Max Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Explained

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* stands out as one of the most expansive titles in the franchise, featuring an intricate progression system that complements its vast scale. Here’s a detailed look at the max levels in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* and how the level cap functions.

What Is the Max XP Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh approach to progression within the series. While the acquisition of skills is predominantly tied to the new Knowledge Ranks system, traditional XP-based progression remains a key component. Earning XP allows players to unlock higher-tier weapons, armor, and gear, enhancing the base stats of Naoe and Yasuke.

To fully explore all the Japanese provinces in the game, players need to reach Level 35. However, the XP grind doesn’t stop there. Although Ubisoft initially suggested a level cap of 40, players can actually continue to level up to 60. There’s also a strong possibility that this level 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. In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the Knowledge Rank system marks a significant evolution in the franchise’s progression mechanics. This system operates independently of XP leveling, with players advancing through Knowledge Ranks by accumulating Knowledge Points from various open-world activities focused on mindfulness and training. As players ascend through the ranks, new skills become available for Naoe and Yasuke, although these skills must be unlocked using Mastery Points.

To access all unlockable skills, players must reach Knowledge Rank 6. However, this isn’t the end of the progression. Upon reaching this rank, Naoe and Yasuke unlock an additional Knowledge tree, offering several passive skills that help refine a build tailored to the player's preferred style of play.

Is There a Cap for Mastery in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Mastery constitutes the third pillar of progression in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, serving as the equivalent to skill points. These points are essential for unlocking skills within the game’s various Mastery trees, with some skills requiring more Mastery to unlock than others.

With six Mastery trees available for each protagonist, there are numerous skills to unlock. Thankfully, players have ample opportunities to earn Mastery Points through a wide range of activities. While it’s theoretically possible to reach a limit on Mastery Points, this would necessitate extensive engagement with the game’s content. Moreover, the forthcoming Claws of Awaji expansion, slated for later in 2025, is expected to introduce new methods for earning Mastery.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have Level Scaling?

In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, each Japanese province has an associated level, with Kii having the highest starting requirement at Level 35. As players advance and gain XP, the levels of some regions will scale to match their progress.

However, there’s a cap on how much the levels of enemies and overall province difficulty will scale beyond Level 40. From Level 42 onward, the recommended level for each province remains two levels below the player’s current XP level. This mechanism ensures that the game remains challenging and maintains an engaging combat pace into the endgame, rewarding players who invest significant time into *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.