The Naginata has long been a favorite weapon in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows due to its long reach and sweeping attacks. But with Update 1.1.8, Ubisoft implemented critical balance changes that directly impact its performance.
If you’ve invested time in building a Naginata-focused loadout, this mini-guide will help you:
Understand the crit nerf and double damage normalization
Identify the best post-patch perks and meta builds
Use Manual Jump and Detailed Stats Sheet to optimize combos and crowd control
For context on prior patches, check our AC Shadows 1.1.7 vs 1.1.6 patch comparison.
The Naginata Nerf Explained: What Changed in 1.1.8
Update 1.1.8 fixed a bug where Naginata and Kusarigama weapons were dealing double critical damage. While this feels like a nerf, it’s a normalization — the Naginata was never intended to one-shot bosses with basic crits. (ubisoft.com)
This change shifted the weapon’s meta from raw crit powerhouse to strategic crowd-control and posture management, emphasizing perk synergy and positioning.
New Meta Builds for the Naginata Post-Patch
| Perk Name | Effect (Rank 3) | Why it’s Meta in 1.1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sage’s Reach | +10% Damage after each Block | Correctly stacks after every block, ideal for defensive play and consistent DPS. |
| Moonlight Crescent | +50% Crit Chance while Undamaged | Fixed math error; now reliable for first-strike or initial attack builds. |
| Oni’s Fury | +15% Damage per Non-Legendary item | Stacking raw damage is now a consistent alternative to removed double crits. |
| Vengeful Bleed | +35% Bleed Buildup on successful Parry | Great for crowd control, synergizes with Naginata’s wide sweeping attacks. |
| Hawkeye (Teppo) | +50% Teppo-only Damage | Rebalanced; only affects rifles, specialized perk rather than global exploit. |
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Detailed Stats Sheet (TAB on PC / R3 on Console) to track perk stacking and ensure effects like “Damage while Surrounded” and “Bleed Buildup” are active. Adjust trinkets or gear if numbers are lower than expected. (psu.com)
How the Detailed Stats Sheet Improves Your Build
The Detailed Stats Sheet is a powerful 1.1.8 feature for optimizing meta builds:
Track Perks in Real Time: See exactly how reach perks, bleed, and block stacks are affecting damage output.
Verify Post-Patch Functionality: Confirms that previously broken perks now work as intended.
Adjust Gear Accordingly: Helps you optimize trinkets and weapons for Naginata’s new playstyle.
Manual Jump Tips for Naginata Users
The Manual Jump (Advanced Parkour) added in 1.1.8 dramatically improves Naginata combat:
Jump-Heavy Combo: Leap backward, then use a heavy sweep to hit enemies while maintaining spacing.
Crowd Control: Manual Jump allows repositioning, giving you more control in tight encounters.
Smooth Flow: Combos feel fluid now that jump timing is player-controlled instead of auto-triggered.
Community Feedback and Strategic Takeaways
Reddit and Discord players confirm Naginata feels balanced and strategic, no longer overpowered but still effective for crowd management. (reddit.com)
Focus now shifts to positioning, perk synergy, and tactical combos rather than pure critical damage.
Conclusion: Still Viable or Should You Switch?
While the double crit nerf lowered raw DPS, the Naginata remains a strong choice for crowd control and battlefield strategy:
High single-target damage? Consider switching to a Katana.
For tactical play and crowd management? Naginata is still king — now requiring proper perk management and positioning.
Want a full comparison of how Manual Jump changes gameplay across patches? Check out our detailed breakdown in AC Shadows Update 1.1.8 vs 1.1.7 & 1.1.6: Is the Manual Jump a Game Changer? to see all new mechanics in action.
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