What are the Assassin's Creed Shadows skills? Whether you want to be a feather-footed shinobi or a one-man samurai army, AC Shadows includes multiple skill trees with various abilities you can unlock to improve your performance in combat. Our complete list of all skills can help you decide which to unlock first.
With so many to choose from, the best AC Shadows skills can often mean the difference between life and death, especially against AC Shadows weapons and combat moves. If you're spoiled for choice, here are the best skills and how to unlock them.
Best AC Shadows skills
Skills require Mastery Points and Knowledge Points to unlock. Mastery Points are the currency spent to activate skills, and you can earn more by leveling up and completing AC Shadows quests. Knowledge Points unlock higher tiers on the skill tree, and can be earned via side activities like Kuji-Kiri and collecting Lost Pages. Both can be difficult to come by early on in your adventure, so we've picked the best skills to help you spend them wisely.
Best Naoe skills
Here are the best skills for Naoe in AC Shadows:
- Dodge Attack (Katana)
- Counter Attack (Katana)
- Quick Throw (Tools)
- Smoke Bomb (Tools)
- Shinobi Bell (Tools)
- Shuriken (Tools)
- Double Assassinate (Assassin)
- Grab Assassination (Shinobi)
Dodge Attack (Katana)
Dodge Attack is the best skill to quickly disengage with foes to avoid incoming damage, then close the distance quickly before they can recover. This lets Naoe stay light on her feet but remain aggressive, letting you take advantage of small windows to press your advantage.
Counter Attack (Katana)
Counter Attack transforms your defensive deflection into an offensive powerhouse, letting you parry and riposte like a regular soulslike protagonist. This skill also causes enemies to stagger, letting you sneak in another attack or switch focus to another foe.
Quick Throw (Tools)
All too often, we've stepped out of cover to assassinate a guard, only for one of his pals to turn around at the same moment. Quick Throw lets you dispatch witnesses in the blink of an eye with your kunai without the need to aim.
Smoke Bomb (Tools)
Once you've been detected, it can be a real pain to escape unseen. That's where the Smoke Bomb comes in. This series staple lets you break all lines of sight in the area, letting you disappear while taking out a few enemies in the process.
Shinobi Bell (Tools)
Whistling is one way to get a guard's attention, but it also means they'll inevitably move towards your position. The Shinobi Bell lets you throw down a distraction anywhere you like, whether you want to reposition enemies for the perfect takedown or simply get them to look the other way so you can sneak past.
Shuriken (Tools)
The shuriken might deal less damage than the kunai, but it's worth unlocking. These swift throwing stars can extinguish light sources and stagger enemies, so you keep more powerful ranged tools for the times in which they're most needed.
Double Assassinate (Assassin)
Two assassinations are better than one, especially if you want to leave no witnesses behind. Double Assassination is another series staple, and it's a must-have skill to clear heavily guarded castles and temples quickly and quietly.
Grab Assassinate (Shinobi)
Naoe is all about stealth, but leaving dead bodies lying around is a quick way to alert anyone in the vicinity. Grab Assassinate lets you drag guards from their posts and into the shadows, then hide the bodies without the slow and arduous process of carrying them.
Best Yasuke skills
Here are the best skills for Yasuke in AC Shadows:
- Combat Expert (Long Katana)
- Payback (Long Katana)
- Riposte (Long Katana)
- Teppo Tempo (Teppo)
- Armor Buster (Teppo)
- Brutal Assassination (Samurai)
- Regeneration (Samurai)
- Link Attack (Samurai)
Combat Expert (Long Katana)
Yasuke is an incredible fighter, so any way to boost his melee damage will benefit his core fighting skills across the board. Combat Expert does just that, bestowing a 9% melee damage bonus. This applies to the myriad powerful close-quarters combos further along his skill trees, making it an exceedingly valuable ive buff throughout your playthrough.
Payback (Long Katana)
Yasuke thrives on the front lines of any battle, so it's natural for him to take a hit or two. Payback lets you repay your enemies in kind with three powerful revenge strikes that replenish your health, making it less likely to end up on the brink of death during the heat of battle. All you have to do is keep swinging that katana.
Riposte (Long Katana)
Staying on the defense is a good way to stay alive, but to emerge victorious from any battle, you must turn the aggression back on the enemy. Riposte ensures that every standard guard has an opportunity to do just that. The timing is also fairly forgiving – you don't have to be a parry expert to prosper. Don't forget to invest a few Mastery Points into the next skill on its branch, Energizing Defense, for easy health restoration.
