*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* stands as one of the most expansive entries in the beloved franchise, boasting a comprehensive progression system that complements its grand scale. Here’s a detailed look at the maximum levels and how the level cap functions in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a revamped progression system that blends traditional XP-based growth with the innovative Knowledge Ranks. Earning XP in the game unlocks access to higher-tier weapons, armor, and gear, alongside enhancements to Naoe and Yasuke's base stats.
While reaching Level 35 is sufficient to explore all the Japanese provinces in the game’s expansive map, the XP journey doesn't stop there. Initially, Ubisoft hinted at a Level Cap of 40, but dedicated players have discovered that it's possible to grind up to Level 60. Moreover, there's a good chance this cap could increase further with the upcoming *Claws of Awaji* expansion for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*.
To unlock every skill, players need to reach Knowledge Rank 6. However, this isn't the end of the journey. Upon reaching this rank, Naoe and Yasuke unlock a new Knowledge tree, offering several passive skills to further tailor their build to the player's preferred play style.
Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)
Mastery represents the third pillar of progression in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, functioning much like traditional skill points. It's essential for unlocking new skills within the game’s diverse Mastery trees, with some skills demanding more Mastery than others.
The game offers six Mastery trees for each protagonist, Naoe and Yasuke, and a wide array of skills to unlock. Players can earn Mastery Points through a multitude of in-game activities, ensuring ample opportunities to acquire the necessary points. Although reaching a Mastery cap is theoretically possible, it would require extensive play. The forthcoming *Claws of Awaji* expansion is expected to introduce additional methods for earning Mastery in late 2025.
In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, each province in Japan has an associated level. At the start, the highest level requirement you'll encounter is for Kii, which is set at Level 35. As you progress and gain XP, the level of some regions will scale to match your advancement.
However, there's a cap on how high the enemy and province difficulty levels will scale, starting from Level 40. Beyond Level 42, the recommended level for each province remains two levels below your current XP level. This ensures that the game remains challenging and maintains an engaging combat pace in the endgame, rewarding players who dedicate significant time to the game.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.