In this Naoe Weapon Tier List, we'll take a look at the best weapons you can find for Naoe in AC Shadows, and you should seek them out early.
As you move through the world, new weapons and armour will be given to you for almost every task you complete. At first, it's best just to use the highest level weapon you have, but as you start to find legendary weapons, you should start to focus on them instead. A number of these also come with some of the best engravings in the game, which is another bonus to starting to find legendary weapons and armour.
This tier list will focus on Naoe's weapons, breaking them down by how well they perform. Most of these weapons will be legendary ones, and will link to individual guides about them if we have guides on them.
Pro tip: We also have a Yasuke Weapon Tier List if you fancy.
Naoe Weapon Tier List in AC Shadows
Pro tip: While not mentioned below for each, the following is true for the tier list. S tier are all Katana, A tier are all Tanto, and B tier are all Kusarigama.
| Tier | Weapon Name |
| S | Bloodshade - Yami no Kage - Mased Death - Katana with Bleed buildup |
| A | Call of the Void - Yukimitsu's Revenge - Igan Sunset - A Tanto with Poison buildup |
| B | Bloodletter - Death Wishperer - Featherstorm - Poison buildup Kusarigama |
| C | Any other Katana |
Naoe Weapon Tier List - Explainer
It became clear both in our review and writing Naoe build guides that the Katana, and bleed buildup were by far the strongest. Bleed is just the most consistent form of affliction, found on some amazing weapons, and mostly on Katanas. The two combine perfectly, making them the key weapon to have by your side no matter what. Of the ones recommended above, the Bloodshade is our top pick. The Bloodshade Katana stands out due to its unique permanent Affliction Buildup perk. This perk makes the weapon itself amazing, but also unlocking it for future items becomes a key quest while you play. Bloodshade is also very easy to get, making it something well worth getting early on in your adventure.
For A tier, we've gone with the Tanto, while these bring a huge degree of speed to combat, they lack some of the damage output of the Katana. You'll also focus on Poison buildup with the Tanto, which you'll do easily due to the speed. A good use of the Tanto is to open with it, build up the poison damage, before moving back to the Bloodshade or an item with the permanent buildup perk to finish enemies off. This is especially so for larger enemies or bosses.
Lastly, we have the Kusarigama. It was the last weapon type we picked up, and while we enjoyed the added range it gave us, we never really clicked with it. It certainly feels unique compared to the Katana and the Tanto, but at the same time, it feels like it's just not executed correctly. While we're sure a level of historical accuracy was used to assign the weapon, we just feel like Naoe needs something slightly different, while in the same ballpark.
The final tier is C, and we've just used this as a catch-all for everything else. No weapon in the game is truly bad; they all kill people. But if it's not mentioned above, then consider it "ok."
FAQ
Can Yasuke use Katanas, Tanto, and Kusarigama?
No, each character has their own set of weapon types that they can use. Though Yasuke does have access to Long Katanas, which are similar at least in style, and they are the default weapon type.
Can Yasuke unlock weapons for Naoe
For this, you can use Yasuke, as quest rewards for quests and locations are set. There might be a few unique items that only Naoe can get from her trials or that are in locations Yasuke cannot reach.
What's the best weapon affliction
For damage, bleed is the best, with poison coming in a close second. Daze is also good, though it doesn't provide a direct damage effect.
