Assassin's Creed: Shadows - Everything You Need To Know
  • Developer: Ubisoft
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Engine: Ubisoft Anvil
  • Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
  • Release Date: 20 March, 2025
  • Genre: Open-World, Stealth, Action RPG
  • Modes: Single-player

Overview

Assassin's Creed: Shadows is the latest core installment in the Assassin's Creed series, set in feudal Japan. The game features a dual-protagonist system, in which the player is able to experience the story with two protagonists a samurai warrior and a shinobi assassin. The game features a huge open-world setting, dynamic weather, and time-of-day effects that influence gameplay and stealth in real-time.

Setting & Story

  • Time Period: The novel is placed in 16th-century Japan in the Sengoku period, a period of political instability and fierce conflict between warring clans.
  • Narrative Focus: The narrative examines the clash of samurai and shinobi as Japan transforms on a large scale.
  • Assassin Brotherhood vs. Templar Order: Players will be engaging in the Assassin Brotherhood's fight against the Templar Order, who are dominating powerful Japanese warlords.

Protagonists

1. Yasuke (Samurai Warrior)

  • Drawn from the real-life historical character Yasuke, an African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga.
  • Master of brutal close combat, katanas, polearms, and heavy armor fighting.
  • Excels in open combat and head-to-head battles.

2. Naoe (Shinobi Assassin)

  • A seasoned kunoichi (female ninja) who was skilled in stealth, disguise, and acrobatics.
  • Uses hidden blades, kunai, shurikens, smoke bombs, and parkour to kill enemies.
  • Excels in silent assassinations and quick escapes.

Gameplay Features

Stealth & Combat

  • Dual Playstyles - Alternate between Yasuke's combat style or Naoe's stealth style.
  • Advanced Parkour - Drawn from Japanese architecture, including castle rooftops, bamboo forests, and shrines.
  • Increased Stealth - Blend in with shadows, water, long grass, and Japanese-style buildings.
  • Improved AI - Enemies react to noise, movement, and weather conditions.

Open-World Exploration

  • Diverse Locations - Visit Kyoto, Osaka, rural villages, thick forests, and snow-covered mountains.
  • Dynamic Weather & Seasons - Affects stealth, combat, and NPC actions.
  • Historical Characters and Events - Play as legendary Japanese characters and recreate historic moments.

Weapons & Abilities

  • Samurai weapons: Katana, Nodachi, Polearms, Heavy Armor.
  • Shinobi Tools: Hidden Blade, Kunai, Shurikens, Blowdart, Rope Dart.
  • Customization: Enhance abilities, level up equipment, and unlock new Assassin skills.

Development & Release

  • First teased in 2022 as part of Ubisoft's long-term strategy for Assassin's Creed.
  • Initially known as "AC Red," later found to be Assassin's Creed: Shadows.
  • With the power of Ubisoft Anvil Engine, next-gen visuals, ray tracing, and silky-smooth combat animations.
  • Available on Ubisoft+, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Pre-Order & Editions

  • Standard Edition - Base game.
  • Gold Edition - Includes Season Pass with extra missions.
  • Ultimate Edition - Offers early access, exclusive cosmetics, and additional content.

Conclusion

Assassin's Creed: Shadows is among the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2025, highly anticipated in taking the series to feudal Japan, a time period which has been in high demand with fans. With its two-protagonist gameplay, expansive open world, and advanced stealth mechanics, the game provides a thrilling new take on the Assassin's Creed formula.