*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise yet, featuring a vast open world and a progression system designed to match its epic scale. At the heart of this system are multiple interwoven leveling mechanics—XP levels, Knowledge Ranks, and Mastery Points—that allow players to shape Naoe and Yasuke into formidable warriors through diverse gameplay styles.

What Is the Max XP Level in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a reimagined approach to progression, blending traditional XP-based leveling with innovative new systems. While unlocking skills is now more dependent on Knowledge Ranks (more on that below), XP still plays a crucial role in enhancing your characters' base stats and granting access to higher-tier weapons, armor, and gear. Although you’ll only need to reach Level 35 to unlock all provinces on the map, the XP grind doesn’t stop there. Initially believed to cap at Level 40 based on Ubisoft’s pre-launch deep dive, the true level ceiling currently extends up to Level 60. And with the upcoming *Claws of Awaji* expansion slated for 2025, it's likely the level cap will rise even further post-launch.

What Is the Max Knowledge Rank in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Knowledge Rank is a central pillar of progression in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, representing a significant evolution from past titles. This system operates independently from XP leveling and focuses on mindfulness and training through open-world activities. Each activity rewards Knowledge Points, which contribute to advancing your Knowledge Rank. As your rank increases, new skill options become available for both Naoe and Yasuke. However, to actually unlock these skills, players must spend Mastery Points within the appropriate trees.

To access every skill in the game, you’ll need to reach Knowledge Rank 6. But that’s not the end of the journey. Upon hitting Rank 6, a new Knowledge tree becomes available, offering passive abilities that allow for deeper customization and refinement of your playstyle.

Is There a Cap for Mastery in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Mastery serves as the skill point system in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, allowing players to unlock specific abilities across six distinct trees per character. Some skills require more Mastery investment than others, making strategic planning essential for optimal builds.

With a large number of skills to choose from and numerous ways to earn Mastery Points, players have plenty of opportunities to invest in their preferred abilities. While a theoretical Mastery cap exists, reaching it would require extensive completion of in-game activities. Additionally, the *Claws of Awaji* expansion is expected to introduce new Mastery-earning methods when it releases in late 2025, extending the depth of progression even further.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have Level Scaling?

Each province in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* has an associated difficulty level, ensuring that the game scales appropriately to your progression. Early on, Kii Province represents the highest challenge, requiring Level 35 to enter. As you gain XP and level up, the recommended level for other provinces adjusts accordingly.

However, once you hit Level 40, the scaling system shifts. From Level 42 onward, enemy difficulty and province requirements stabilize at approximately two levels below your current XP level. This ensures combat remains challenging and engaging in the late game while still rewarding long-term investment and character growth.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, offering players a richly layered experience built around exploration, stealth, combat, and deep progression mechanics. Whether you're grinding for Mastery Points or climbing the Knowledge Ranks, there's always something to strive toward in this expansive world.