abilities, giving Yasuke flexibility in how you play him.
Global Passive
Restore 1% of Yasuke’s maximum health when killing an enemy
Restore up to 6% of Yasuke’s maximum health when killing an enemy
Perform Yasuke’s version of an assassination and remove Health Segments
Link Attack
Swap weapons during a combo to transition into a quick attack while switching to your alternate weapon, extending your combo
War Kick
Perform a powerful kick on an enemy, dealing 20% ability damage and pushing them away. Half as effective on large enemies.
Bull Rush
While sprinting, regular enemies will be knocked back and some doors will break on impact. Half as effective on large enemies.
Yasuke can now perform his Brutal Assassination against large enemies
Increase War Kick damage by 40%
+3% less cooldown with abilities
Up to 15% less cooldown with abilities
Yasuke removes 2 additional Health Segments with Assassinations
Impenetrable Defense
Immediately counter every attack received for 20 seconds and up to 5 hits
Stagger all enemies within 10 meters of you
Increase Yasuke’s Adrenaline chunks by 1
Impenetrable Defense now makes attackers Vulnerable
Increase Impenetrable Defense damage by 40%
+100% damage on enemy collisions
Outnumbered
For each enemy affected by Battle Cry, increase damage by 4% for 10 seconds
Increase damage reduction during Battle Cry by 5%
Samurai Stand
Enter a frenzy, turning all your attacks into Posture attacks for 10 seconds
Increase damage per filled Adrenaline Chunk by 1%
Increase damage per filled Adrenaline Chunk by up to 6%
Yasuke removes two additional Health Segments with Assassinations
Healing Shout
Battle Cry now also restores 50% of maximum health over 10 seconds
Increase damage reduction during Battle Cry by 10%
Samurai Frenzy
When killing an enemy, Samurai Stand duration is increased by 3 seconds
Increase Yasuke’s adrenaline chunks by 1
Absolute Protection
Impenetrable Defense can now work against all unstoppable attacks except grab attacks
Eternal Samurai
While in Samurai Stance, health is locked at 10%, causing all enemy attacks to be non-lethal.
There’s no shortage of skills inAssassin’s Creed Shadows, and each tree has its own unique and powerful abilities and/or passives. Luckily, it’s very easy to re-spec, and it can be done anytime with no penalty, so when you get a new legendary weapon or piece of gear, consider reworking your Mastery Points for the occasion.