Teppo Tempo (Teppo)
Yasuke's ranged weaponry lets you strike first when engaging enemies at a distance, but they can be inefficient at close range. Teppo Tempo solves that problem, allowing Yasuke to pull out his teppo and fire off a quick shot after a dodge. It can even make enemies vulnerable at higher branches on the skill tree.
Armor Buster (Teppo)
Hacking away at an armored foe can be an exercise in frustration. Armor Buster does what it says on the tin, able to break the most impenetrable armor after a short reload time. It also deals additional damage in its own right, which makes it an excellent opener when taking on a particularly dangerous foe.
Brutal Assassination (Samurai)
Yasuke's version of an assassination lets you approach unsuspecting enemies and remove health segments before they even see you coming. Invest in the skills farther along this branch to target large enemies and remove even more health segments in one precise blow.
Regeneration (Samurai)
The best self-sustain comes from attacks that can simultaneously regenerate your health, especially when you're in the thick of it. While Riposte can do that at higher levels, Regeneration lets you regain health after every kill, so you can continue your onslaught without relying solely on rations to stay alive.
Link Attack (Samurai)
Combos are an important aspect of Yasuke's fighting style, letting you extend your attacks and tap into higher damage potential. Link Attack allows you to extend a regular combo by switching to your secondary weapon on the fly. This remains viable across all combos, giving your foe no quarter to retreat and recover.
All AC Shadows skills
The AC Shadows skills are spread across 12 unique skill trees, equally divided between Naoe and Yasuke. Some skills are only available to unlock later on in the story, while others require you to unlock the previous skill on its branch.
All Naoe skills
Here are all the skill trees for Naoe:
- Katana
- Tools
- Shinobi
- Assassin
- Kusarigama
- Tanto
Katana
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Katana Mastery | Katana ive | Increases Katana damage. | 13 Mastery Points spent |
| Tidal Wave | Katana Ability | A fast strike that deals 25% ability damage and makes enemies Vulnerable. | 1 Mastery Point. Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Dodge Attack | Katana ive | Counter-attack after a dodge. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Melee Expert | Global ive | Increase damage with melee weapons by 2%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Affliction Effectiveness | Global ive | Increase damage on Afflicted enemies by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Generator | Katana ive | Dodge attacks generate 25% of an adrenaline chunk on hit. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Dodge Attack |
| Counter Attack | Katana ive | Deflect at the last moment to counter-attack. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Second Wave | Katana ive | Tidal Wave can now be chained two times in a row. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Tidal Wave |
| Eviscerate | Katana Ability | Strike an enemy, dealing 75% ability damage and pushing them back. Half as effective on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| No Mercy | Katana ive | Successful dodge attacks make the target vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Generator |
| Momentum Builder | Global ive | Increase damage with consecutive hits by 1%. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Guard Breaker | Katana Ability | Unleash nine strikes, each dealing 10% ability damage and breaking armor. Half as effective on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Outclass | Katana ive | Eviscerate now has its full effect on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Eviscerate |
| Swift Step | Katana ive | Counter Attack can now be performed on flurry attacks | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Counter Attack |
| No Quarter | Katana ive | Guard Breaker now has its full effect on large enemies | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Guard Breaker |
| Smokescreen | Katana ive | Can now drop a smoke bomb after the push. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Outclass |
| Unstoppable | Katana ive | Guard Breaker can no longer be blocked or parried. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires No Quarter |
| Third Wave | Katana ive | Tidal Wave can now be chained three times in a row. | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete The Kabukimono Requires Second Wave |
| Hardened | Katana ive | Counter attack can now be performed on unstoppable attacks. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Swift Step |
Tools
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Tools Mastery | Tools ive | Increase chance to refill a tool on use | 11 Mastery Points spent |
| Kunai | Tools ive | Throw a Kunai that deals 400% damage. Headshots on unsuspecting enemies will remove one health segment. | Knowledge Rank 1 Story progression |
| Quick Throw | Tools ive | Automatically throw the equipped tool at the closest enemy or object. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Smoke Bomb | Tools ive | Throw a smoke bomb and break all lines of sight. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Tool Professional | Tools ive | Increases damage with tools by 3% | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Shuriken | Tools ive | Throw a Shuriken that deals 100% damage. Stagger enemies and can be used on the environment. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Kunai Assassination Damage I | Tools ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with Kunai. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Kunai |
| Enduring Haze | Tools ive | Smoke Bomb has its duration increased to ten seconds. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Smoke Bomb |
