Assassin's Creed Shadows' new combat overview details how skills, offensive attacks, and weapons are tailored to its dual protagonists

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Ubisoft has shared new combat details for Assassin's Creed Shadows ahead of its February 15, 2025 release.

In a new blog post, the developer provided a deep dive into the fundamental principles of the game's combat system and discussed how weapons will alter battles, depending on which protagonist you play as; Naoe or Yasuke.

For offensive basics, there are light, heavy, posture attacks. Light attacks are quick and reliable and inflict small increments of damage, but some enemies can easily counter them and «power through» to land attacks of their own.

Heavy attacks are useful for staggering enemies, but posture attacks seem to be the most effective in fights. Holding down the input will charge the ability to dial up the damage, can be held indefinitely, and is used to break through an enemy's blocking stance.

Ubisoft also explained that an enemy can be put into a «vulnerable state», a short window that will allow the player to deal «devastating» damage.

While in defense both Naoe and Yasuke can use directional dodges to avoid incoming blows, but Naoe's dodges are «characterized by directional rolls», whereas Yasuke's are directional steps that keep his posture upright.

The protagonists also share similar parry mechanics but results vary. When Yasuke deflects a blow, the enemy bounces back, opening them up for attacks, while Naoe's requires her to pivot to either side of the enemy.

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Yasuke also has a unique block mechanic that allows him to «turtle up behind his weapon» and withstand oncoming attacks from kunai and arrows.

«These subtle differences in attack and defense are really what makes the control of each character unique — and adaptable to your ideal playstyle,» said Shadows' game director Charles Benoit.

Although Naoe excels in stealth as a shinobi, she's able to defeat enemies using a barrage of attacks but can be overwhelmed when surrounded due to her lack of armor and limited combat resources.

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