Assassin’s Creed Shadows Guide
Where To Find Every Shinobi Tool Upgrade In Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Shinobi Tool upgrades in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are unlocked through Naoe’s Tool Mastery Path using Mastery Points.
Quick Answer
Shinobi Tool upgrades in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are unlocked through Naoe’s Tool Mastery Path using Mastery Points. This includes upgrades for Kunai, Smoke Bombs, Shuriken, and the Shinobi Bell.
The Grappling Hook is different because its main upgrade, Ascension Boost, is found in the Shinobi Tree at Knowledge Rank 2.
To improve tool capacity and overall gear strength, upgrade the Forge at your Hideout after completing Way of the Blacksmith.
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Full Guide
How Shinobi Tool Upgrades Work In Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Naoe’s Shinobi tools are upgraded mostly through the Tools Skill Tree using Mastery Points. These upgrades improve damage, range, duration, capacity, and special effects.
The main tools are:
- Grappling Hook
- Kunai
- Smoke Bomb
- Shuriken
- Shinobi Bell
Some tools are unlocked through story progression, while others require skill tree investment before they become usable.
Grappling Hook Upgrade
The Grappling Hook is one of Naoe’s most important exploration tools. It lets her climb structures, swing across gaps, reach rooftops, and access castle infiltration routes that Yasuke cannot use.
Unlike other tools, the Grappling Hook is not upgraded in the Tools tree.
Its key upgrade is:
Ascension Boost
Unlock this in the Shinobi Tree at Knowledge Rank 2 for 2 Mastery Points.
This passive makes Naoe climb faster while using the Grappling Hook, which helps her reach rooftops before guards spot her.
Kunai Upgrades
Kunai are throwing knives built for stealth kills and high single-target damage.
Kunai upgrades are found in the Tool Mastery Path.
Useful upgrades include:
- Kunai Assassination Damage I
- Kunai Assassination Damage II
- Kunai Assassination Damage III
- Armor Piercing
- Everlast
Armor Piercing helps Kunai deal with stronger armored enemies, while Everlast lets thrown Kunai be recovered instead of breaking.
For an extra boost, equip the Tools Master Gear, found inside the Legendary Chest at Katano Castle in Izumi Settsu. This gear throws a Kunai at the closest enemy after an assassination, which is perfect for messy stealth chains.
Smoke Bomb Upgrades
Smoke Bombs are used to break line of sight, escape combat, and create assassination openings.
After unlocking Smoke Bombs, upgrade them through the Tools Skill Tree.
Key upgrades include:
Enduring Haze
Increases smoke duration by 10 seconds.
Widespread
Expands the smoke radius so more enemies are blinded.
Smoke Bombs are one of the safest tools in the game because they work when stealth goes wrong. And stealth will go wrong. Usually because one guard decided to stare directly at the one rooftop you picked.
Shuriken Upgrades
Shuriken are silent throwing stars used for staggering enemies and triggering environmental objects.
They can also be used to sabotage alarm bells or detonate explosive barrels from a distance.
Key upgrades include:
Bank Shot
Allows Shuriken to bounce between targets, dealing more damage as it chains.
Triple Threat
Lets Naoe throw three Shuriken at once for the cost of one.
Shuriken do not hit as hard as Kunai, but they are excellent for crowd control and setting up safer infiltrations.
Shinobi Bell Upgrades
The Shinobi Bell is a distraction tool used to lure guards away from patrol routes.
Key upgrades include:
Golden Bell
Improves the bell’s ability to catch enemy attention.
Louder Chimes
Increases the effective lure radius by 5 meters.
This tool is great when you want to avoid a fight completely or pull multiple guards into one perfect distraction spot.
How To Carry More Shinobi Tools
To increase how many tools Naoe can carry, invest in capacity passives in her skill tree.
Look for upgrades like:
- Larger Tool Bag
- Tool Professional
These increase tool capacity and improve Naoe’s overall utility in stealth and combat.
More tools means fewer awkward moments where you reach for a Smoke Bomb and realize your pockets are full of regret instead.
How To Upgrade Tool Stats At The Forge
To improve gear and apply stronger upgrades, unlock the Forge at your Hideout.
The Forge becomes available after completing the Way of the Blacksmith quest.
Upgrading the Forge requires resources such as:
- Crops
- Wood
- Minerals
- Mon
Once upgraded, the Forge lets you improve your gear and apply engravings that can strengthen your tool-focused builds.
Best Shinobi Tool Upgrades To Get First
The best early upgrades are usually the ones that make stealth safer and mistakes less punishing.
Prioritize:
- Enduring Haze for longer Smoke Bomb cover
- Kunai Assassination Damage for better stealth kills
- Bank Shot for better Shuriken utility
- Larger Tool Bag for more tool capacity
- Ascension Boost for faster rooftop movement
If you love stealth, upgrade tools early. If you prefer chaos, still upgrade tools early. Chaos is easier when you have smoke bombs.
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