Assassin’s Creed Shadows Unleashes Naoe’s 10 Deadliest Weapons—Master Feudal Japan with These Must-Have Tools and Learn How to Claim Them!

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft’s latest plunge into historical action-adventure, has captivated gamers worldwide with its vivid portrayal of feudal Japan. Set during the tumultuous Sengoku period, this installment introduces two protagonists: Yasuke, a hulking samurai of African descent, and Naoe, a nimble shinobi embodying the classic assassin archetype. While Yasuke dominates with brute force, Naoe thrives in the shadows, relying on stealth, agility, and an arsenal of deadly weapons to dismantle her foes. After more than 100 hours of exploration and experimentation, I’ve compiled a definitive list of Naoe’s 10 best weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows—and how to get your hands on them. Whether you’re a newbie sneaking through your first castle or a veteran perfecting your shinobi skills, these tools will elevate your game. Let’s dive into the blades, chains, and daggers that make Naoe a force to be reckoned with.

1. Bloodshade Katana – The Bleed Master

The Bloodshade Katana tops our list for its unmatched ability to inflict bleed damage that never fades. Found in a Legendary Chest on a ship off Osaka’s coast in Izumi Settsu, this katana’s engraving ensures affliction buildup persists over time, making it perfect for drawn-out stealth missions. Pair it with Naoe’s “Executioner” skill (unlocked with Mastery Points) to amplify damage against vulnerable enemies. Newbies, beware: the ship is guarded, so use your grappling hook to swing aboard unnoticed. Its high DPS and bleed synergy make it a must-have for any shinobi aiming to leave a trail of crimson in their wake.

2. Yukimitsu’s Revenge – Poisonous Precision

Next up is Yukimitsu’s Revenge, a legendary tanto that turns every strike into a venomous nightmare. Hidden within the Nanjo Kofun tomb in Yamashiro, this dagger inflicts poison buildup and makes afflicted enemies vulnerable—ripe for a swift assassination. To claim it, solve the tomb’s puzzle (hint: look for hidden levers), and you’ll walk away with a weapon ideal for single-target takedowns. Its short reach demands close combat, but skills like “Shadow Piercer” extend its lethality. For new players, it’s a game-changer once you hit Knowledge Level 2.

3. Ocean’s Grip – The Crowd-Control Kusarigama

When stealth fails and enemies swarm, Ocean’s Grip shines. This kusarigama, earned by defeating Lopo Cruz in the “Pirate’s Alliance” side quest (unlocked after killing the Shinbakufu target “The Fox” in Wakasa), boosts damage by 60% against foes over three meters away. Its chain-and-sickle design excels at hitting multiple targets, and pairing it with “Cyclone Blast” turns Naoe into a whirlwind of death. Newbies can grab this early by prioritizing Shinbakufu targets—perfect for escaping sticky situations.

4. Violet Night Katana – Poison on Deflect

The Violet Night Katana rewards skillful play with poison buildup on every deflect. Found as a reward for completing the “Shinobi’s Gambit” quest in Iga, this blade synergizes with affliction-focused builds. Combine it with the Bloodshade Katana’s perk and the “Noh Masterstroke Mask” (an armor piece granting adrenaline on affliction buildup) for a devastating combo. It’s less about raw damage and more about wearing enemies down—ideal for players who’ve mastered Naoe’s defensive timing.

5. Featherstorm Kusarigama – Posture Powerhouse

For those inevitable close-quarters brawls, Featherstorm Kusarigama delivers. Looted from a Legendary Chest in Ominesanji Temple after completing “The Tournament” quest in Southeast Yamato, this weapon instantly charges posture attacks, smashing nearby foes with its heavy range. Its perk saves precious seconds in combat, letting you interrupt enemy assaults with a crushing blow. New players should pair it with “Kusarigama Mastery” skills to maximize crowd control—it’s a lifesaver when stealth goes south.

