*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* stands out as one of the most expansive entries in the franchise, featuring a robust progression system that complements its vast world. Let's dive into the details of the max levels and how the level cap functions in this highly anticipated game.
What Is the Max XP Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a refreshed approach to progression within the series. While the new Knowledge Ranks system significantly influences skill unlocking (which we'll explore more later), there's also a traditional XP-based progression system. This XP progression allows players to unlock higher-tier weapons, armor, and gear, and it also enhances the base stats of protagonists Naoe and Yasuke.
Reaching Level 35 is sufficient for players to explore all the Japanese provinces available in the game. However, the XP grind doesn't stop there. Initially, Ubisoft indicated that the level cap would be 40, but it turns out players can push their levels all the way to 60. There's a good chance that this cap will be raised even further with the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
What Is the Max Knowledge Rank in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Mastery menu with low-level progress, Image via Ubisoft.
The Knowledge Rank system marks a significant evolution in the franchise's progression mechanics, operating independently from the XP levels. Players advance their Knowledge Ranks by earning Knowledge Points through various open-world activities that emphasize mindfulness and training. As players progress through these ranks, new skills become available for Naoe and Yasuke, although unlocking these skills also requires spending Mastery Points.
To access every skill for potential unlocking, players need to reach Knowledge Rank 6. However, this is not the end of the road. Upon reaching this rank, Naoe and Yasuke unlock a new Knowledge tree, offering several passive skills that allow players to fine-tune their build according to their preferred play style.
Is There a Cap for Mastery in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Mastery is the third pillar of progression in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, serving as the game's version of skill points. These points are essential for unlocking new skills across the six Mastery trees available for each protagonist. Some skills might require more Mastery to unlock than others.
With a wide array of skills to unlock, Mastery Points can be earned through numerous and diverse in-game activities. While there's a theoretical limit to how many Mastery Points players can accumulate, reaching this limit would demand extensive gameplay. The upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion, set to launch later in 2025, is expected to introduce new ways to earn Mastery Points.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have Level Scaling?
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, each of Japan's provinces comes with its own level requirement. At the game's outset, the highest level requirement you'll encounter is for Kii, which demands a Level 35. As you advance through the game and level up via XP, the level of some regions will adjust to match your progress.
However, there's a cap on how much the levels for enemies and overall province difficulty will scale once you reach Level 40. From Level 42 onwards, the recommended level for each province tends to remain two levels below your current XP level. This mechanic ensures that the game remains challenging and keeps the combat engaging in the endgame, while still rewarding dedicated players who invest significant time into the game.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
