Conquer AC Shadows’ Nightmare Mode: Top Builds to Use!

The latest update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings an intense new Nightmare gameplay mode, designed for those who truly seek a challenge. This mode introduces various difficulty modifiers that significantly heighten the game’s difficulty, offering a genuine test of skill. No longer can you breeze through without a plan; you must strategically consider when and how to approach specific areas. Combat will demand precision in parrying and dodging, making every encounter feel consequential.

When it comes to character development and gameplay styles, both Naoe and Yasuke will experience a fresh challenge. Your equipment choices hold much more weight in this mode than in previous difficulty settings. Previously, even without the best gear, skilled players could dominate enemies at high levels. However, with Nightmare Mode’s combat modifiers in play, this strategy won’t cut it anymore. If you’re struggling against foes, consider adopting an affliction-based build to enhance your chances.

Best Poison & Bleed Builds For Naoe In Nightmare Mode

Use Stone Heart Or Bloodletter For Optimal Affliction Buildup

There’s no room for error in AC Shadows’ Nightmare difficulty, making an affliction build—like poison or bleed—essential for success. Particularly, Naoe’s poison setup utilizing the Stone Heart Kusarigama and Mamushi Snake Armor Set delivers impressive damage, with poison being one of the most effective afflictions. The Stone Heart’s unique ability to spread poison to nearby enemies upon completing a combo further boosts your offensive capability. Pair it with the Bloodletter, which activates Poison on entanglement, to maximize your damage output.

The Scarlet Fate Tanto is another excellent choice for Naoe’s Bleed build in Nightmare mode, especially when combined with the Yukimitsu’s Revenge engraving. This combination will render all affected enemies vulnerable, enhancing your effectiveness in single-target bleed damage—crucial in navigating the new Nightmare challenges. Alternatively, you can replicate the Poison build’s strategy, focusing on Bleed by integrating Bloodletter with the Stone Heart engraving, prompting Bleed on entanglement and spreading the effect to nearby targets.

Best Build For Yasuke In Nightmare Mode

The Shade Of Blight Poison Naginata Build Is Yasuke’s Best Nightmare Option

For Yasuke, a poison-focused Naginata build is highly recommended, but understanding the Naginata’s combo mechanics is vital for maximizing the Shade of Blight and its poison effects. This build incorporates top poison-related effects from various preferred gear and engravings. Notably, the Shade of Blight can be obtained after defeating The Messenger in the Kurai Eikyou tree, making it a critical component of your setup.

Navigating Nightmare Mode demands far more precision from Yasuke. My previous tactic of charging in swinging a legendary Kanabo won’t succeed here. One misstep can lead to dire consequences in Nightmare combat, so mastering the Naginata’s unique combos and emphasizing poison buildup is key to success.

Basic Strategies Aren’t Going To Get You Very Far In Nightmare

AC Shadows Nightmare Is Legitimately Difficult, & Strategy Matters Now

Even if you opt to tackle Nightmare Mode without affliction builds, developing a solid strategy is crucial to avoid constant deaths. The days of effortlessly dispatching huge groups of enemies are over, and relying solely on stealth or guaranteed assassinations to clear castles won’t work with Nightmare’s various modifiers active.

Overall, Nightmare Mode is the type of challenge that Assassin’s Creed Shadows should have offered since the start. Even the game’s highest difficulty was far from demanding once players mastered its mechanics and acquired top gear. Nightmare Mode is truly not for everyone and will challenge those who previously complained about the game lacking difficulty.