Hidden Blade Combat to Return in Assassin's Creed Shadows; Confirms Ubisoft

Assassin's Creed Shadows has finally seen its reveal after years of wait, featuring two strong assassin protagonists coming into the fold. However, the game is also set to bring one of the beloved combat features which was lost with the last few entries. The Hidden Blade combat is set to make a return in Assassin's Creed Shadows. 

While the Hidden Blade is often considered a stealth weapon in an assassin's arsenal, older games in the franchise allowed gamers to indulge in open combat with the infamous wrist blade. However, in later entries after Black Flag, the idea of using Hidden Blades was only limited to stealth takedowns.  

Also read: Assassin's Creed Shadows: Everything You Need To Know

Ubisoft Confirms The Return of Hidden Blade Combat in Assassin's Creed Shadows

According to one of Ubisoft's latest tweets, Assassin's Creed Shadows will see the return of the Hidden Blade combat. However, only Naoe, the female Shinobi protagonist will be able to fight with the iconic assassin weapon through the 'Tantō' Martial art style. In the recent Assassin's Creed Shadows trailer, fans also saw Naoe wield a Hidden Blade which extends to a knife, much similar to Connor Kenway's Hidden Blade from Assassin's Creed 3 from 2012. 

This could mean a much more brutal and impactful combat with the Hidden Blade, as Naoe will pair her iconic assassin weapon with one of the most deadly martial art styles of the time. However, gamers are expecting more gameplay footage from Ubisoft regarding the game's combat, as both Naoe and Yasuke will possess very different fighting styles in Assassin's Creed Shadows. 

As of now, it is unknown if Yasuke will wield the Hidden Blade or not. However, with the combat confirmed to return for the iconic weapon, Ubisoft may give the Samurai a chance to use the blade after all.

Assassin's Creed Shadows' feudal Japan setting is perfect for a weapon like the Hidden Blade, as gamers will be approaching their enemies with a lot of stealthier options; however, if one chooses to indulge in open combat, the wrist blade will still be a reliable weapon.

In the past few entries in the franchise, including Assassin's Creed Unity, Syndicate, Origins, Odessey, Valhalla, and Mirage, the Hidden Blade can only be used to take out opponents in silence. Moreover, Origins, Odessey, and Valhalla, all had a level system where gamers would have to upgrade their Hidden Blades' skills to take down an enemy in one go.

As these were common complaints from fans, Ubisoft will hopefully offer the Hidden Blade more spotlight in combat.