Assassin’s Creed Shadows Weapon Types – All Confirmed Weapons and How to Unlock Them

The weaponry in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is as varied and intricate as feudal Japan itself. With two playable protagonists—Naoe, the agile shinobi, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai—the game introduces a diverse arsenal suited to different combat styles. From swift assassinations in the shadows to devastating swordplay in open battle, every weapon is tailored to enhance stealth, power, or precision.

This article breaks down all confirmed weapon types in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, details what we know about how to unlock them, and offers insights into how each contributes to your playstyle. Whether you're planning to strike unseen or crush enemies head-on, understanding the tools of the trade is essential.

Dual Paths, Dual Playstyles

Before diving into individual weapons, it's crucial to understand the distinction between Naoe and Yasuke’s approach to combat.

Naoe excels in stealth, speed, and versatility. Her arsenal reflects the shinobi code—hit fast, hit silently, disappear.

Yasuke, on the other hand, brings unmatched strength and durability. His weapons are heavier, brutal, and designed for crowd control and direct confrontation.

This contrast plays into how you’ll unlock and use weapons throughout the game.

All Confirmed Weapon Types in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

1. Katana

Wielded by: Yasuke

Combat Role: Primary offensive weapon; high-damage melee

Use: Direct attacks, parries, powerful combos

The katana is the iconic blade of feudal Japan, and it takes center stage in Yasuke’s arsenal. This weapon is a powerhouse—capable of slicing through enemies with raw force. Its usage focuses on stance-breaking, parrying, and high-damage strikes.

Unlock Method:

You begin the game with a katana as Yasuke, but stronger variants can be unlocked through main quests, completing dojo challenges, or forging upgrades via blacksmiths you encounter across different regions.

2. Tanto (Dagger)

Wielded by: Naoe

Combat Role: Stealth kills, quick close-range combat

Use: Silent assassinations, fast slashes, critical damage

The tanto is Naoe’s tool of choice for assassinations. Its small size makes it perfect for tight spaces and quick executions. Though not ideal for drawn-out combat, it excels in hit-and-run tactics.

Unlock Method:

Basic versions are available from the start. Enhanced tanto versions are rewarded by completing stealth missions, side contracts, or gathering specific crafting materials from hidden temples and enemy strongholds.

3. Kanabo (War Club)

Wielded by: Yasuke

Combat Role: Heavy blunt weapon for crowd control

Use: Breaking shields, staggering enemies, wide swings

The kanabo is an iron-studded club that trades speed for brute force. Used primarily for breaking enemy formations and defenses, it’s Yasuke’s answer to shielded or armored foes.

Unlock Method:

This weapon becomes available during the second act of Yasuke’s campaign. You’ll need to defeat a regional warlord to obtain the first kanabo, with upgraded versions tied to elite enemy loot or high-tier dojo trials.

4. Kusarigama (Chain Sickle)

Wielded by: Naoe

Combat Role: Mid-range crowd control, stealth utility

Use: Tripping enemies, entangling guards, silent takedowns

The kusarigama adds a flair of unpredictability to Naoe’s arsenal. Part whip, part blade, this weapon allows her to control space, disarm enemies, and dispatch foes from the shadows or at a distance.

Unlock Method:

First acquired in a side quest involving a rogue ninja clan. Completing their hidden trials unlocks the base version. Advanced kusarigamas are tied to rare shinobi contracts or hidden treasure scrolls.

5. Bow

Wielded by: Naoe (confirmed), possibly Yasuke

Combat Role: Long-range eliminations

Use: Silent ranged kills, environmental manipulation, scouting

The bow is a staple of stealth gameplay. Naoe can use it to silently eliminate guards from afar or trigger distractions. Variants include shortbows for quick shots and longbows for precision and distance.

Unlock Method:

You begin with a basic shortbow. Upgrades are found by hunting legendary beasts, crafting with rare materials, or uncovering hidden archery schools.

6. Naginata (Polearm)

Wielded by: Yasuke (confirmed via promotional material)

Combat Role: Extended reach, battlefield control

Use: Sweeping attacks, formation fighting, mounted combat

The naginata is a polearm weapon that offers Yasuke the ability to deal with multiple enemies at once. Its long reach makes it ideal for battlefield dominance and crowd suppression.

Unlock Method:

Introduced during a pivotal main mission where Yasuke defends a village. To unlock better versions, complete regional war campaigns and reputation-based events in the game’s conquest system.

7. Throwing Weapons (Shuriken, Kunai)

Wielded by: Naoe

Combat Role: Silent ranged attacks, distractions

Use: Quick eliminations, triggering environmental traps

These tools let Naoe remain lethal at a distance. Shuriken are best for distraction or quick kills, while kunai deal heavier damage and can stagger or interrupt enemies in mid-action.

Unlock Method:

Available early through training missions. Mastery unlocks come through contracts or stealth challenges that reward specialized versions with poison, fire, or shock effects.

How to Unlock Weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Unlocking weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just about looting or buying—it's deeply integrated into exploration, mission progression, and the RPG-style character paths. Here’s how most weapons and upgrades are earned:

• Story Progression: Key weapons tied to narrative moments or boss battles.
• Exploration & Side Quests: Hidden temples, caves, and enemy encampments often guard rare weapon variants.
• Crafting & Upgrades: Visit blacksmiths in major settlements to forge or upgrade using collected materials.
• Faction Reputation: Aligning with certain clans unlocks exclusive gear through honor and reputation systems.
• Training & Dojo Challenges: Completing advanced combat trials unlocks mastery versions of base weapons.

Some weapons may also be locked behind character-specific paths. For instance, Naoe cannot wield a kanabo, and Yasuke likely won’t have access to the kusarigama. This ensures each weapon suits the character’s intended strengths and encourages a distinct playstyle for each.

The depth of Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just in its story or scenery—it’s in the arsenal you master. Each weapon is more than a tool; it’s an extension of who your character is, how you engage the world, and how you write your legend. Whether you prefer silent eliminations or overwhelming force, knowing your weapon options—and how to unlock them—can mean the difference between a smooth infiltration and a desperate skirmish.

As more details emerge, additional weapon types and mechanics may be revealed. For now, mastering what’s confirmed gives you a sharp edge in the shadows of Sengoku-era Japan.