Assassin’s Creed fans have long awaited a game set in feudal Japan, and Ubisoft is finally delivering with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Set to release on March 20, 2025, this highly anticipated entry in the franchise promises to blend historical accuracy with the series’ signature stealth-action gameplay. Let’s dive into what players can expect from this upcoming title.
Dual Protagonists with Distinct Playstyles
For the first time in the series, players will control two main characters with vastly different abilities:
Yasuke
Based on the historical African samurai, Yasuke specializes in direct combat. His arsenal includes:
- Katanas
- War clubs (kanabō)
- Naginata polearms
- Arquebuses (early firearms)
- Longbows
Yasuke’s gameplay focuses on powerful attacks and precise timing, making him ideal for players who prefer head-on confrontations.
Fujibayashi Naoe
A skilled shinobi from Iga Province, Naoe excels in stealth and agility. Her toolkit features:
- Hidden blade
- Throwing weapons (kunai and shuriken)
- Smoke bombs
- Grappling hook
- Kusarigama (chain-sickle)
Naoe’s playstyle emphasizes classic Assassin’s Creed stealth mechanics, allowing for silent takedowns and swift escapes.
Players can switch between these characters at will during most of the game, choosing the best approach for each situation.
A Focused Open World
Unlike the massive landscapes of recent Assassin’s Creed titles, Shadows opts for a more concentrated open world. The game primarily takes place on Awaji Island and nearby regions of Japan, offering a densely packed environment filled with detail and historical accuracy.
This approach allows for:
- More intricate level design
- Richer environmental storytelling
- Reduced travel time between key locations
The game encourages organic exploration, with fewer map markers and a greater emphasis on player-driven discovery.
Enhanced Stealth and Combat Systems
Assassin’s Creed Shadows builds upon the series’ core gameplay while introducing new mechanics:
Stealth Improvements
- Dynamic sound propagation affects enemy awareness
- Environmental factors like shadows and foliage play a crucial role
- New vertical traversal options with Naoe’s grappling hook
Combat Enhancements
- Timing-based parry and deflect system
- Stance-switching for different weapon types
- Brutal finishing moves that vary based on equipped weapons
Deep Progression and Customization
Each protagonist has their own skill tree and gear progression:
- Unique abilities unlock as you level up
- Weapons and armor can be upgraded and customized
- Special gear sets provide bonuses when completed
This system allows players to tailor each character to their preferred playstyle, whether maximizing Yasuke’s offensive power or enhancing Naoe’s stealth capabilities.
Historical Setting and Narrative
Set during the late Sengoku period (late 16th century), Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in a time of political upheaval and cultural change. The story follows Yasuke and Naoe as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to alter the course of Japanese history.
Key historical elements include:
- Accurate recreations of feudal Japanese architecture and clothing
- Appearances by notable historical figures like Oda Nobunaga
- Exploration of the complex political landscape of the era
Technical Specifications and Availability
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Windows PC (via Ubisoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store)
- Mac (Apple Silicon)
- Amazon Luna
The game is built on an updated version of Ubisoft’s Anvil engine, promising improved graphics and performance over previous entries.
Early reviews have praised the game’s attention to detail and the unique dual-protagonist system. With its blend of historical accuracy, refined gameplay, and a setting fans have long requested, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a standout entry in the long-running franchise.
Whether you’re a long-time Assassin’s Creed fan or new to the series, Shadows offers a compelling reason to step into the world of feudal Japan. Get ready to unsheathe your katana and disappear into the shadows when the game launches this March.