Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis the 14th mainline game in the long-running Ubisoft franchise and easily one of its most anticipated. Fans have been clamoring for anAssassin’s Creedgame set in Japanfor years, with the company itself teasing the setting as far back asAssassin’s Creed 3. Now, fans will be able to treat themselves with this historical setting come February 2024.
TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise has changed a lot since its inception. The series was basically annualized at one point, then it wasn’t, and now Ubisoft is reportedly considering increasing itsACoutput even further. It was a stealth-focused action-adventure series, then it was an open-world RPG, and now it may be more experimental moving forward. All of its releases will be channeled through the Animus Hub, withAssassin’s Creed Shadowsbeing the first release on the service. Overall, a lot of changes could be coming over the next few years, but for now,AC Shadowsis Ubisoft’s focus. There’s a lot of anticipation behind it, and hopefully it lives up to it come release.
AC Shadowsis kicking off the new year with a timer: a month and a half until release. Fans have likely seen the bulk ofAC Shadows' marketing that they’re going to, although they shouldn’t rule out any last-minute showcases. At the very least, fans can expect the normal launch trailer + reviews before launch. Hopefully, although nothing is confirmed, it would be great to see theAnimus Hubin action before theAssassin’s Creed Shadows’release date. But otherwise, anAssassin’s Creedadventure in Japan is finally forthcoming.
AC Shadows Releases February 14
AC Shadows Story Expectations
Story-wise, fans already know that there are two protagonists: a shinobi named Naoe and an African samurai named Yasuke. Players can switch betweenAC Shadows' Naoe and Yasukeat any time. It takes place in the final stage of the Sengoku period, a time of conflict in feudal Japan. Fans can expect historical figures like Oda Nobunaga, historical events like Nobunaga’s assault on the Iga province, castles such as Takeda and Fukuchiyama, a touch of urbanization with bustling ports, the inclusion of Portuguese trades and Jesuit missionaries, tech like cannons and long guns, and several regions to explore: Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and Iga.
Yasuke would have likely fought in several battles in the name of Oda Nobunaga, making him Naoe’s enemy out of the gate. The two will somehow come to work together, building up their network and likely tying into the Brotherhood somehow. From there, fans can expect to take out Templars across the provinces, perhaps from multiple factions. The two protagonists ultimately shape the future of Japan in theAssassin’s Creedtimeline, and it’ll be interesting to see how this story develops within the franchise’s new direction and framing.
AC Shadows Naoe Gameplay
Fans already know that Naoe and Yasuke will play differently; they are not two Assassins, after all. Yasuke will be the more brutish warrior emphasized byValhallaandOdyssey(to some degree), while Naoe is touching more onclassicAssassin’s Creedgameplay. This allowsAssassin’s Creed Shadowsto serve two fantasies: the Shinobi and the Samurai.
AC Shadows Yasuke Gameplay
Open-World Gameplay
Beyond the individual gameplay, players can expectAC Shadows' open worldto be filled to the brim with side activities, new features, seasonal changes, important elements like a Hideout, and different mission types and NPCs that react to the selected character. Overall,AC Shadowsseems to be taking a “best of both worlds” approach with a more digestible open world compared toValhalla, all of which bodes well for the game.
AC Shadows: 2024 and Beyond
There’s a lot left to be learned about the actual game, of course, but eventually, players will have their fill of the base game. What comes next is rather obscure right now, something that hopefully Ubisoft details ahead ofAC Shadows' release date.
With AC Shadows' delay to February 2025, Ubisoft announced that the game was coming to Steam on day one - a smart move for the company. It also refunded pre-orders due to the delay and promised the first DLC expansion for free with newAC Shadowspre-orders. The season pass was also scrapped. That’s pretty much what’s all known right now. While it seems that this delay has led to some changes for its post-launch period, it’s hard to imagine Ubisoft not supporting it to some degree. Abandoning an exact season pass and seasonal structure may allow the development team to be more nimble with post-launch content, but for now, fans should keep their expectations here in check. It could go any number of ways, but it does seem likely that it’ll end upsupported likeAC Valhallato some extent.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
