In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can experience the contrasting combat styles of the two protagonists—Yasuke, the powerhouse samurai, and Naoe, the agile shinobi. For those who prefer Naoe’s fluid, stealth-focused gameplay, the Snakebite Katana stands out as one of the best legendary weapons in the game. With its exceptional stats and a unique ability that enhances posture attacks, this katana is a game-changer for players who rely on speed, precision, and tactical tool usage.
This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of how to obtain the Snakebite Katana, its combat advantages, and why it’s an essential weapon for Naoe’s playstyle.
The Snakebite Katana is acquired by completing the main story mission involving the assassination of The Fox (Takeda Motoaki), a high-ranking member of the antagonistic Shinbakufu. This mission becomes available during the second act of the game, where Naoe is tasked with eliminating seven key targets.
Starting the Quest – The mission chain begins with "Lords of Azuchi," where players initially control Yasuke. The quest involves multiple objectives, with sections requiring both protagonists.
Switching Between Characters – Some segments, such as the "Red Walls" main quest, force players to use either Yasuke or Naoe exclusively.
Final Showdown – The Fox can only be confronted as Naoe, making it crucial to equip her with strong gear before engaging.
Since The Fox and his forces consist of level 30+ enemies, including formidable mini-bosses like Samemaru, players should:
Level up Naoe to at least Level 25-30 for a fair fight.
Upgrade stealth gear to maximize assassination efficiency.
Stock up on tools (smoke bombs, kunai, shurikens) to exploit the Snakebite Katana’s unique perk.
Upon defeating The Fox, players are rewarded with the Snakebite Katana, which can be equipped immediately.
At Level 29, the Snakebite Katana boasts the following attributes:
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Weapon DPS | 591 |
Posture DPS | 2,600 |
Ability Damage | 2,926 |
Adrenaline Gain | +22.1% |
Engraving | Instantly charge posture attacks after using a Tool |
High Posture Damage – While its base DPS is moderate, its Posture DPS (2,600) allows Naoe to stagger enemies quickly, breaking their defenses for critical strikes.
Unique Engraving – The instant posture charge after using a tool synergizes perfectly with Naoe’s playstyle, as she relies heavily on shurikens, smoke bombs, and kunai in combat.
Example: Throw a smoke bomb → Immediate charged posture attack → Execute a devastating counter.
Adrenaline Boost – The +22.1% Adrenaline Gain helps Naoe use special abilities more frequently, enhancing her lethality in prolonged fights.
To maximize the katana’s potential, players should adopt the following tactics:
Use kunai/shurikens to interrupt enemy attacks, then follow up with an instant charged slash.
Smoke bombs can disorient groups, allowing for AoE posture breaks.
After an assassination, use a tool to reset posture charge and engage remaining enemies with rapid, high-damage strikes.
Against high-level foes like Samemaru, chain tool usage → posture breaks → critical hits to dismantle their defenses efficiently.
Absolutely. While other katanas may offer higher raw damage, the Snakebite’s posture-breaking capability and engraving synergy make it one of the best weapons for Naoe. It rewards aggressive, tool-heavy playstyles, making combat smoother and more dynamic.
For players who enjoy fast-paced, stealth-adaptive combat, the Snakebite Katana is a must-have in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Upgrade the katana at blacksmiths to further enhance its stats.
Pair it with stealth armor to maximize Naoe’s evasion and assassination potential.
Experiment with different tools to find the most effective combos for your playstyle.
By mastering the Snakebite Katana, Naoe becomes an unstoppable force, blending stealth, agility, and devastating counterattacks into a seamless killing machine.