Best Katana Build Guide in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

This guide explores the best Katana build that you can use on Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows to become the most efficient killing machine.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a plethora of weapon types you can choose for both Naoe and Yasuke. The Katana is among the options that offer a little bit of everything, providing a balanced combat experience for Naoe.

Using a Katana unlocks a deflect and counterattack mechanic. This can be handy when fighting enemies. However, this weapon lacks crowd control, meaning you might need to switch to alternatives if you are fighting groups of enemies all at once.

Most of the time, you will need to try to stealth your way through missions with Naoe. The Katana will help you deal with situations where sneak assassinations are not possible. You also can’t simply button-mash your way for the Katana to be effective. So, learning how to properly execute a combo is recommended.

To help you maximize this weapon, here is a guide on the best Katana build that you can use on Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Read more: Best Tanto Build Guide in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Best Katana  Build

When using a Katana, you will have to work with Vulnerable procs that you get from deflecting or dodging an attack. It’s a playstyle that requires a bit of skill in timing your attacks or dodges to get the most out of it.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Katana in Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

Pros	Cons
Rewards you for succeeding in game mechanics (deflecting or dodging accurately).	Relies heavily on deflecting or dodging enemy attacks.
Can still be viable for stealth gameplay.	Needs mastery of its mechanics.
Bleed affliction for additional damage.

Best Katana Build in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Here are the details for the best Katana build in Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

• Weapon: Bloodshade
  • Rarity: Legendary Katana
  • Weapon Special Skill: Bleed Buildup
  • Default Engrave: Affliction Buildup is not lost over time.
  • Secondary Engrave: Posture attack remains charged after Dodge.
• Headgear: Legendary Onna-musha Headband
  • Rarity: Legendary Headgear
  • Default Engraving: Attacks have a 3% chance to remove 1 Health Segment on hit.
  • Secondary Engraving: Restore 20% Health after using a Tool.
• Armor: Peasant Clothes
  • Rarity: Legendary Light Armor
  • Default Engraving: Enemies are less efficient at detecting sound.
  • Secondary Engraving: Restore 20% Health after using a Tool.
• Trinket: Tatsu’s Triumph
  • Rarity: Legendary Trinket
  • Default Engraving: +2% Critical Damage per Mastery Point in Katana.
  • Secondary Engraving: +2% tool damage per Mastery Point in Tools.
• Tools:
  • Kunai
  • Shuriken
  • Smoke Bomb

Also Read: How To Block in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Skill Tree for Best Katana Build in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Katana

Skill	Knowledge Rank
Dodge Attack	1
Counter Attack	1
Generator	2
Melee Expert	2
Evicerate	3
No Mercy	4
Guard Breaker	4

Assassination

Skill	Knowledge Rank
Assassination Damage I	2
Improved Ground Assassinate	2
Double Assassinate	2
Reinforced Blade	3
Vigor I	3
Vigor II	4
Assassination Damage II	4
Hand Of The Creed	5
Vigor III	6
Assassination Damage III	6

Tools

Skill	Knowledge Rank
Tool Professional	1
Kunai Assassination Damage I	2
Shuriken	2
Larger Tool Bag I	2
Armor Piercing	3
Everlast	6

Also Read: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Naoe Katana Skill Tree Mastery Guide: Knowledge Level, Passive, and Active Abilities

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Best Katana Build Explained

1) Maximize the Bleed Affliction

Using Bloodshade allows you to unleash the full potential of the Bleed mechanic in the game. This Legendary Katana causes your opponent to stack the Bleed affliction. Once the affliction buildup reaches maximum, it deals massive extra damage to enemies. Enemies who receive Bleed damage will also be staggered, giving you an opening to deal more damage or reposition yourself.

2) Make Afflicted Enemies Vulnerable

On top of the Bleed damage, you can also make your enemies Vulnerable, further increasing your damage output. You can make use of these two afflictions to guarantee you have the upper hand in a fight.

4) Works Hand  in Hand With the Tando

You can combine it with the Tanto for a semi or even a full stealth build. Depending on your playstyle, you’ll be able to use double assassination. If all else fails, you can pull out your trusty Katana and slice your way through enemies.

How To Use This Best Katana Build in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

If you’re focusing on using a Katana, you’ll need to get used to the deflect and dodge mechanics, as they are crucial to this playstyle.

• If you have a Tanto, always try to attempt an assassination to reduce the enemy’s health significantly. Afterward, go ahead and use a Katana.
• Each combo attack has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Naoe’s Light Attack 1 has a faster recovery time, allowing you to immediately perform a sprint attack or a dodge.

---

We provide the latest news and create guides for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Meanwhile, you can check out the following AC Shadows articles or catch us playing games on Twitch and YouTube:

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows: PS5 and Xbox Performance and Quality Modes Explained
• Can You Do One-Shot Assassinations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
• How To Get Assassin’s Creed Shadows Slash of Sprecher for Free
• Who Are the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Protagonists? Everything We Know About Yasuke and Naoe
• Can You Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam Deck
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Time Countdown for All Regions