The best focused way to earn Mastery Points in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is to clear castles and defeat Samurai Daisho while you are there. You can also earn points through ordinary character leveling, target eliminations, open-world challenges, and side quests. Castle clears combine Daisho rewards with XP from enemies and the final chest, though the castle-farming recommendation comes from GamesRadar’s guide, not an independently verified points-per-minute test.
How Mastery Points are earned
Ubisoft says Mastery Points come from leveling up through normal play, defeating unique enemies such as Samurai Daisho, and eliminating targets. Its beginner guide also lists open-world challenges and side quests as ways to progress. Each character level-up awards a Mastery Point, so quests and activities that grant XP contribute to your total indirectly.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 | $61.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Assassin's Creed Shadows [PlayStation 5] | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Art of Assassin's Creed Shadows | $29.69 | Buy on Amazon |
Ubisoft’s progression guide explains the direct routes, while its beginner guide describes level-ups and activities.
Which route should you prioritize?
| Route | How it earns points | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Castle clears and Daisho | Daisho kills reportedly award a point each; combat XP and the castle’s final chest can also help you level up. | Best focused route according to GamesRadar’s guide. It requires locating and clearing castles; no points-per-minute benchmark is published. GamesRadar’s guide |
| Quests and activities | XP contributes toward character level-ups, which award Mastery Points. | Steady progression during normal play rather than a dedicated farming route. Ubisoft |
| Target eliminations | Ubisoft lists eliminating targets as a direct way to earn points. | Take these opportunities as you pursue targets; no repeatable rate is established. Ubisoft |
| Open-world challenges and side quests | Listed by Ubisoft among progression opportunities; XP can lead to level-up points. | Useful alongside exploration, rather than a guaranteed point for every activity. Ubisoft |
How to make a castle run worthwhile
- Explore castles as they appear in your normal route and look for Samurai Daisho, the deadly enemies found in castles.
- Defeat Daisho you encounter. GamesRadar reports one Mastery Point for each Daisho killed, with potentially several in a castle.
- Finish exploring and open the final chest. GamesRadar notes that its XP, together with XP from other enemies, can contribute toward a character level-up and another point.
This is a practical recommendation, not a proven universal fastest method: the cited guide reports its own testing, and the available sources do not provide a consistent points-per-minute comparison. If a castle is inconvenient or your character is underpowered for its enemies, keep progressing through quests and activities instead.
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#1 Best Overall
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
Mastery Points and Knowledge are different
Mastery Points are spent on skills and abilities in the Mastery trees. Knowledge Rank determines which tiers are available; raising it does not replace the points needed to buy skills. Ubisoft says Knowledge opportunities appear as orange hexagons on the map, including temple scrolls, shrines, Naoe’s Kuji-kiri, and Yasuke’s activities. Look for those markers when you want to unlock higher tiers.
Progression is shared: Ubisoft says level, XP, Mastery Points, and Knowledge are gained by both Naoe and Yasuke. Earning points while playing one protagonist does not leave the other behind.
Rank #2
- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
Is buying Mastery Points necessary?
No. Ubisoft’s Premium Starter Pack listing says it includes five Mastery Points and requires the base game, but it is optional paid content. The available information does not establish that buying the pack is better value than earning points through play, and regional availability can change. Check Ubisoft Store’s pack listing for current details.
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Rank #3
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