(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Within the captivating world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there’s a plethora of objectives, vast areas awaiting exploration, and countless locations to unlock. Nevertheless, my journey has primarily been propelled by two passions: drip and decor. The thrill of discovering the finest swag is unparalleled — from stunning armor for Naoe and Yasuke to striking weapons, as well as elegant tea sets and paintings to adorn my base. My RPG experience has been largely defined by the relentless pursuit of these treasures. As I chart my course, it’s often dictated by where the most enticing loot resides or which objectives promise the most coveted rewards.
The allure of customization has always captivated me, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows embraces this with abundant choices. There’s immense joy in not only creating ensembles for shinobi and samurai but also in designing and embellishing a personal base. For a long-standing fan of the series, the base represents a dream realized, featuring Sims-inspired building functionalities. It’s incredibly straightforward to lay down various rooms, from a tranquil tea room to a study or forge, enabling personalized creation in feudal Japan.
However, a home isn’t complete without cherished possessions that narrate my adventures as Yasuke or Naoe, or add unique touches. I revel in the ability to choose decorative elements for each room—be it weapon or clothing displays, trinket shelves, or walls for paintings. As soon as I discovered the customizable potential of each room, my urge to explore and find items that infuse personality and vibrancy into my base became irresistible.
Among my favored side activities is stealthily observing animals and sketching them in the open-world. It’s a delightful hobby that encourages me to pause and appreciate the world’s wildlife while serving a practical purpose. Each artistic endeavor unlocks an ink painting to embellish my base. Consequently, whenever I encounter a sketch location, it’s instinctive to stop and capture the moment, rapidly expanding my collection. A particular sketch now holds a place of honor in my tea room, rendering it more personal and reflective of my adventures.
The transmog feature amplifies my excitement, igniting a fervor to obtain stylish armor and weapons. With numerous extraordinary outfits and diverse weaponry at disposal for both Yasuke and Naoe, I relish selecting preferred styles without compromising stats. While many RPGs incorporate transmog elements, Shadows excels with its sophisticated implementation, allowing for comprehensive cosmetic customization of gear, down to katanas or tantos.
Maneuvering through exquisitely crafted landscapes, I’m mesmerized by the detailed accents on Shadows’ weapons and armor, showcasing ornate patterns and embroidered fabrics that truly stand out. The transmog feature enhances my ability to appreciate and utilize these elements fully.
To acquire more dazzling designs, I often focus on castles across the landscape, using strategy or force to uncover legendary gear within. Each castle conceals a chest that can be unlocked through skillful play, revealing treasures like a striking black ensemble enhanced with gold embroidery for Naoe, my current favorite.
With the freedom to meld the cosmetics of my equipped ensemble with designs I’ve discovered, the anticipation of uncovering more unique items perpetually fuels my motivation. My journey in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been deeply intertwined with incessant customization, defining my experience in its sprawling open-world. I eagerly await future finds, expecting Yasuke and Naoe to showcase increasingly fashionable attire and my base to boast even more spectacular ornaments.
For a glimpse into the future of this series and what’s on the horizon, explore our upcoming Assassin’s Creed games roundup.