Released on March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a significant evolution in Ubisoft’s flagship stealth-action series. Set during the tumultuous Sengoku period of 16th-century Japan, this installment introduces players to a dual-protagonist narrative, blending historical figures with fictional assassins in a richly detailed open world.
A Tale of Two Warriors
At the heart of Shadows are two compelling characters:
- Yasuke: A towering African warrior who arrives in Japan as a slave and rises to become a samurai under the warlord Oda Nobunaga.
- Naoe: A young kunoichi (female ninja) whose family is destroyed by Nobunaga’s forces. Seeking vengeance, she joins the Assassin Brotherhood, wielding stealth and agility to dismantle her enemies.
Players can seamlessly switch between Yasuke’s powerful samurai combat and Naoe’s agile, stealth-based tactics, offering a dynamic and varied gameplay experience.
A Visually Stunning World
Built exclusively for current-generation hardware, Assassin’s Creed Shadows leverages advanced technology to deliver breathtaking visuals. The game features ray-traced global illumination and reflections, ultra-wide resolution support, and an uncapped framerate, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience. An in-game benchmark tool allows players to fine-tune performance settings to their system’s capabilities.
Deep Cultural Immersion
Ubisoft has gone to great lengths to authentically represent the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The in-game Cultural Discovery Codex offers players encyclopedic entries on the history, art, and culture of feudal Japan, written by historians and accompanied by images from museums and institutions.
Expanding the Adventure: Claws of Awaji
Released on September 16, 2025, the Claws of Awaji expansion introduces a new island, Awaji, featuring over 10 hours of additional content. Players can explore new environments, face formidable bosses, and acquire the Bo staff weapon, which can be wielded by both Yasuke and Naoe. This expansion enriches the game’s narrative and gameplay, providing fresh challenges and rewards.
Building Your Hideout
A standout feature in Shadows is the ability to build and expand your own hideout. Players can construct various buildings, attract pets, and create paths. Unused scouts gather materials and resources, which are stored in the loot chest of your hideout, encouraging players to upgrade and expand their base regularly.
A Fresh Start for the Franchise
Assassin’s Creed Shadows revitalizes the series with a focused narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a richly detailed world. Its blend of historical depth and engaging storytelling offers both longtime fans and newcomers a compelling reason to experience this new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga.