| Shinobi Bell | Tools ive | Throws a Shinobi Bell that distracts nearby enemies. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Larger Tool Bag I | Tools ive | Increase maximum capacity for all tools. +1 Kunai, +1 Shuriken, +1 Smoke Bomb, +1 Shinobi Bell | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Armor Piercing | Tools ive | Kunai now have 50% Armor Piercing. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Kunai |
| Golden Bell | Tools ive | Shinobi Bell is now golden, and its shine can attract enemies from afar. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Shinobi Bell |
| Adrenaline Generator | Global ive | Increase adrenaline gain by 3%. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Larger Tool Bag II | Tools ive | Increase maximum capacity for all tools. +1 Kunai, +2 Shuriken, +1 Smoke Bomb, +2 Shinobi Bell | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Widespread | Tools ive | Smoke Bomb has its radius increased to ten meters. | Knowledge Rank 4 Complete The Pirate Alliance Requires Enduring Haze |
| Kunai Assassination Damage II | Tools ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with Kunai. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Kunai Assassination Damage I |
| Bank Shot | Tools ive | Shuriken can now bounce between targets. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Shuriken |
| Tool Affliction Proficiency | Tools ive | Increase affliction buildup with tools by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Louder Chimes | Tools ive | Shinobi Bell's radius increases to five meters. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Golden Bell |
| Triple Threat | Tools ive | Naoe can now throw three Shurikens at the same time for the cost of one. | Knowledge Rank 5 Complete The Tournamen |
| Kunai Assassination Damage III | Tools ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with Kunai. | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete Kurai Eikyou Requires Kunai Assassination Damage II |
| Everlast | Tools ive | Kunai can no longer break on hard impact and can be retrieved indefinitely. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Armor Piercing |
| Larger Tool Bag III | Tools ive | Increase maximum capacity for all tools. +1 Kunai, +2 Shuriken, +1 Smoke Bomb, +2 Shinobi Bell | Knowledge Rank 6 |
Shinobi
| Skills | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Shinobi Mastery | Shinobi ive | Increase health. | 9 Mastery Points spent |
| Grappling Hook | Shinobi ive | Launch a grappling hook to drop, swing, move, and jump. | Knowledge Rank 1 Story progression |
| Grab | Shinobi ive | Grab an enemy while undetected to move with them and knock them out. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Shallow Water Breathing | Shinobi ive | Allows Naoe to breathe through a reed while remaining still in shallow water. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Prodigy | Global ive | Increase damage with abilities by 2%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Grab Assassinate | Shinobi ive | Grab, reposition, and assassinate an enemy. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 Requires Grab |
| Ascension Boost | Shinobi ive | While using the Grappling Hook, Naoe can climb much faster. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Grappling Hook |
| Vault | Shinobi ive | Hit dodge and basic attack after deflecting to jump over an enemy and make them Vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Igan Roll | Shinobi ive | Dodge before hitting the ground to reduce fall damage. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Evasive | Global ive | Increase damage after a Vault by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Lightning Kicks | Shinobi Ability | Knock down the two closest enemies and deal 15% ability damage to each. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Heighten Senses | Shinobi Ability | While undetected, time slows down around Naoe for eight seconds. Aborts on enemy . | Knowledge Rank 3. |
| Destabilizing Vault | Shinobi ive | Increases critical chance by 25% over ten seconds after using Vault. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Ninja Fall | Shinobi ive | Igan Roll now negates all fall damage. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Igan Roll. |
| Extended Perception | Shinobi ive | Increases Heightened Senses duration by four seconds. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Heightened Senses |
| Immobilized | Shinobi ive | Increase the knockdown duration by four seconds. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Lightning Kicks |
| Efficient | Global ive | 3% less cooldown with abilities. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Quick Knock Out | Shinobi ive | Knock out after Grab can now be performed faster. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Grab Assassinate |
| High Vault | Shinobi ive | Throw a Shuriken mid-air on a successful Vault. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Destabilizing Vault |
| Sweep the Leg | Shinobi ive | Lightning Kicks can now perform one additional leg sweep on a nearby target that is not already knocked down. | Knowledge Rank 6 Story progression Requires Immobilized |
| Critical Insight | Shinobi ive | Duration of Heightened Senses is reset on a successful assassination. Can only be reset once per activation. | Knowledge Rank 6 Story progression Requires Extended Perception |
Assassin
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Assassin Mastery | Assassin ive | Increases adrenaline gain on assassination. | 10 Mastery Points spent |
