Assassin's Creed Shadows: A 30-40 Hour Main Campaign Awaits
The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows promises a substantial main campaign experience, clocking in at approximately 30-40 hours of gameplay. This was revealed during a recent showcase event in Kyoto, where Creative Director Jonathan Dumont shared insights into the game's development. Dumont also highlighted the extensive side content, estimating an additional 80+ hours for completionists. Adding to the excitement, the team is actively considering a New Game+ mode, a feature notably absent from Assassin's Creed Valhalla and highly requested by fans.
Beyond the core campaign, AC Shadows boasts a dynamic world featuring realistic seasonal changes and weather effects, new gameplay mechanics, and a significantly expanded and customizable hideout. The game's narrative will also contribute to the overarching Animus storyline, setting the stage for future Assassin's Creed installments.
A Japanese-Inspired Assassin's Creed
Dumont emphasized the team's long-held ambition to create a Japan-based Assassin's Creed game. He explained that the technological capabilities to accurately depict Japan's natural environments, coupled with a compelling narrative, finally made this vision a reality. The game draws inspiration from classic Japanese films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and Kurosawa's works, while retaining the core Assassin's Creed identity. The team acknowledges the online discourse surrounding the game, particularly concerning the portrayal of Yasuke, and aims to address constructive criticism.
The Hideout: Your Customizable Base of Operations
A recent deep dive into the game's hideout, located in the secluded Izumi Settsu province, revealed an unprecedented level of customization. Players will have an entire acre of land to personalize, placing buildings, pathways, and even local flora and fauna. Systems Associate Director Dany described the ambition of this feature, highlighting the freedom players will have to create their own unique base of operations. Customization options will unlock progressively throughout the game, reflecting the player's journey.
The hideout will also house a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstories and interactions. The placement of buildings influences where these characters spend their time, creating dynamic dialogue and a sense of community. This design choice fosters character development and adds a layer of depth to the player's experience.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
