In the latest installment of the Assassin's Creed franchise, titled Assassin's Creed Shadows, players are transported to Feudal Japan in the year 1579, where they can wield the newly introduced Teppo, a type of flint rifle, alongside traditional bows. This shift in weaponry marks a significant change in gameplay, reflecting the historical evolution of firearms in Japan, where the first primitive firearms appeared around 1270. The more refined versions of the Teppo were introduced by Portuguese visitors in 1543, leading to widespread local manufacturing by the late 16th century. The game also highlights Hōjutsu, or Teppōjutsu, the martial art dedicated to the use of black powder firearms, which became popular during this period.
Teppo weapons are designed to offer higher raw damage, range, and accuracy compared to bows, although they come with the drawbacks of a slow fire rate and lengthy reload times. This makes them less suitable for stealth playstyles, although exceptions do exist later in the game. Players should be aware that Epic Teppo weapons can sometimes outperform Legendary ones in terms of base stats, making it essential to pay attention to highlighted stats when comparing weapons.
Among the best Teppo weapons in Assassin's Creed Shadows are the following:
- Brutal Teppo of Service: This Epic Teppo boasts a Weapon DPS of 12,320, which surpasses any Legendary Teppo. It also features a strong base engraving.
- Defiant Teppo of Fragments: With an Ability Damage stat of 25,576, this weapon outclasses the top Legendary Teppos.
- Patient Harbinger: This unique Teppo allows players to chamber two bullets at once, effectively doubling damage output. It has a Weapon DPS of 9,972 and can be found in Omi.
- Dynasty Ender: This Teppo suppresses firing noise, enabling stealth play. It has a Weapon DPS of 12,188 and can be acquired from a Legendary Chest in Genbao Fort.
- Dark Burst: This shotgun-style Teppo fires multiple bullets in a single shot, making it a powerful choice for ability-based combat. It has a Weapon DPS of 9,972 and is obtained by defeating Asari Nobutane.
- Repeating Fate: This Teppo increases damage based on the distance from the target, making it reliable for long-range encounters. It has a Weapon DPS of 12,188 and can be obtained from the Akiyama Agent.
- Hero's Message: With the ability to ricochet bullets to nearby enemies, this weapon is perfect for aggressive playstyles. It has a Weapon DPS of 12,188 and can be found in a Legendary Chest beneath the Hikidan-jo Ruins.
As the game progresses, players can expect to see the introduction of new content. The first DLC, titled Claws of Awaji, is set to release before the end of this year. This expansion will take players to a new area of the map, introducing a new faction and new gear, although the balance appears to favor Naoe, the game's other protagonist. Naoe will receive a new weapon type, the bō, a hardwood staff commonly associated with martial arts from the Okinawa region. This will bring her total weapon options to four, while Yasuke will continue with five, raising concerns about balance between the two characters.
The DLC is expected to offer around ten hours of gameplay, and with the tagline "From hunter to hunted," it hints at a new mechanic where both Yasuke and Naoe will be pursued by the Sanzoku Ippa faction. This could provide a fresh dynamic to the gameplay, especially for Naoe, as she navigates stealth and positioning against ambushes and traps.
Despite facing significant backlash prior to its release due to the inclusion of Yasuke, a black samurai, Assassin's Creed Shadows launched successfully on March 20, 2025, selling millions of copies. Many players initially questioned the historical accuracy of the game, but the developers have since addressed these concerns, showcasing Yasuke's historical legitimacy through various narrative elements.
Players have discovered numerous hidden details within the game, such as:
- Visiting a building named Zashiki increases healing efficiency by 20%.
- Throwing a shuriken at an alarm bell in Genbao Fort can kill unsuspecting enemies.
- Players can manipulate loot by saving their game before defeating high-value targets.
- The Adventurer Bronze Trophy can be earned by shooting an enemy in the knee with an arrow.
- Players can unlock the Leap of Fail achievement by jumping from a checkpoint and failing to land safely.
- Supernatural Legendary animals appear at specific times and locations, offering unique encounters.
- Players can engage with the world by painting scenarios, capturing the beauty of the environment.
Overall, Assassin's Creed Shadows has proven to be a captivating addition to the franchise, blending historical elements with engaging gameplay mechanics. As players look forward to the upcoming DLC, they will have the opportunity to further explore the rich world of Feudal Japan and experience the evolving dynamics between Yasuke and Naoe.
