Attention, Assassins! Ubisoft is finally taking us on a long-awaited journey to feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This new entry in the popular franchise promises a unique experience, letting you control not one, but two protagonists: Naoe, a fictional shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, the real-life Black samurai who served a legendary warlord.
Gear up for thrilling combat, captivating exploration, and a deep dive into Japanese history as we delve into everything Shadows has to offer.
When Can You Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
It is set to release on November 15, 2024. Craving an earlier adventure? Pre-ordering the Gold or Ultimate Edition, or subscribing to Ubisoft+ Premium on PC, grants you three days of early access, letting you begin your shadows-laden quest on November 12th.
Explore a Breathtaking Feudal Japan
Shadows transports you to 1579, a period of intense civil war in Japan. Witness the Sengoku era in its full glory, encountering samurai, shinobi, Portuguese merchants, and even Jesuit missionaries. The game takes place in central Japan, with key locations including the Iga province and the imposing Takeda Castle.
Unraveling the Stories of Two Heroes
Assassin’s Creed Shadows breaks new ground with a dual-protagonist system. You can seamlessly switch between Naoe, the agile shinobi, and Yasuke, the formidable samurai, with the exception of specific story missions.
Naoe:
Embrace the stealthy approach with Naoe. Her arsenal includes the iconic Hidden Blade for silent takedowns, throwing kunai for ranged attacks, and a devastating chained blade for swift combat. Her grappling hook allows her to scale structures and reach hidden areas.
Yasuke:
If head-on combat is your preference, Yasuke is your warrior. Clad in heavy armor, he wields his katana with unmatched skill, dominating foes in close-quarter battles.
While each character has their own skill trees and equipment, experience points, weapons, and resources are shared, allowing you to customize both heroes for maximum effectiveness.
Mastering the Art of Shadows and Seasons
A dynamic light-dark system plays a pivotal role in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Utilize the environment to your advantage by extinguishing torches and eliminating torchbearers to remain hidden from enemy sight. A new light meter on the UI keeps you informed about your level of concealment.
Adding another layer of strategy, Shadows introduces a unique seasons mechanic. As you progress, the world transforms from spring to summer, fall, and finally winter. Each season alters the environment, impacting gameplay. Prepare for weather changes, frozen or flowing water bodies, varying foliage heights, and adjustments in enemy behavior and visibility.
Scaling New Heights in Exploration
Traverse the diverse landscapes of feudal Japan, from bustling towns and trading posts to sprawling farmlands, imposing mountains, serene forests, and historically accurate castles recreated in impressive scale. Each castle acts as a unique dungeon, offering a fresh challenge every time you enter.
Eagle vision returns, allowing you to locate characters through walls. However, the drone-like birds from previous entries are gone. To reveal points of interest, you must climb to synchronization points, which now function as vantage points for scouting rather than map-unveiling tools. These locations still serve as fast-travel points, ensuring you can navigate the vast world efficiently.
A Legacy Forged by Collaboration
Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Syndicate, and Black Flag, takes the helm for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. They’re joined by over a dozen other Ubisoft studios, combining their expertise to create this immersive experience.
Jonathan Dumont, the creative director of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, returns to oversee the creative vision for Shadows. Charles Benoit, previously a game designer on Odyssey, steps up as the game director for this new adventure.
Unveiling the Shadows: Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
Ubisoft offers a variety of options to suit your needs. Choose from the Standard Edition for the base game, the Gold Edition for early access and the Season Pass, or the Ultimate Edition for all that plus exclusive digital content.
GameStop also boasts a Collector’s Edition packed with physical goodies. Pre-order any edition to receive the bonus quest “Thrown to the Dogs” and embark on an additional thrilling adventure.
Embrace the Shadows
With its captivating dual-protagonist system, dynamic environments, and rich historical setting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to be an unforgettable journey. Sharpen your blades, hone your stealth skills, and prepare to explore the wonders and perils of feudal Japan when the game launches this November.
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