Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Tools and Upgrade Guide

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 all the tools available in the game and how to upgrade them for the ultimate gaming experience.

All Tools in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Image Source: Ubisoft via The Escapist

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* offers players access to five distinct tools, with two becoming available through story progression. Here’s a closer look at each tool and their uses:

Grappling Hook

The Grappling Hook is a crucial tool for Naoe, enhancing her exploration capabilities. It enables you to latch onto structures and ascend without the need for handholds, perfect for quickly reaching high vantage points to survey enemies. Additionally, it allows you to swing across large gaps, making traversal smoother and more efficient.

Kunai

The Kunai is a sharp throwing knife essential for stealthy eliminations. It can instantly kill common enemies, but for armored foes, upgrades are necessary to penetrate their defenses. This tool is invaluable for players aiming to stay undetected while taking out specific targets.

Smoke Bomb

The Smoke Bomb is a versatile tool that can be used both defensively and offensively. Upon impact, it releases a smoke cloud that breaks the line of sight with enemies, allowing for quick escapes. Alternatively, use it in combat to disorient foes, setting the stage for surprise attacks and swift takedowns.

Shuriken

The Shuriken, a classic shinobi weapon, is perfect for navigating heavily guarded areas. While not as potent as the Kunai, it can stagger enemies and trigger environmental interactions, such as disabling alarm bells or igniting explosive barrels. Its silent nature makes it ideal for stealth, and upgrades allow it to ricochet between targets for increased damage.

Shinobi Bell

For those who prefer diversion over direct confrontation, the Shinobi Bell is key. When thrown, it attracts enemies' attention, clearing your path or setting up better crowd control. Upgrades can increase its range and add a gold shimmer, making it even more effective at drawing enemies away.

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 within the Tools skill tree, except for the Grappling Hook. Note that you must unlock the Shuriken, Shinobi Bell, and Smoke Bomb before upgrading them.

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, making it harder for enemies to detect you as you ascend effortlessly.

Kunai

To maximize the Kunai's effectiveness, focus on upgrades like Kunai Assassination Damage, which increases the health segments removed with each throw. Enhance its armor-piercing capabilities with the Armor Piercing passive skill, and use Everlast to ensure each Kunai can be retrieved without breaking.

Smoke Bomb

Once unlocked, upgrade the Smoke Bomb with Enduring Haze to extend its duration by 10 seconds, giving you more time to leverage its effects. For an even larger area of effect, Widespread is the upgrade you need to block more enemies from spotting you.

Shuriken

With Shuriken, the Bank Shot upgrade allows them to bounce between targets, dealing increasing damage with each hit. Triple Threat lets you throw three Shurikens simultaneously for the cost of one, enhancing your options in both stealth and combat scenarios.

Shinobi Bell

Upgrade the Shinobi Bell with Golden Bell to increase its visual appeal and distraction power. Follow up with Louder Chimes to extend its effective radius by five meters, enabling you to lure more enemies with a single throw.

This covers everything you need to know about the tools and their upgrades in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. For further assistance, check out The Escapist.

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