We are just a few months away from the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on February 14th 2025. As my most anticipated title of 2025, I have been eagerly awaiting any additional details regarding the game.
Today, Ubisoft has answered my call for information by releasing an article which explores the combat of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. If you’ve been following the game for a while, you’ll know that you play as Naoe or Yasuke. Both characters have different strengths that will effect how you choose to play. Naoe for example is a shinobi who is quick and agile but more focused on Stealth gameplay. Whereas Yasuke is a big bruting power samurai, who seems to be much more focused on a ‘all swords blazing’ combat approach.
Speaking of combat, in Assassin’s Creed Shadows you will have the same Light and Heavy Attacks we’ve seen in the series for the last few entries. Light Attacks while quick and nimble, do less damage and leave you vulnerable to certain enemy types that can power through these attacks to deal damage of their own. Heavy Attacks are more powerful and can be used to create space between you and your foes.
One thing that stood out to me is the mention of Posture Attacks. On the surface these sound like a new name for Charged Attacks, that allow you to break an enemy’s block or deal extra damage. I’m keen to find out if these attacks can be used any new ways to separate them from a traditional Charged Attacks, or is this mechanic nothing more than a simple name change.
While in combat, under certain conditions such as perfect dodge, an enemy can be put in a vulnerable state – a short window in which they can be dealt devastating damage. This vulnerable state is the perfect opportunity to counterattack by unleashing a posture attack or an active ability for maximum damage.
Having mentioned the Perfect Dodge what does defensive gameplay have to offer. Well, both Naoe and Yasuke can use directional dodges to avoid incoming blows. Naoe’s dodges are characterized by directional rolls, whereas Yasuke’s are directional steps that keep his stature upright throughout. Though both characters are very reactive, Yasuke’s second consecutive directional dodge-step has a slight recovery period, which Naoe doesn’t have.
They also have the ability to parry/deflect incoming attacks but once again the way they do this is slightly different. Yasuke’s parry mechanic happens on a straight line: when a parry is successful, the enemy bounces back, opening themselves to counterattacks. In short, Yasuke does not back down and does not concede terrain.
Naoe’s deflect mechanic requires similar timing but sees her pivot to either side of the enemy, deflecting their attacks away from her. This changes the axis of combat and exposes the enemy’s flanks, but it also means Naoe opens herself up to surrounding enemies, pushing you to always stay alert.
There is one defensive capability which Yasuke has access to that Naoe doesn’t. That being block mechanics allow him to turtle up behind his weapon and withstand attacks including incoming arrows or kunai – except for unstoppable attacks, which are detailed further below.
Of course, this being another RPG Assassin’s Creed title you’re probably thinking what about skills? Skills and abilities can also be acquired and learned throughout your journey to further develop your combat repertoire. Some of these are active abilities that are triggered manually in combat to deal more damage; some are combo variations or extensions; others introduce new mechanics that require precise timing and new tactical approaches.
We don’t know much about how the levelling system works yet in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. What we do know is that as you level and defeat certain bosses, you will earn Mastery Points. Which you can spend in the different Mastery trees to unlock weapon-based skills and abilities, amongst other things. This progression loop will allow you to put your skills to the test by facing strong opponents and be rewarded with new moves to learn.
To find out more about Assassin’s Creed Shadows Combat including available weapons, enemy types and more. Click Here
Everything I’m reading about the combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has me very excited. I just hope that the two playable characters feel as different in play as it sounds like they will.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC (including Day One on Steam) on February 14th, 2025.
