Step Into the Shadows
Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed installment finally takes players to feudal Japan, a setting fans have dreamed about for years. This guide covers everything you need to know about the game. including the release date – gameplay features, protagonists and world design.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date & Platforms
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, set in Feudal Japan. The game introduces two playable protagonists—a stealth-focused ninja and a combat-driven samurai—each offering unique playstyles and perspectives on the era’s political intrigue and warfare.
Key Features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Dual Protagonists – Play as a ninja, specializing in agility, stealth, and deception, or a samurai, mastering direct combat and honorable duels.
- Open-World Feudal Japan – Explore cities, villages, castles, and rural landscapes, all dynamically affected by changing seasons and weather.
- Stealth & Combat – Utilize classic assassin techniques like silent takedowns and disguises or engage in intense sword fights with precise katana strikes.
- Rich Narrative & Historical Setting – Experience the political struggles and power shifts of Feudal Japan, blending historical figures with an engaging fictional storyline.
- Next-Gen Visuals & Sound Design – Stunning graphics, realistic lighting, and an immersive soundtrack featuring traditional Japanese instruments.
For console players, Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches at midnight local time on March 20, 2025. This means no matter where you are, the game unlocks as soon as the clock strikes 12:00 AM in your time zone.
| Country | Local Release Time |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States (EST) | March 20, 12:00 AM EST |
| 🇨🇦 Canada (EST) | March 20, 12:00 AM EST |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico (CST) | March 20, 12:00 AM CST |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom (GMT) | March 20, 12:00 AM GMT |
| 🇫🇷 France (CET) | March 20, 12:00 AM CET |
| 🇩🇪 Germany (CET) | March 20, 12:00 AM CET |
| 🇮🇹 Italy (CET) | March 20, 12:00 AM CET |
| 🇪🇸 Spain (CET) | March 20, 12:00 AM CET |
| 🇷🇺 Russia (MSK) | March 20, 12:00 AM MSK |
| 🇮🇳 India (IST) | March 20, 12:00 AM IST |
| 🇨🇳 China (CST) | March 20, 12:00 AM CST |
| 🇯🇵 Japan (JST) | March 20, 12:00 AM JST |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea (KST) | March 20, 12:00 AM KST |
| 🇦🇺 Australia (AEDT) | March 20, 12:00 AM AEDT |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand (NZDT) | March 20, 12:00 AM NZDT |
📅 Launch Date: March 20, 2025
🎮 Available On: PlayStation 5 – Xbox Series X/S – Windows PC, macOS.
🚫 Not Supported On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Ubisoft is focusing exclusively on next-generation hardware, ensuring stunning visuals, improved AI, and deeper world interactions.
A Journey Through Feudal Japan – Story & Setting
Feudal Japan is a land of intrigue, war, and secrecy, where shadows hold as much power as the warriors who walk in the light. Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in this turbulent era, where the delicate balance of honor and deception dictates survival. Amidst the rise and fall of powerful warlords, skilled assassins move unseen, their blades striking with precision as they navigate a world shaped by loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power. From the towering castles of the shogunate to the quiet, lantern-lit streets of Kyoto, every corner of this setting is rich with history and danger.
In this journey through Feudal Japan, players step into the roles of both a stealthy shinobi assassin and a mighty samurai, each with their own path to carve through a land teetering on the edge of chaos. As political intrigue unfolds and ancient traditions clash with a new order, the game offers a dynamic and immersive experience where every choice shapes the story. Whether slipping through the darkness or facing enemies head-on in honorable combat, Assassin’s Creed Shadows invites players to witness the beauty and brutality of this legendary era.
unlike the history of troll games, Set in the late 16th century. Assassin’s Creed Shadows explores Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama era,.a time of political turmoil and rising warfare. Players witness the birth of the Japanese Assassin Brotherhood, navigating a world filled with warlords, shoguns, and spies.
📍 Key Locations:
✔️ Kyoto – A cultural and political powerhouse.
🎖️ Osaka – A hub of commerce and danger.
✔️ Iga Province – The birthplace of legendary ninja clans.
Every region offers distinct landscapes, hidden paths, and faction-controlled zones, creating a living, breathing world full of surprises.
Two Playable Characters – Ninja or Samurai?
For the first time, Assassin’s Creed Shadows allows players to control two unique protagonists. each offering a different approach to gameplay.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players will experience Feudal Japan through the eyes of two distinct warriors—an agile ninja and a disciplined samurai—each offering a unique playstyle and perspective on the era’s turmoil. The ninja, a master of stealth and deception, thrives in the shadows, using agility, cunning, and an arsenal of hidden weapons to eliminate targets unnoticed. Scaling rooftops, blending into the environment, and striking with precision, this path embodies the art of assassination, perfect for those who favor a more covert approach.