6. Dragon’s Edge Katana – Dodge and Destroy

The Dragon’s Edge Katana transforms Naoe’s dodges into area-of-effect explosions. Acquired by defeating one of the Onryo Shinbakufu leaders in Kashiwabara Fortress, this blade is a personal favorite for cornered shinobi. Its engraving creates a blast on dodge attacks, clearing space and dealing damage. With “Adrenaline Gain” as a bonus stat, it fuels Naoe’s powerful abilities faster. Newbies can snag it mid-game by focusing on main story progression—practice your dodges, and you’ll dominate any skirmish.

7. Igan Sunset Tanto – Time-Bending Escape

For precision and evasion, Igan Sunset is unmatched. Located in Tozuku’s Lair in the Katano Foothills of Izumi Settsu, this legendary tanto slows time during “Escape Strike” (unlocked at Knowledge Level 2), letting you counterattack or flee with ease. It’s remarkably accessible early on—just clear the bandit hideout—and its engraving makes it a clutch tool for new players caught in the open. Pair it with “Shadow Barrage” for untouchable agility in tight spots.

8. Warrior’s Garden Tanto – Assassination Amplifier

The Warrior’s Garden Tanto turns Naoe’s “Shadow Piercer” into a lethal gap-closer. Found in a Legendary Chest in Azuchi Castle after progressing through Act 2, this dagger buffs the skill to remove two health segments per hit. Its “Vulnerable Damage” stat shines against afflicted foes, making it a stealth assassin’s dream. Newbies should prioritize Knowledge Points from shrines to unlock this mid-game gem—perfect for chaining silent kills.

9. Yami no Kage Katana – Reflect and Retaliate

Deflection fans will adore Yami no Kage. Available early in Sakai’s Money Lender District by defeating the Ghost General (a Kabukimono enemy), this katana reflects all damage back at attackers when deflected. It’s not legendary, but its accessibility and perk make it a newbie-friendly powerhouse. Combine it with “Melee Expert” for extra punch—ideal for learning Naoe’s combat rhythm without heavy investment.

10. Death Whisperer Kusarigama – Critical Crowd-Clearer

Rounding out the list is Death Whisperer, a kusarigama offering a +200% damage boost on chain swings. Snag it early in Izumi Settsu by looting a chest near Nakayama Peak—it’s one of the first you can find. Its critical damage boost and crowd-hitting potential make it a solid pick for newbies testing the kusarigama’s range. Upgrade it at the Forge and pair with “Heavy Sweep” for maximum impact.

How to Get These Weapons: A Quick Guide

Bloodshade Katana: Legendary Chest, Osaka ship, Izumi Settsu.
Yukimitsu’s Revenge: Nanjo Kofun tomb, Yamashiro (puzzle reward).
Ocean’s Grip: “Pirate’s Alliance” quest, Wakasa.
Violet Night Katana: “Shinobi’s Gambit” quest, Iga.
Featherstorm Kusarigama: “The Tournament” quest, Ominesanji Temple.
Dragon’s Edge Katana: Kashiwabara Fortress, Onryo leader.
Igan Sunset Tanto: Tozuku’s Lair, Katano Foothills.
Warrior’s Garden Tanto: Legendary Chest, Azuchi Castle.
Yami no Kage Katana: Ghost General, Sakai Money Lender District.
Death Whisperer Kusarigama: Chest near Nakayama Peak, Izumi Settsu.

Why These Weapons Matter

Naoe’s arsenal is built for versatility—katanas for balanced strikes, tantos for precision, and kusarigamas for crowd control. Each weapon’s engraving adds a unique twist, letting you tailor her playstyle. Newbies should start with early picks like Yami no Kage or Death Whisperer, while veterans can chase synergies like Bloodshade and Violet Night. Upgrade them at your Hideout’s Forge (build it ASAP!) to keep stats competitive, and invest Mastery Points in their respective skill trees for devastating combos.

Final Thoughts

Assassin’s Creed Shadows hands Naoe a toolkit that’s as elegant as it is lethal. From the poison-dripping Yukimitsu’s Revenge to the explosive Dragon’s Edge, these 10 weapons define her as feudal Japan’s deadliest shadow. Whether you’re infiltrating castles or facing down samurai, they’ll carry you through. Ready to wield them? Lace up your tabi boots and—Discover Why This Is Trending Now!