In keeping with the hallmark of role-playing games, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows presents players with the classic narrative arc: you embody a formidable warrior, only to find yourself incapacitated by injuries, stripped of skills, and thrust into the challenge of rebuilding your prowess from the ground up.
Mirroring an inspiring recovery journey reminiscent of Rocky, you soon find yourself free to explore once again. The key to rediscovering your strength lies in earning Mastery Points, which can be utilized to acquire an array of new skills. However, it’s crucial to recognize that while all skills may seem beneficial, some stand out due to their utility.
To help you make informed choices about where to invest your valuable Mastery Points, we’ve curated a list of top skill picks for the early game. These selections will enable you to ascend rapidly towards achieving master Shinobi status.
For our purposes, we’ve identified any skill within the first three tiers as “early-game.”Note that we are excluding starting skills and focusing solely on Naoe’s skill tree.
10 Ascension Boost
Up We Go!
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Description |
Enhances your speed when climbing using the Grappling Hook. |
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Cost |
1 Mastery Point |
Beginning our list is the seemingly unassuming Ascension Boost. While it may lack flair, this skill significantly reduces the time spent climbing with your grappling hook. With this boost, scaling heights becomes a fluid experience rather than a cumbersome task.
This ability not only quickens your ascent to vantage points but can also prove vital for escaping enemy detection during tense moments. While it might not redefine your gameplay, having this skill at your disposal is undoubtedly advantageous.
9 Shallow Water Breathing
Is That the Jaws Theme Playing?
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Description |
Enables breathing while concealed underwater. |
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Cost |
1 Mastery Point |
While renowned for parkour mechanics, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows integrates more sophisticated assassination tactics. One effective strategy involves exploiting bodies of water. With the Shallow Water Breathing skill, players can remain submerged while stealthily approaching foes on the surface.
This option not only enhances your tactical possibilities but also allows for discreet body disposal in just a few steps, minimizing the risk of drawing attention. Although it is somewhat situational, having this skill serves as a valuable tactical asset.
8 Quick Throw
Deadly From Distance
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Description |
Automatically targets and throws your equipped tool at the nearest enemy. |
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Cost |
1 Mastery Point |
The tools at your disposal in AC Shadows require precision, which can be challenging during chaotic encounters. Enter Quick Throw—this skill allows players to launch their equipped weapon at the nearest enemy without extensive aiming.
This capability is particularly beneficial in frantic situations, increasing your margin for error and providing a reliable option as stealth attempts falter. Consequently, it enhances your survivability when engagements become desperate.
7 Shoji Door Assassination
A Real Sliding Doors Moment
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Description |
Grants the ability to assassinate enemies through Shoji doors. |
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Cost |
2 Mastery Points |
As you navigate through densely populated areas filled with rivals, finding cover indoors is a strategic move. However, while enemies may not see you through walls, your hidden blade can still reach them through Shoji doors.
This skill not only facilitates discreet takedowns but also minimizes the risk of exposure. By unlocking this technique, you can eliminate threats without the hassle of conventional attacks, making it an essential tool for stealthy assassins.
6 Igan Roll
Knees of Steel
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Description |
Reduces fall damage when players roll upon landing from significant heights. |
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Cost |
1 Mastery Point |
Exploring the expansive world means taking the occasional leap of faith. However, even the most skilled assassin can suffer from fall damage. By unlocking the Igan Roll ability, players can perform a roll upon landing, minimizing fall impact.
This skill reduces the penalties of miscalculations during those risky jumps, allowing for more aggressive strategies in your quest to eliminate targets without severe consequences.
5 Heighten Senses
Time is Just a Construct
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Description |
Slows time for eight seconds once undetected, until contact with an enemy is made. |
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Cost |
3 Mastery Points |
Even the best-laid plans can go awry; sneaking may lead to inadvertent detection. The Heighten Senses skill serves as a safeguard. When enemies lose track of you, this ability slows time, granting you the chance to either evade capture or mount a counterattack.
While ideally, it’s best not to be seen at all, this emergency skill provides a valuable fallback and can turn the tide in precarious scenarios.
4 Kunai Assassination Damage I
Sharper Knives, Cleaner Kills
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Description |
Kills with Kunai deal increased damage. |
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Cost |
3 Mastery Points |
Among the variety of tools available, Kunai stand out as the most effective weapon for precise kills. With proper aim, a single Kunai can often eliminate a target instantly, keeping you undetected and preserving your covert approach.
Elite foes may endure multiple hits, which can create challenging situations. However, acquiring the Kunai Assassination Damage skill allows you to dispatch even sturdier enemies efficiently, ensuring you maintain your stealthy advantage.
3 Assassination Damage I
The Bigger They Are…
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Description |
Increase damage dealt with standard Hidden Blade assassinations. |
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Cost |
3 Mastery Points |
While Kunai are powerful, much of your stealth takedown success will rely on your trusty hidden blade. However, if you encounter beefier opponents, they might shrug off your initial attack.
To ensure your hidden blade remains effective, investing in the Assassination Damage skill enables you to eliminate harder enemies with a single strike. This investment is well worth the cost, potentially saving you from struggling in confrontations.
2 Larger Tool Bag I
More Tools, More Kills
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Description |
Allows an additional tool of each type in your inventory. |
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Cost |
2 Mastery Points |
While your katana and hidden blade are essential for combat, the strategic use of tools is crucial for achieving success in specific scenarios. Whether employing smoke bombs for distraction or executing precise Kunai shots, having a diverse arsenal is key.
The Larger Tool Bag I skill expands your inventory, granting you that extra tool needed for crucial moments. This skill minimizes the frequency of proxy hunting for supplies, which critically enhances your gameplay experience.
1 Double Assassinate
Double Bubble
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Description |
Doubles the effectiveness of your assassination by allowing two kills in close proximity. |
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Cost |
3 Mastery Points |
Engaging in stealthy takedowns is one of the most rewarding aspects of gameplay. When enemies gather, executing a Double Assassinate becomes invaluable, enabling you to remove two targets simultaneously and avoid alerting others.
This skill is instrumental for sweeping through enemy bases efficiently, making it a top-tier investment in your early-game strategy. Be certain to prioritize this skill as you work to establish your effectiveness as an assassin.
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