How to Be an Unstoppable Assassin in Shadows (Without Dying Every Five Minutes)

Stealth, swordplay, and seasonal changes—Assassin’s Creed Shadows throws you into feudal Japan’s brutal yet breathtaking world. Whether you’re slicing through enemies as Yasuke or stalking from the shadows as Naoe, there’s plenty to learn. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back with cool tips and tricks to help you assassinate smarter, fight better, and survive longer.

Stealth or Combat? Why Not Both?

If you’re coming into Shadows expecting an easy hack-and-slash samurai fantasy, think again. Ubisoft has fine-tuned the stealth mechanics, making sneaky assassinations just as satisfying as all-out katana duels.

Stealth Is King (Unless You’re Yasuke, Then… Good Luck)

Naoe’s shinobi skills are designed for silent, calculated eliminations, while Yasuke is basically a walking tank. That means Naoe can slip through enemy lines undetected, while Yasuke can power through the front door and make it everyone’s problem.

But don’t assume Yasuke is invincible—samurai enemies block frontal attacks, meaning brute force won’t always work. Instead, get creative with Kunai knives to catch them off guard, or attack from behind to bypass their defenses. Meanwhile, if you’re playing as Naoe, keep in mind that Eagle Vision boosts brightness at night, making it easier to navigate in the dark without giving away your position.

Pro Tip: Tents aren’t just for decoration. You can slice them open to create new entrances, but be careful—if an enemy is watching, they’ll know something’s up.

Mastering the Art of Assassination (and Not Getting Caught Doing It)

Every assassin knows that a good kill is a quiet kill. But in Shadows, there’s more to stealth than crouching in tall grass.

Keep It Dark (and Stay That Way)

Lanterns might illuminate Japan’s stunning landscapes, but they also expose you to enemies. Solution? Destroy them with Kunai knives. It’s a simple trick, but dimming the lights can make a huge difference when sneaking through enemy territory. For an even quieter approach, extinguish candles instead of breaking lights—it keeps things dark without making a sound.

Bodies? What Bodies?

Leaving a freshly assassinated enemy out in the open is an open invitation for disaster. Hide bodies whenever possible—unless, of course, you want other enemies to panic and walk directly into your perfectly set-up ambush.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling especially ruthless, leave bodies in high-traffic areas to bait other enemies. They’ll investigate, giving you the perfect opportunity for another takedown.

Loot Like a Pro—Because Rations Don’t Grow on Trees

Stealth is great, but let’s be real—you’ll eventually need supplies. Whether you’re stocking up on rations or searching for rare gear, knowing where to loot efficiently is key.

Looting 101: Never Skip a Corpse

Not every enemy carries legendary loot, but some will have mon (currency), resources, and even rare items. If you’ve already gone through the trouble of taking them down, you might as well check their pockets. What’s better? You can loot while hiding. That means if you’re ducked behind cover, you can snatch up valuables without exposing yourself—a perfect move in high-alert zones.

Need Supplies? Camps Have You Covered

If you’re running low on rations or crafting materials, don’t waste money buying them. Instead, head to enemy camps, where you’ll often find ration boxes waiting to be “borrowed.” Just make sure no one catches you in the act.

The World Reacts to You—Use It to Your Advantage

Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just about stabbing bad guys in cool outfits—the world itself is a living, breathing entity, and it changes based on your actions.

Seasons Matter More Than You Think

The seasonal cycle isn’t just for aesthetics—it affects gameplay in major ways.

• Winter: Snow leaves footprints that can betray your location to enemies.
• Summer: Lush greenery provides more cover, making stealth easier.
• Autumn & Spring: Rain can mask your movement sounds, letting you get closer without alerting enemies.

If you’re finding a certain mission too difficult, consider changing the season at your hideout.

Helping Strangers Actually Pays Off

Japan is full of travellers in need—and if you lend a hand, you’ll be rewarded with valuable intel or sellable items. If you see someone being harassed on the road, taking a minute to intervene could lead you to hidden treasures or secret locations.

Upgrading Your Hideout

Your Hideout isn’t just a place to chill—it’s the key to upgrading your weapons, armour, and resources.

The Forge: First Thing You Should Upgrade

Building the Forge early lets you upgrade weapons and armour to Level 20, giving you a serious combat edge. Each upgrade also enhances engraving slots, meaning you can customize gear to match your playstyle.

Themed Rooms? More Than Just Decoration

Adding Themed Rooms to your Hideout grants bonuses, such as increased XP gain, better loot drops, or enhanced stealth. Translation? Spending time on Hideout upgrades isn’t just for fun—it makes you stronger.

Pets Are a Thing, and Yes, You Should Absolutely Collect Them

Who doesn’t want a loyal companion while running across rooftops or slicing through enemy lines? In Shadows, you can pet animals, and if you interact with them enough, you can bring them to your Hideout. The catch? You only unlock the colour variant of the pet you’ve petted. So if you want a black dog instead of a brown one, you’ll need to track one down.

Pro Tip: Don’t just pet animals for fun—certain pets offer passive buffs that can actually help in combat.

Embrace the Chaos and Have Fun

There’s no “right” way to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows—you can lean into stealth, go full samurai, or mix both styles to create your own approach. Whatever path you choose, these tips should help you get the most out of feudal Japan—whether you’re a patient assassin or a chaotic sword-wielding powerhouse.