How Knowledge Points & Ranks Work Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Image Credit: Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Leveling up in Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just about stabbing enough enemies until your XP bar fills. This time around, Ubisoft decided to mix it up by adding Knowledge Points, which basically reward you for doing stuff other than sprinting from one quest marker to the next.
Here’s a simple guide on how Knowledge Points work, what they’re for, and how to get more of them — without wandering aimlessly through feudal Japan wondering why half your skills are greyed out.
What Are Knowledge Points?
Knowledge Points unlock new tiers in the skill trees for Naoe and Yasuke.
They increase your Knowledge Rank — there are six ranks total.
Each new rank opens up a new row of skills for both characters.
Think of Knowledge Points like permission slips to unlock better abilities. No points? No new skills.
How Are Knowledge Points Different from Mastery Points?
Mastery Points = Earned from XP and used to buy skills you’ve already unlocked.
Knowledge Points = Unlock new skills to buy in the first place.
In short: You need both to grow stronger. One opens the door (Knowledge Points), the other lets you actually walk through it (Mastery Points).
How to Get Knowledge Points
You get Knowledge Points by doing side activities marked with orange icons on the map. Here's what you should look for:
Kuji-Kiri (Naoe only) – Quick-time puzzles. First four give story flashbacks.
Kata (Yasuke only) – Button-tap sequences. Swing your sword, get points.
Shrines – Pray at three spots in an area.
Temples – Find three Lost Pages. (Pro tip: These are the easiest.)
Kofun Tombs – Explore maze-like tombs and loot the chest.
Hidden Trails – Platforming challenges. Grappling hook required.
Horse Archery (Yasuke only) – Ride, shoot, win.
Complete any of these and you’ll be showered with Knowledge Points like a responsible student of the blade.
Do Knowledge Points Apply to Both Characters?
Yes. Knowledge Ranks are shared between Naoe and Yasuke. So no matter who you’re playing as, you’re helping both of them grow stronger. It’s a rare moment of teamwork in a game mostly about solo assassinations and random bandit ambushes.
Final Blurb
If you want to unlock the coolest skills in Assassin’s Creed Shadows — like double assassinations, shadow dashes, or actually surviving more than three hits — you need Knowledge Points. The fastest way? Do some Kuji-Kiri, grab a few Lost Pages, and hit up a Shrine or two. It’s like homework, but with more stabbing and less paperwork.
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