| Hidden Blade | Assassin ive | Assassinate regular enemies and remove health segments. | Story progression Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Eagle Vision | Assassin ive | Highlight enemies around you. | Story progression Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Shoji Door Assassination | Assassin ive | While using a katana, Naoe can assassinate a target through a shoji . | 2 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Ground Assassinate | Assassin ive | Assassinate regular enemies while they're on the ground and remove health segments. | Story progression Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Executioner | Global ive | Increase damage on vulnerable enemies by 2%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Nightcrawler | Global ive | Increase damage during the night by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Improved Ground Assassinate | Assassin ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with ground assassinations. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Ground Assassinate |
| Double Assassinate | Assassin ive | While using a Tanto. Naoe can assassinate two targets standing close together with a single attack. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Assassination Damage I | Assassin ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with assassinations. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Hidden Blade |
| Improved Sense | Assassin ive | Increase the longevity of Eagle Vision's effect after deactivation. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Eagle Vision |
| Reinforced Blade | Assassin ive | Hidden Blade can now be used against large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Hidden Blade |
| Vigor I | Assassin ive | Increases Naoe's adrenaline chunks by 1. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Assassination Damage II | Assassin ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with assassinations. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Assassination Damage I |
| Vigor II | Assassin ive | Increases Naoe's adrenaline chunks by 1. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Vigor I |
| Frontrunner | Global ive | Increase damage while health is full by 2%. | Knowledge Rank |
| Hand of the Creed | Assassin ive | Hidden Blade can no longer be denied when enemies see Naoe coming. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Rush Assassinate | Assassin ive | While using a Kusarigama, Naoe can close the distance and deal assassination damage to a single target. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Vigor III | Assassin ive | Increase Naoe's adrenaline chunks by 1. | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete The Shinbakufu |
| Assassination Damage III | Assassin ive | Naoe removes one additional health segment with assassinations | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete The Godai Shinobi |
Kusarigama
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Kusarigama Mastery | Mastery | Increase Kusarigama damage. | 9 Mastery Points spent |
| Feral Outburst | Ability | Launch Naoe towards a single enemy, unleashing a flurry of four strikes dealing 20% ability damage each. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Entanglement | ive | Entangle enemies before hitting enemies with a posture attack and throw them in any direction. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Affliction Builder | ive | Increase affliction buildup by 2%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Quick Strike | ive | After any attack, momentarily pause then launch two extra strike. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Big Catch | ive | Entanglement now has its full effect on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Exposed Wound | ive | Feral Outburst's final strike makes the target vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Feral Outburst |
| Snake Bite | Ability | Wrap the chain of the Kusarigama around a single enemy's foot to knock them out and deal 40% ability damage. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Catalyst | ive | After a combo ender, attack to extend the combo with a Quick Strike. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Quick Strike |
| Hard Fall | ive | After getting up, the enemy is afflicted by Daze. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Snake Bite |
| Cyclone Blast | Ability | Swing the Kusarigama in the large circle around Naoe, dealing 8% ability damage and pushing back struck enemies. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Multi-Target Expert | ive | Increase damage when hitting multiple enemies by 5%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Tug Of War | ive | When pulling an enemy towards Naoe, perform a powerful attack that deals 50% ability damage and knocks them down. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Big Catch |
| Lasting Storm | ive | Increase Cyclone Blast duration. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Cyclone Blast |
| Feral Frenzy | ive | Eral Outburst now unleashes two extra strikes. | Knowledge Rank 4 Complete Winter Raiders Requires Exposed Wound |
| Knock Out | ive | Increase knockdown duration by ten seconds. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Hard Fall |
| Dazed | ive | Quick Strike now inflicts 15% Daze buildup with each strike. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Catalyst |
| Critical Proficiency | ive | Increases critical damage by 4%. | Knowledge Rank 6 |
| Enhanced Impact | ive | Cyclone Blast's last hit pushes back the enemies significantly further. | Knowledge Rank 6 Story progression Requires Lasting Storm |
Tanto
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Hidden Blade & Tanto Mastery | Mastery | Increase Tanto damage. | 9 Mastery Points spent |
