Weapon & Shield Upgrades — Assassin's Creed Origins Guide

Weapon & Shield Upgrades

In Assassin's Creed Origins, keeping your gear up to par with Bayek's increasing power is crucial for surviving the harsh realities of ancient Egypt. Unlike armor, which is tied to your character level, your weapons and shields can be upgraded to improve their effectiveness. This guide will walk you through the process, detailing how to enhance your arsenal and where to find the necessary resources.

Upgrading Your Gear

There are two primary ways to upgrade your weapons and shields:

• Level Upgrading: This increases the base damage of a weapon or the defense rating of a shield to match Bayek's current level. This is essential for keeping your favorite legendary items viable throughout the game.
• Crafting Upgrades: These are separate upgrades that enhance specific stats or unlock new abilities for Bayek, such as increasing quiver capacity or tool pouch size. While not directly tied to individual weapons or shields, they significantly impact your combat readiness.

Weapon & Shield Level Upgrades

you'll acquire powerful weapons and shields with unique perks. However, their base damage or defense rating will eventually fall behind your character level. To prevent your beloved "Golden Wolf" sword from becoming obsolete, you'll need to visit a Blacksmith.

How to Level Up Weapons & Shields:

1. Locate a Blacksmith: Blacksmiths can be found in most major cities and towns across Egypt. Look for their anvil icon on your map. Early game, you'll find one in Siwa, and later in Alexandria, Memphis, and other bustling settlements.
2. Interact with the Blacksmith: Approach the Blacksmith and initiate a conversation. Select the "Upgrade" option.
3. Choose Your Item: A menu will display all your currently equipped and inventory weapons and shields. Select the item you wish to upgrade.
4. Confirm Upgrade: The Blacksmith will show you the cost in Drachmas to upgrade the item to your current level. This cost varies depending on the item's rarity and how many levels it needs to jump. Legendary items, for instance, will cost more. Confirm the upgrade to instantly boost its stats.

Pro Tip: Don't feel pressured to upgrade every weapon you find. Focus on your preferred legendary or rare items that have desirable perks. Common and rare items can often be replaced by higher-level drops without needing expensive upgrades.

Crafting Upgrades (Bayek's Gear)

Beyond individual weapon and shield stats, Bayek's overall combat effectiveness is greatly influenced by crafting upgrades. These upgrades are applied to Bayek's personal gear, such as his Hidden Blade, Quiver, and various pouches, and require specific animal resources.

Crafting Categories and Required Materials:

• Hidden Blade: Upgrading the Hidden Blade increases its damage, allowing for instant assassinations on higher-level enemies.
  • Materials: Requires various types of Leather (Soft Leather, Hard Leather, Carbon Fibers, etc.) and sometimes Iron.
  • Strategy: Hunt animals like gazelles, crocodiles, and lions for leather. Iron can be found in military camps and treasure chests.
• Quiver: Increases the maximum number of arrows Bayek can carry for each bow type (Hunter, Light, Warrior, Predator).
  • Materials: Primarily requires various types of Leather and sometimes Cedarwood.
  • Strategy: Cedarwood is often found by dismantling certain weapons or in specific regions like the Cedar Forest.
• Tool Pouch: Increases the capacity for tools like Sleep Darts, Fire Bombs, and Poison Darts.
  • Materials: Requires various types of Leather.
  • Strategy: Consistent hunting of common animals will provide a steady supply of leather.
• Breastplate: Increases Bayek's overall health.
  • Materials: Requires various types of Leather and sometimes Bronze.
  • Strategy: Bronze can be acquired from dismantling certain weapons or found in military installations.
• Bracer: Increases melee damage.
  • Materials: Requires various types of Leather and sometimes Iron.
  • Strategy: Prioritize hunting larger, more dangerous animals for higher-tier leather.
• Stabilizer Glove: Improves bow stability and aiming.
  • Materials: Requires various types of Leather and sometimes Cedarwood.
  • Strategy: Explore forested areas and dismantle unwanted bows for Cedarwood.

Farming Crafting Materials:

• Hunting: The most straightforward way to acquire leather. Use Senu to tag animals, then hunt them down. Different animals yield different types of leather. For example, gazelles often drop Soft Leather, while lions and crocodiles provide Hard Leather.
• Dismantling Gear: Unwanted weapons and shields can be dismantled for crafting materials like Iron, Bronze, and Cedarwood. This is particularly useful for common or rare items that you don't plan to use or sell.
• Purchasing from Weavers and Blacksmiths: While generally more expensive, some merchants will sell crafting materials. This can be a quick way to get a few missing pieces if you're close to an upgrade.
• Treasure Chests & Camps: Military camps and bandit hideouts often contain treasure chests that can yield valuable crafting materials.

By consistently upgrading both your individual weapons/shields and Bayek's core gear, you'll ensure that you're always prepared for the challenges that await you in the vast world of Assassin's Creed Origins.