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In an effort to integrate what you’d usually see in live service games, Assassin’s Creed Shadows features an extra reward track similar to a battle pass called Projects. At launch there are two Projects available that give you the option to unlock in-game cosmetics, materials, and items in exchange for a currency called Data Fragments. But to earn Data Fragments, you’ll need to stabilise Anomalies.
It’s all a bit confusing when diving in for the first time, especially as Anomalies are fancy name for none other than optional weekly quests. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how Projects and Anomalies work in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
You can also check available Anomalies in the Animus from the main menu. Captured by VideoGamer
You can track Anomalies quests on the Objective Board. Captured by VideoGamer
What are Anomalies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Anomalies are randomised weekly quests that spawn across feudal Japan. When completed they grant 1000 XP and 700 Data Fragments. These Data Fragments then contribute towards unlocking ranks in each of your active Projects. Anomalies unlock once you’ve killed Wada Koretake as part of The Wounded Onryo quest line. There are four Anomalies available per week that stick to the following format and objective:
- Mine echoes
- Purge corrupt entities
- Kill Samurai
- Gather Mon
You can monitor available Anomalies via the Objective Board. Scroll to the very top to the Animus board and you can any track available quests. These will then appear on the world map with quest markers, pointing you to the locations where you can complete them. You can also view them from the Animus in the main menu under Projects by cycling through to the Anomalies tab.
Each Project features rank progression with rewards. Captured by VideoGamer
There are two Projects available. Captured by VideoGamer
What are Projects in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Projects are battle pass-like progression paths consisting of 21 ranks that when unlocked grant free in-game gear, cosmetics, and resources. Each rank costs Data Fragments – anywhere from 600 to 1000 – to unlock, which are earned by completing Anomalies as detailed in the section above.
Ubisoft has released two Projects as of writing – The Legacy and Awakening. You can only have one Project active at any given time. Switching to a different one will purge all progression in the other. You can track Projects from the Animus in the main menu.
Here’s are all the rewards up for grab in both of the existing Projects:
The Legacy Project rewards
| Rank | Reward |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,000 Keys |
| 2 | Encrypted Data File |
| 3 | Gold |
| 4 | Cerulean Nexus Legendary Naginata (Yasuke) |
| 5 | Encrypted Data File |
| 6 | 1,000 Keys |
| 7 | Gold |
| 8 | Encrypted Data File |
| 9 | Cerulean Guise Hood Legendary Headgear (Naoe) |
| 10 | 1,500 Keys |
| 11 | Encrypted Data File |
| 12 | Gold |
| 13 | Cerulean Puzzle Trinket (Naoe) |
| 14 | Encrypted Data File |
| 15 | 1,500 Keys |
| 16 | Gold |
| 17 | Encrypted Data File |
| 18 | Cerulean Glitch Legendary Long Katana (Yasuke) |
| 19 | 2,000 Keys |
| 20 | Encrypted Data File |
| 21 | Cerulean Guise Kosode Legendary Light Armor (Naoe) |
Awakening Project rewards
| Rank | Reward |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,000 Keys |
| 2 | Encrypted Data File |
| 3 | Gold |
| 4 | Cerulean Flux Legendary Tanto (Naoe) |
| 5 | Encrypted Data File |
| 6 | 1,000 Keys |
| 7 | Gold |
| 8 | Encrypted Data File |
| 9 | Cerulean Guise Mask Legendary Helmet (Yasuke) |
| 10 | 1,500 Keys |
| 11 | Encrypted Data File |
| 12 | Gold |
| 13 | Cerulean Core Legendary Amulet (Yasuke) |
| 14 | Encrypted Data File |
| 15 | 1,500 Keys |
| 16 | Gold |
| 17 | Encrypted Data File |
| 18 | Cerulean Arc Legendary Katan (Naoe) |
| 19 | 2,000 Keys |
| 20 | Encrypted Data File |
| 21 | Cerulean Guise Armor Legendary Armor (Yasuke) |
What are Assassin’s Creed Shadows Keys and how to use them
Among the rewards up for grabs in the Project progression path are Keys. You’ll also find these out in the open world as glowing white orbs, typically in tucked away or secluded areas. Keys are a currency used to unlock new content in the Exchange, a pseudo shop that sells weapons, armor, cosmetics, and other gear in exchange for Keys and only Keys.
Every item costs a set amount of Keys – usually around 250 Keys for Visual Customization cosmetics and 1350 Keys for gear and weapons. The Exchange is accessed by cycling through the tabs at the top of the screen in the Animus Projects screen. The store runs on a weekly refresh for weapons and armor along with a daily refresh for cosmetics.
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