| Shadow Piercer | Ability | Throw the Tanto, then dash forward to stab the target and make them Vulnerable, dealing 40% ability damage with each strike. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Backstab | ive | Light posture attacks that hit an enemy's back trigger weak point attacks. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Leap Strike | ive | While attacking, dodge in any direction to leap towards a target and strike. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Gap Seeker | ive | Increases armor piercing by 6%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Backstabber | ive | Increase damage from behind by 4%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Escape Strike | ive | While holding attack, dodge to perform a strike and backward dodge. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Invigorating Kill | ive | Shadow Piercer generates 80% of an adrenaline chunk on kill. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Shadow Piercer |
| Shadow Barrage | Ability | Naoe will automatically perform a quick evade before getting hit, lasting 20 seconds and up to 7 hits. Does not work on Grab attacks. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Blood Rush | ive | Leap Strike and Escape Strike generate 25% of an adrenaline chunk on hit. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Escape Strike |
| Endless Barrage | ive | Each kill while Shadow Barrage is active increases all damage by 5%. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Shadow Barrage |
| Back Breaker | ive | Posture attacks performed behind an enemy now have 100% Armor Piercing. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Backstab |
| Hidden Hand | Ability | Sheathe your Tanto and extend the Hidden Blade in its classic form to perform an assassination while in combat. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Shadow Reach | ive | Increase Shadow Piercer throw distance by ten meters. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Invigorating Kill |
| Critical Thinker | ive | Increase critical chance by 1%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Hidden Onslaught | ive | One additional health segment is removed when used against unaware enemies. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Hidden Hand |
| Contemplation | ive | Increase Shadow Barrage duration by 10 seconds or up to three additional hits. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Broken Spirit | ive | Hidden Hand cannot be blocked or parried. | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete Naoe's Journey Requires Hidden Onslaught |
| Healthy Sting | ive | Weak point attacks triggered from behind an enemy restore 5% health. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Back Breaker |
All Yasuke skills
Here are all the skill trees for Yasuke:
- Long Katana
- Teppo
- Samurai
- Bow
- Naginata
- Kanabo
Long Katana
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Long Katana Mastery | Mastery | Increase Long Katana damage. | 15 Mastery Points spent |
| Adrenaline Builder | ive | Increase adrenaline gain by 15% | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Sheathed Attack | ive | Sheathe the katana and launch a stronger strike that can break the target's guard. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Power Dash | Ability | Dash to a single enemy, dealing 50% ability damage, then move behind them to make them Vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 1 Story progression |
| Riposte | ive | Release guard right after blocking a hit to perform an immediate Riposte. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Energizing Defense | ive | Riposte now restores 5% health. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Payback | Ability | Deal three powerful strikes to a single enemy, each dealing 25% ability damage and restoring 10% health. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Combat Expert | ive | Increase damage with melee weapons by 9%. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Sheathed Posture | ive | Sheathed Attack can now become a Posture attack. Rank 2: Increase damage by 20%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Sheathed Attack |
| Samurai Showdown | Ability | Taunt up to three different enemies and attack them, dealing 15% ability damage to each. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Overrun | ive | Increase Payback damage by 1% per 1% Health missing. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Payback |
| Defensive Strike | ive | Riposte now has 100% crit chance when performed against a flurry attack. | 2 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Energizing Defense |
| Melee Weapon Armor Damage | ive | Increase armor damage with melee weapons by 6%. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Shatter | ive | Increase Samurai Showdown armor damage by 50%. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Samurai Showdown |
| Armor Avoidance | ive | Power Dash now has 100% armor piercing. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Power Dash |
| Adrenaline Boost | ive | Sheathed Attack generates 50% of an Adrenaline Chunk on hit. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Sheathed Posture |
| Unstoppable | ive | Payback can no longer be blocked or parried. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Overrun |
| Call of Honor | ive | Samurai Showdown can now taunt up to four different enemies. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Shatter |
| Chained Power Dash | ive | Power Dash can now rush to a second enemy. | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete The Kabukimono Requires Armor Avoidance |
Teppo
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Teppo Mastery | Teppo Mastery | Increase Teppo damage. | 11 Mastery Points spent |