On the other hand, the samurai follows the way of honor and direct combat, wielding mastery over the katana and embodying the traditional warrior’s discipline. With heavy armor and a strong presence on the battlefield, the samurai engages enemies head-on, relying on precise strikes, counters, and sheer strength to overcome opposition. This dual-character system not only provides diverse gameplay options but also enriches the narrative, offering players the chance to experience Feudal Japan from two vastly different yet equally compelling perspectives.
🌀 Naoe – The Ninja Assassin
🔹 Specialty: Stealth, deception, and parkour
🎖️ Weapons: Kunai, shurikens, grappling hook, poison darts
🔹 Abilities: Silent takedowns, wall-running, and shadow assassinations
⚔️ Yasuke – The Samurai Warrior
🔹 Specialty: Strength, sword combat, and endurance
🎖️ Weapons: Katana, spear, heavy armor
🔹 Abilities: Brutal finishers, parrying mastery, and battlefield dominance
Switching between both characters introduces varied mission strategies, letting players adapt to different challenges based on their preferred playstyle.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gameplay – Sxtealth, Combat & Exploration
Ubisoft has refined core mechanics to deliver one of the most immersive Assassin’s Creed experiences yet.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers an immersive gameplay experience that blends stealth, intense combat, and rich exploration across Feudal Japan. As a ninja, players can utilize the cover of darkness, using parkour to traverse rooftops, slip through narrow alleys, and silently take down enemies with hidden blades, kunai, and smoke bombs. Stealth mechanics are deeply refined, allowing for environmental interactions like extinguishing lanterns or using natural elements to remain unseen. The ninja’s approach is all about deception, speed, and precision—ideal for those who favor striking from the shadows.
For those who prefer direct confrontation, the samurai offers a powerful alternative, engaging enemies with masterful swordplay and honorable duels. Combat is strategic and weighty, rewarding precise timing, parries, and counters rather than frantic button-mashing. Alongside combat and stealth, exploration plays a crucial role, inviting players to roam vibrant cities, serene countryside, and war-torn battlefields. Whether unraveling political conspiracies, engaging in side quests, or uncovering hidden secrets, Assassin’s Creed Shadows ensures that every journey through Feudal Japan is filled with depth, discovery, and danger.
🕵️ Stealth & Combat Innovations
✔️ Light & Shadow Mechanics: Visibility depends on the time of day and environment
🎖️ Parkour Evolution: Vertical movement enhanced with grappling hooks and interactive terrain
✔️ AI Intelligence: Enemies react to footprints, movement noise, and distractions
🌎 Open World & Exploration
✔️ Dynamic Weather & Seasons: Snow impacts movement, rain muffles footsteps
🎖️ Hidden Tunnels & Underground Networks: Secret passageways offer new infiltration routes
✔️ Multiple Mission Paths: Bribery, espionage, or direct assassination—your choice
Every mission presents multiple approaches, ensuring no two playthroughs feel the same.
A Beautifully Crafted World – Assassin’s Creed Shadows Map
Ubisoft has recreated historical Japan with incredible detail, offering a seamless open world filled with castles, villages, and hidden sanctuaries.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings Feudal Japan to life with a meticulously crafted open world, rich in historical detail and cultural authenticity. From bustling cities like Kyoto and Osaka to serene countryside landscapes dotted with rice fields, temples, and dense bamboo forests, every location is designed to immerse players in the beauty and brutality of the era. The changing seasons add another layer of realism, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring, heavy snowfall covering castles in winter, and dynamic weather affecting both visibility and gameplay.
Exploration is a core element, allowing players to traverse the world using parkour, horseback riding, or stealthy navigation across rooftops and hidden pathways. Secret shrines, war-ravaged battlefields, and secluded villages offer a mix of danger and discovery, while towering pagodas and fortresses provide breathtaking vantage points. Whether sneaking through enemy-occupied towns or meditating at a quiet temple, Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a world that is both alive and deeply connected to the history and mythology of Feudal Japan.
🗺️ Key Regions in the Game:
🏯 Kyoto – Vibrant streets, imperial palaces, and political intrigue
🌲 Iga Province – The heartland of the ninja clans, filled with underground hideouts
🏙️ Osaka – A sprawling trade city with dense alleyways and warring factions
Exploring these areas unlocks hidden lore, side quests, and unique encounters, making every corner of the map worth discovering.
Game Length – How Long is Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The length of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will depend on the player’s approach, offering a mix of main story missions, side quests, and open-world exploration. Based on previous entries in the franchise, the main storyline is expected to take around 25-35 hours to complete for those focusing primarily on the central narrative. However, for players who engage in side activities. explore hidden locations, and take on additional contracts, the total playtime could easily extend to 50-70 hours or more.
