Summary:
Assassin's Creed: Shadows is a 2025 action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft. The game is the fourteenth major instalment in the Assassin's Creed series and the successor to Assassin's Creed Mirage (2023). Set in 16th-century Japan towards the end of the Sengoku period, the game focuses on the millennia-old struggle between the Assassin Brotherhood, who fight for peace and liberty, and the Templar Order, who desire peace through control, from the perspective of two protagonists: Naoe, and Yasuke. The two characters have different gameplay style, allowing quests to be approached in multiple ways. Players can choose to take a stealthy, agile approach as Naoe, or charge headlong into combat as Yasuke.
Setting?
Assassin's Creed: Shadows is set in feudal Japan, specifically starting in 1579 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. This era marks the final stage of the Sengoku period, a time of intense civil war in Japan. The game features the historical figure Oda Nobunaga at the height of his power, following his victory over the Takeda clan using arquebus firearms. Key historical events include Nobunaga's assault on the Iga province in 1581, a significant battle involving the Iga ikki, known for their ninjutsu arts. The gameworld covers the Kansai region of central Japan, including locations like Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and the Iga province, with historically accurate castles such as Takeda and Fukuchiyama, along with detailed historical landmarks and strongholds designed as intricate dungeons. This setting reflects the urbanisation of Japan at the time, bustling ports, samurai districts, and ornate architecture, all of which are significant for parkour and exploration in the game. The influence of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries, who introduced Christianity and new technologies like cannons and long guns, also plays a role in shaping the game's environment and narrative
What's new?
Improvements include the addition of breakable objects and the ability to manipulate shadows and use a grappling hook for parkour. The game's open world progresses through seasons, which can affect gameplay. Missions are non-linear, encouraging players to track and eliminate targets freely; in a change from previous games, vantage points exist to help the player look for points of interest, not to mark objectives. New gameplay features include the ability to go prone and crawl along the ground, helping the player avoid detection and pass through small openings. The character can venture into shallow water, breathing through a bamboo stick when the water isn't frozen over in the winter. Naoe and Yasuke can enter a new mode called "Observe", a fast and easy way of gathering information about targets. This mode is also available while crouching on high vantage points, enabling players to closely examine newly discovered places. Hiding in shadows makes a player character invisible to her enemies, both indoors and outdoors, so players may choose to destroy lit lanterns with Shurikens. Moving while crouching enables a player to move silently across creaking nightingale floors.
Useful information.
Traditional 'Eagle Vision' makes a comeback for Naoe, allowing her to determine the locations of enemies and useful gameplay elements.
Players can switch between characters as they progress through the game. A diverse selection of historically accurate weapons are available, from katana and the kanabō war club, to polearms such as the naginata, thrown weapons such as shuriken and kunai, ranged weapons such as the yumi bow and teppo matchlock rifle, and the kusarigama. Each weapon comes with its own skill tree, enabling players to improve their proficiency.
Like Valhalla, A huge part of Shadows is exploration. Find rare materials, equipment and loot to help you progress through the game.
Your Hideout serves as your central hub, allowing you to interact with allies, manage resources, and upgrade your abilities. It's unlocked after the prologue and meeting Tomiko, becoming essential for progressing through the story and customising your gameplay. Building and upgrading the Hideout unlocks various features, including scout management, weapon upgrades, and cosmetic customisation.
The Main story will take the average play 30 - 40 hours to complete. If your easily distracted by side activities 35 - 50 hours.
Want the trophy? who doesn't. Completists are looking at 60 + hours.
Full range of Assassin's Creed merchandise can be found here.