| Armor Damage | Teppo ive | Increase armor damage by 6%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Steady Hand | Teppo ive | While aiming, remain still for a short time to zoom in further and increase damage by 10%. | 2 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Armor Buster | Teppo Ability | Reload the Teppo and follow up with a shot that deals 100% ability damage and breaks the target's armor. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Larger Pouch I | Teppo ive | Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +5 ammo, +3 special ammo. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Close Quarters | Teppo Ability | Swing the Teppo at an enemy, dealing 60% ability damage, knocking them down and automatically shooting them. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Teppo Tempo | Teppo ive | After a successful dodge, shoot at the attacker. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Concentration | Teppo ive | Steady Hand now also slows down time for five seconds | 1 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Steady Hand |
| Steel Bullets | Teppo ive | Unlock a new bullet type that makes the target vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Reload Speed | Teppo ive | Increase Teppo reload speed by 5%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Explosive Surprise | Teppo Ability | Throw a gunpowder pouch and automatically shoot it to create an explosion that deals 35% ability damage | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Radial Effect | Teppo ive | Armor Buster sends fragments or armor flying in every direction, dealing 25% ability damage in a four meter radius. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Armor Buster |
| Teppo's Might | Teppo ive | Close Quarters now has 25% armor piercing. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Close Quarters |
| Locked In | Teppo ive | Steady Hand can no longer be interrupted | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Concentration |
| Larger Pouch II | Teppo ive | Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +5 ammo, +3 special ammo. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Explosive Barrage | Teppo ive | Explosive Surprise is chained a second time. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Explosive Surprise |
| Target Vulnerability | Teppo ive | Teppo Tempo makes the enemy vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Teppo Tempo |
| Concussion Bullets | Teppo ive | Unlock a new bullet type that builds up the Daze affliction. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Range Weapon Expertise | Teppo ive | Increase damage with ranged weapons by 3%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Shrapnel Bullets | Teppo ive | Unlock a new bullet type that builds up the Bleed affliction. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Brutal Takedown | Teppo ive | Close Quarters now automatically knocks out the target. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Teppo's Might |
| Deep Impact | Teppo ive | On hit, Armor Buster now pushes enemies away. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Radial Effect |
| Range Weapon Expertise | Global ive | Increase damage with ranged weapons by 1%. | Knowledge Rank 6 |
| Larger Pouch III | Teppo ive | Increase maximum capacity for all ammo. +4 ammo, +2 special ammo. | Knowledge Rank 6 |
| Explosive Warfare | Teppo ive | The explosion from Explosive Surprise now knocks down anyone caught in the blast. | Knowledge Rank 6 Story progression |
| Quick Aim | Teppo ive | Teppo Tempo uses a faster reloading technique | Knowledge Rank 6 Complete The Pirate Alliance |
Naginata
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Naginata Mastery | Naginata ive | Increase Naginata damage by 3%. | 11 Mastery Points spent |
| Crescent Strike | Naginata Ability | Jump to an enemy and swing the Naginata in a large arc in front of you, dealing 25% ability damage and pushing them back. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Far Reach | Naginata ive | Enemies hit by the tip of a Naginata take 15% more damage. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| One Man Army | Global ive | Increase damage when hitting multiple enemies by 3%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Whirlwind | Naginata ive | Perform a powerful combo dealing 5% more damage with each strike. | 2 Mastery Points |
| Deep Cut | Naginata ive | Crescent Strike now inflicts 35% Bleed buildup. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Crescent Strike |
| Impale | Naginata Ability | Impale an enemy, dealing 15% ability damage and moving with them up to 13 meters. On release, they become vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Lethal Reach | Naginata ive | Increases crit change with Far Reach by 15%. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Far Reach |
| Combo Ender Armor Piercing | Global ive | Increase armor piercing with combo enders by 4%. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Lethal Charge | Naginata ive | Impale now moves further with the impaled enemy. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Impale |
| Onslaught | Naginata Ability | Unleash a flurry of eight strikes on a single enemy, dealing 15% ability damage each. Half as effective on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Rising Storm | Naginata ive | Whirlwind generates 10% of an adrenaline chunk on hit. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Whirlwind |
| Broader Onslaught | Naginata ive | Onslaught now has its full effect on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Onslaught. |
| Disabling Strike | Naginata ive | Crescent Strike now knocks down enemies. | Knowledge Rank 5 Story progression Requires Deep Cut |
| Stampeding Charge | Naginata ive | Impale now pushes back enemies on the path. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Lethal Charge |
| Fatal Reach | Naginata ive | Far Reach generates 10% of an adrenaline chunk on hit. | Knowledge 5 Requires Lethal Reach |