With two playable characters—each offering unique missions and playstyles—the game encourages multiple approaches, further extending replayability. Stealth-focused players may take longer to plan and execute precise assassinations, while those embracing the samurai’s direct combat style may progress through encounters more quickly. Additionally, dynamic world events, collectibles, and challenges scattered throughout Feudal Japan ensure that players have plenty to do beyond the main story, making Assassin’s Creed Shadows a deep and immersive experience for completionists and casual players alike.
⏳ Main Story: ~30-40 hours
🛡️ Completionist Playthrough: 80+ hours.
🎭 Side Content & Secrets: Extensive hidden missions, historical eventsand collectibles
Post-launch expansions will introduce new regions and storylines, expanding the adventure beyond the base game.
Graphics & Sound – A Cinematic Masterpiece
Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity and immersive sound design. Built on Ubisoft’s latest engine, the game delivers breathtakingly detailed environments, from misty mountain temples and bustling city streets to war-torn battlefields illuminated by flickering torchlight. Advanced lighting, ray tracing, and realistic weather effects create a living, breathing world where shadows dance dynamically, enhancing the stealth experience. Character animations are fluid and lifelike, whether it’s the precise movements of a ninja executing a silent takedown or the powerful strikes of a samurai engaged in a dramatic duel.
The sound design further deepens the immersion, blending traditional Japanese instruments like the shakuhachi flute and taiko drums with a cinematic orchestral score. Ambient sounds—such as the distant clang of swords, the rustling of bamboo in the wind, or the murmurs of a crowded marketplace—bring Feudal Japan to life. Voice acting, featuring authentic Japanese performances alongside other language options, ensures an engaging narrative experience. Whether creeping through enemy territory or facing a rival in an intense standoff, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers an audiovisual experience that truly captures the spirit of the era.
🎨 Next-Gen Visuals:
ChatGPT said:
✔️ Hyper-realistic models with fluid animations.
🎖️ Ray-traced lighting and dynamic shadows.
✔️ Authentic architecture and landscapes.
🎧Soundtrack:
✔️ Japanese voice acting with authentic dialects.
🎖️ Immersive soundscapes – leaves, bells.
✔️ Traditional music enhances immersion.
Every detail brings feudal Japan alive, making this the most striking Assassin’s Creed yet.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Editions & Pre-Order Bonuses
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available in multiple editions, each offering different perks and bonuses for players who pre-order. The Standard Edition includes the base game, allowing players to dive into the world of Feudal Japan. The Deluxe Edition typically adds exclusive in-game items such as unique weapons, armor sets, and customization options for both the ninja and samurai characters. Additionally, it may include early access to certain missions or bonus content.
For hardcore fans, the Ultimate Edition or Collector’s Edition will likely feature premium content such as a season pass for future expansions, digital art books, and even physical collectibles like a detailed statue, map, or steelbook case. Pre-order bonuses may include exclusive in-game items, early access to the game, or a special mission available only to early buyers. While exact details are yet to be fully confirmed, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expected to follow Ubisoft’s tradition of offering a variety of editions tailored to different types of players, ensuring a rewarding experience for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.
Ubisoft offers multiple editions to suit different levels of engagement:
🎮 Standard Edition – Base game
🔥 Deluxe Edition – Bonus weapons, exclusive skins and experience boosts
🎖️ Collector’s Edition – Includes an art book, statue and in-game premium content
📌 Pre-Order Bonuses:
✔️ Expansion “Claws of Awaji” (Extra story missions)
✔️ Exclusive quest “Thrown to the Dogs”
These rewards enhance the experience while giving early adopters exclusive content.
Final Verdict – Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a Must-Play
Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands out as a must-play entry in the franchise. delivering an unforgettable journey through Feudal Japan with its rich storytelling. dual-character gameplay, and stunningly crafted world. The choice between playing as a stealthy ninja or a disciplined samurai provides diverse playstyles. which allowing players to approach missions with either cunning deception or honorable combat. This flexibility, combined with an engaging narrative filled with political intrigue and historical depth, makes for a deeply immersive experience.
Beyond gameplay, the game’s breathtaking visuals. atmospheric sound design, and dynamic open world bring Feudal Japan to life like never before. Whether exploring ancient temples, battling rival clans, or uncovering hidden secrets. Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a perfect blend of action, stealth, and exploration. longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. this game promises an epic adventure filled with danger, honor, and the legendary spirit of the shinobi and samurai.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has delivered countless unforgettable adventures, and Shadows looks to raise the bar even higher. With its historically rich world, deep stealth mechanics, and dynamic dual-protagonist system, this game is set to become a fan-favorite.
🎮 Immersive feudal Japan setting
📌 Choice driven gameplay with stealth & combat options
✅ Breathtaking graphics & historical accuracy
🎖️ Expansive open world with secrets and dynamic AI
For fans of Assassin’s Creed – Ghost of Tsushima, and stealth-action RPGs. this is one of the biggest must play titles of 2025.
