(Image credit: Ubisoft)
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the sheer abundance of objectives, areas to explore, and locations to unlock is overwhelming. Yet, two things have been my guiding stars: drip and decor. Nothing propels me like the pursuit of the finest swag, from striking armor pieces for Naoe and Yasuke, to dazzling weapons and tasteful tea sets or paintings adorning my base.
Most of my journey so far is centered on acquiring these treasures. My path often winds toward the places hiding the most enticing loot or the objectives offering the most coveted rewards. As I delve deeper, I’ve realized that the various ways to personalize my base heavily influence how I explore and interact with this vast open world.
Customization has always been a passion of mine, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers ample opportunities for it. The game excels in allowing unique combinations of gear for shinobi and samurai, alongside customizable home bases. The base-building aspect, reminiscent of The Sims, is a dream realized, with features that simplify crafting rooms — from a serene tea room to a bustling forge, effortlessly etching my space in feudal Japan.
But a home isn’t complete without treasured possessions that echo the journeys of Yasuke and Naoe. Thankfully, each room can be adorned with various station sets. Whether it’s a weapon or clothing display, trinket shelves, or a wall for hanging paintings, I take pleasure in discovering layouts that bring life and color to my base. It’s the thrill of these discoveries that pushes me to explore more of this richly textured world.
One delightful side activity involves quietly sketching animals in their natural habitat. This peaceful pursuit not only nurtures a connection with the world’s wildlife but also serves a practical function. Each completed ink painting can decorate my base, so I eagerly seize every sketching opportunity, adding to my growing collection. One illustration graces my tea room wall, a testament to my adventures and the marvelous vistas I’ve witnessed.
The game’s transmog feature has further ignited my passion for acquiring stylish armor and weapons. In a beautifully realized open world with meticulous attention to detail, transmogging allows me to maintain beloved styles without sacrificing combat effectiveness. Outfits for Yasuke and Naoe and various weapon designs, like those for a katana or tanto, can be tailored piece by piece, letting me revel in both style and power.
Driven by the allure of unique designs, I spend countless hours conquering castles. Each fortress holds legendary gear, unlockable through fierce combat against daisho adversaries. The map hints at the treasures within, luring me to invest in mastering specific locations for the promise of stunning gear, like a captivating black ensemble with gold embroidery for Naoe.
The wealth of customization options in Assassin’s Creed Shadows significantly shapes my journey through this sprawling open world. I eagerly anticipate the next fashion or decor find, with Yasuke and Naoe poised to don ever more fashionable looks. For those looking to the future of the series, explore what’s next with this roundup of upcoming Assassin’s Creed games.