| Piercing Momentum | Global ive | Increase armor piercing with consecutive hits by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Ultimate Onslaught | Naginata ive | Onslaught can no longer be blocked or parried. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Broader Onslaught Complete Winter Raiders |
| Persistent Storm | Naginata ive | After performing the first strike, perform basic or heavy attacks to keep the Whirlwind going. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Whirlwind |
Samurai
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Samurai Mastery | Samurai ive | Increase health. | 24 Mastery Points spent |
| War Kick | Samurai Ability | Perform a powerful kick on an enemy, dealing 20% ability damage and pushing them away. Half as effective on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Link Attack | Samurai ive | Swap weapons during a combo to transition into a quick attack while switching to your alternate weapon, extending your combo. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Brutal Assassination | Samurai ive | Perform Yasuke's own version of an assassination and remove health segments. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Regeneration | Global ive | Restore 6% of Yasuke's maximum health when killing an enemy. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Bull Rush | Samurai ive | While sprinting, regular enemies will be knocked back and some doors will break on impact. Half as effective on large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Crash Collision | Samurai ive | Bull Rush can now deal 15% ability damage on . | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Bull Rush |
| Vigor I | Samurai ive | Increase Yasuke's adrenaline chunks by 1. | Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Heavy Impact | Samurai ive | War Kick now has its full effect on large enemies. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 2 Requires War Kick |
| Improved Brutal Assassinations | Samurai ive | Yasuke can now perform his Brutal Assassination against large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Brutal Assassination |
| Stronger, Smarter… | Global ive | 3% less cooldown with abilities. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Assassination Damage I | Samurai ive | Yasuke removes two additional health segments with assassinations. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Improved Brutal Assassinations |
| Impenetrable Defense | Samurai Ability | Immediately counter every attack received for twenty seconds and up to five hits. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Battle Cry | Samurai Ability | Stagger all enemies within ten meters of you. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Big Impact | Samurai ive | Bull Rush | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Crash Collision |
| Vigor II | Samurai ive | Increase Yasuke's adrenaline chunks by one. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Vigor I |
| Outnumbered | Samurai ive | For each enemy affected by Battle Cry, increase damage by 4% for ten seconds. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Battle Cr |
| Defensive Breach | Samurai ive | Double damage on enemy collisions. | Knowledge Rank 4 Story progression Requires Heavy Impact |
| Samurai Stand | Samurai Ability | Enter a frenzy, turning all your attacks into posture attacks for ten seconds. | Knowledge Rank 4 Complete Nobutsuna's Students |
| Unbreachable Guard | Samurai ive | Impenetrable Defense now makes attackers vulnerable. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Impenetrable Defense |
| Vigor III | Samurai ive | Increase Yasuke's adrenaline chunks by one. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Vigor II |
| Strength Builder | Global ive | Increase damage per filled adrenaline chunk by 1%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Assassination Damage II | Samurai ive | Yasuke removes two additional health segments with assassinations | Knowledge Rank 5 Complete The Godai Shinobi Requires Assassination Damage I |
| Healing Shout | Samurai ive | Battle Cry now also restores 50% of maximum health over ten seconds. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Samurai Frenzy | Samurai ive | When killing an enemy, Samurai Stand duration is increased by three seconds. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Eternal Samurai | Samurai ive | While in Samurai Stand, health is locked at 10%, causing all enemy attacks to be non-lethal. | Knowledge Rank Requires Samurai Frenzy |
| Absolute Protection | Samurai ive | Impenetrable Defense can now work against all unstoppable attacks, except grab attacks. | Knowledge Rank 6 Story progression Requires Unbreachable Guard |
Bow
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Yumi Bow Mastery | Bow Mastery | Increase Bow damage. | 11 Mastery Points spent |
| Poison Arrows | Bow ive | Unlock a new arrow type that builds up the poison affliction. | 2 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Swift Hand | Bow ive | Increase bow draw speed by 3%. | 1 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Marksman's Shot | Bow ive | When hitting the target's head with a posture shot, fire a second arrow. | Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Staggering Blast | Bow Ability | Shoot a powerful arrow at the target, dealing 60% ability damage and pushing them back. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Silent Arrows | Bow ive | Unlock a new arrow that has 100% armor piercing and removes three health segments with headshots on unsuspecting enemies. | 2 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Clear Mind | Bow Ability | Time slows down around you for ten seconds while aiming. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Marksman's Stance | Bow ive | Marksman's Shot is now a posture shot. | 2 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Marksman's Shot |
