Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date, gameplay, story, and more

Assassin’s Creed fans have been waiting for over 16 years for Ubisoft to bring the legendary franchise to feudal Japan. The wait is over! Assassin’s Creed Shadows is out. It takes players to the turbulent Azuchi-Momoyama period. Formerly known as Codename Red, this game promises to deliver an open-world stealth RPG experience like no other. We cover all you need to know about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This includes its release date, characters, gameplay, and historical setting, among other things.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date

Assassin’s Creed Shadows was announced at the 2022 Ubisoft Showcase. It has since faced several delays. After a second delay, the new release date is March 20, 2025. Ubisoft’s VP and Executive Producer, Marc-Alexis Côté, confirmed the delay. He said the extra time would let them polish the game and use community feedback. This new release date will likely mark the end of a long wait for fans who have been clamoring for a feudal Japan setting since the very first game.

Why the Delay? The game’s first delay pushed it back to February 14, 2025, and the second delay took it to its current release date. Ubisoft cited a need for more polish and refinement. They want to enhance key features and fix any remaining issues. This delay may disappoint eager players. But, it shows Ubisoft’s commitment to a high-quality experience.

The Historical Setting: Feudal Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period, around 1579. It coincides with the arrival of Yasuke, an African samurai. This historical period was filled with turmoil and power struggles as various warlords fought for control of Japan. The game will showcase some of the most iconic locations and historical events from this period.

Key Historical Locations in the Game:

• Kyoto: As the heart of Japan’s culture and politics, Kyoto will serve as a key city in the game.

• Osaka and Kobe: These cities are also likely to appear as Yasuke and Naoe journey through Japan.

• Iga: Famous for its ninja clans, the Iga region will be a crucial location for stealth missions.

• Takeda Castle on Mount Shiroyama: A possible mission site. It has a dramatic backdrop for intense combat and stealth.

The game will explore major events in Japanese history. These include Nobunaga’s attack on Iga during the Tenshō Iga War (1581) and the Honnō-ji incident. The latter was Akechi Mitsuhide’s rebellion against the warlord Oda Nobunaga. It was a key turning point in Japanese history.

The Dual Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke

At the heart of Assassin’s Creed Shadows are its two protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke. The characters have unique personalities and fighting styles. This will affect how players approach the game’s missions.

Naoe:

• Role: A skilled shinobi (ninja), specializing in stealth and infiltration.

• Combat Style: Agile swordsmanship and stealthy parkour. Use shuriken, throwing knives, and grappling hooks to silently take down enemies.

• Personality: Naoe’s journey is driven by a desire for vengeance, but his path leads him toward rebuilding and forging new alliances.

Yasuke:

• Role: A samurai who arrived in Japan in 1579, and who serves as an armored fighter.

• Combat Style: A brute force fighter who wields heavy weapons like the kanabō (a spiked club). Yasuke’s combat is all about strength and offense, contrasting sharply with Naoe’s stealth approach.

• Personality: Fierce and loyal, Yasuke’s journey is motivated by both personal and external battles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

Assassin’s Creed Shadows adopts an open-world approach similar to other titles in the series, but with its unique blend of stealth and action. The game will have dynamic weather, seasonal changes, and day-night cycles. They will affect gameplay.

Combat Mechanics:

• Naoe: As a ninja, Naoe’s combat involves parkour and quick, fluid strikes. The game’s ninja-like features will help players avoid detection. They include stealth kills and silent movement.

• Yasuke: In contrast, Yasuke’s combat is heavy and brutal, relying on his immense strength to deal with multiple enemies at once. His role will appeal to players who enjoy the “warrior” experience.

Free Roaming and Mission Structure:

• Players can switch freely between Naoe and Yasuke while exploring the open-world. The game will have mission-based gameplay. Players must control either Naoe or Yasuke, depending on the situation. Some missions will require stealth, while others will call for full-out combat.

Customizable Hideout:

Players can retreat to a hideout between missions. They can customize it, recruit allies, and upgrade their equipment. This feature is like Assassin’s Creed Unity. It lets players manage their allies and prepare for upcoming challenges.

Visuals and Technical Aspects

Ubisoft is pulling out all the stops to ensure that Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers an immersive visual experience. The game will feature realistic 16th-century Japanese architecture, landscapes, and landmarks. They will bring the world to life. Players will explore lush forests, vast castles, and busy cities. These are filled with NPCs, wildlife, and dynamic events.

Weather Effects and Stealth: The weather will be key to gameplay. Rain and fog will hide players for stealthy assassinations. The lighting system will also enhance the stealth mechanics, making it easier to hide in the shadows.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Combat Primer

For those wanting more combat details, Ubisoft has published a combat primer. It shows the techniques players can use. While Naoe will rely on nimbleness, Yasuke’s approach will focus on brute force combat. The game will have advanced combat. It will include counter-attacks, combos, and using the environment to your advantage.

System Requirements and Online Features

PC players must have a stable internet connection for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It has online connectivity with Ubisoft Connect. The game will also include Denuvo DRM protection to prevent piracy. Players must meet the system requirements to run the game smoothly. This includes a high-performance CPU, a strong GPU, and enough RAM for the game’s demanding graphics.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Editions

Ubisoft will release two editions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows:

• Standard Edition: Includes the base game.

• Collector’s Edition: It has exclusive content. This includes in-game items, a physical art book, and a collectible statue of the protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke.

Unlike previous releases, there will be no early access or season pass for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. However, players who preorder the game will receive free access to the first expansion.

Future Expansions and DLC

Assassin’s Creed Shadows won’t have an early access period. But, Ubisoft confirmed it will get future expansions. These expansions will likely add new regions to explore, new stories, and maybe new gameplay. They will further expand the game world.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases in the Assassin’s Creed series. The game is set in a detailed feudal Japan. It will blend stealth, combat, and exploration. These will connect to a deep, history-based narrative. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has stunning visuals and diverse combat. It promises an unforgettable journey into Japan’s samurai and ninja culture. Its dual-protagonist system adds to the thrill. Prepare for its official release on March 20, 2025, and get ready to experience a new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.