| Larger Quiver I | Bow ive | Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrows, +3 Special Arrow. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Critical Damage | Global ive | Increase crit damage by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Marksman's Touch | Bow ive | Marksman's Shot now has 100% armor piercing. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Marksman's Stance |
| Retreating Shot | Bow Ability | Shoot four arrows at the closest enemy, dealing 10% ability damage each time while evading incoming attacks. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Headshot Lock | Bow ive | Staggering Blast now automatically aims at the head. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Staggering Blast |
| Kyudo Master | Bow ive | Release arrow when the bow flashes to trigger Kyudo Master, enabling a longer posture window and a faster reload time for five seconds. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Silent Arrows II | Bow ive | Yasuke removes two additional health segments with Silent Arrows. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Silent Arrow |
| Silent Arrows III | Bow ive | Yasuke removes two additional health segments with Silent Arrows. | Knowledge Rank 4 Complete Kurai Eikyou |
| Temporal Mastery | Bow ive | Kyudo Master now slows down time on the next shot. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Kyudo Master |
| Effective Mindset | Bow ive | While Clear Mind is active, each kill increases damage by 15%. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Clear Mind |
| Retreating Barrage | Bow ive | Retreating Shot now fires one more arrow. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Retreating Shot |
| Larger Quiver | Bow ive | Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Headshot Damage | Global ive | Increase damage with headshots by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Retreating Arsenal | Bow ive | Retreating Shot now fires one more arrow. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Retreating Barrage |
| Level-Headed | Bow ive | While Clear Mind is active, headshots increase the duration by four seconds. | Knowledge Rank 5 Story progression Requires Effective Mindset |
| Serrated Arrows | Bow ive | Unlock a new arrow type that builds up the bleed affliction. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Reflexive Poise | Bow ive | Kyudo Master now automatically makes all shots posture shots. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Temporal Mastery |
| Hunter's Mark | Bow ive | Staggering Blast now automatically applies the daze affliction. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Headshot Lock |
| Larger Quiver III | Bow ive | Increase maximum capacity for all arrows. +10 Arrow, +3 Special Arrow. | Knowledge Rank 6 |
Kanabo
| Skill | Type | Effect | Requirements |
| Kanabo Mastery | Kanabo ive | Increase Kanabo damage by 3%. | 4 Mastery Points spent |
| Spine Breaker | Kanabo Ability | Grab an enemy with the Kanabo, dealing 50% ability damage and knocking out regular enemies. Half as effective on large enemies. | 3 Mastery Points Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Devastation | Kanabo ive | Switch attack type at the end of a combo to trigger an additional combo ender. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Forward Momentum | Kanabo ive | When you hit an enemy, press light or heavy attack to chain your next attack faster. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 1 |
| Power Surge | Kanabo ive | Each successful Forward Momentum before a combo ender increases its damage by 15%. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Forward Momentum |
| Turmoil | Kanabo ive | Devastation combo enders generate 50% of an adrenaline chunk on hit. | Knowledge Rank 2 Requires Devastation |
| Combo Ender Damage | Global ive | Increase damage with combo enders by 2%. | 1 Mastery Point Knowledge Rank 2 |
| Ability Master | Global ive | Increase damage with abilities by 2%. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Irresistible Force | Kanabo ive | Increase Spine Breaker knockout duration by ten seconds. | Knowledge Rank 3 Requires Spine Breaker |
| Crushing Shadows | Kanabo Ability | A downward strike that deals 90% ability damage, disables the targets, and staggers all enemies in a three-meter radius. | Knowledge Rank 3 |
| Greater Shockwave | Kanabo ive | Crushing Shockwave now afflicts enemies with daze. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Crushing Shockwave |
| Unstoppable Strength | Kanabo ive | Spine Breaker now has its full effect against large enemies. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Irresistible Force |
| Slugging Rampage | Kanabo Ability | A series of spinning strikes that deal 20% ability damage each and send everyone nearby flying backward. | Knowledge Rank 4 |
| Infinite Devastation | Kanabo ive | Press the opposite attack input after a Devastation to perform a second one. | Knowledge Rank 4 Requires Turmoil |
| Damage Reduction | Global ive | Increase damage reduction by 1%. | Knowledge Rank 5 |
| Slugging Torrent | Kanabo ive | Slugging Rampage now lasts longer. | Knowledge Rank 5 Requires Slugging Rampage |
| Constant Pressure | Kanabo ive | Forward Momentum no longer requires hit confirmation. Press attack at any time to chain your attack quicker. | Knowledge Rank 5 Complete The Tournament Requires Power Surge |
| Absolute Shockwave | Kanabo ive | Increase Crushing Shockwave size by 167%. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Greater Shockwave |
| Slugging Fury | Kanabo ive | Slugging Rampage now lasts even longer. | Knowledge Rank 6 Requires Slugging Torrent |
Now that you're up to speed on all the AC Shadows skills, start saving up your points for the AC Shadows review delivers our verdict on Ubisoft's feudal Japan.