50 Facts About Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Setting and Historical Context

Assassin's Creed Shadows takes players to a fascinating period in Japanese history. Let's dive into the setting and historical backdrop of this game.

1. Setting: The game is set in feudal Japan, a time of intense civil war known as the Sengoku period.
2. Historical Context: The game takes place in 1579, a pivotal year in Japanese history marked by the rise of Oda Nobunaga.

Dual Protagonists

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, players will control two unique characters, each with their own story and abilities.

3. Dual Protagonists: Players will control two main characters: Yasuke, the first-ever Black samurai, and Naoe, a ninja-like female Shinobi.
4. Yasuke’s Background: Yasuke is part of the Oda clan and is known for his impressive stature, welcoming of Japanese culture, and strong sword-arm.
5. Naoe’s Background: Naoe is a "farmer warrior" from the Iga province and takes on the role of protector, fighting to defend her province against political upheaval and invasion.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game offers a mix of stealth and combat, allowing players to switch between the two protagonists seamlessly.

6. Gameplay Mechanics: The game features a mix of stealth and combat, allowing players to switch between the two protagonists seamlessly.
7. Stealth Mechanics: Naoe has more tools at her disposal for stealth, including the ability to become completely invisible to enemies when hiding in shadows and moving almost silently while crouching.
8. Eagle Vision: Only Naoe has access to the classic Eagle Vision feature, which provides an overhead view to help identify hard-to-see things like hiding places and enemies concealed behind walls.
9. Shinobi Bells: Naoe can use Shinobi Bells to provide distractions, helping her evade detection.
10. Smoke Bombs: Naoe can deploy Smoke Bombs to conceal her movements, making it easier to sneak past enemies undetected.
11. Shuriken: Naoe can use Shuriken to stun enemies, giving her an advantage in stealth missions.
12. Kunai: Naoe can deal damage using Kunai, a versatile ninja tool.
13. Prone Position: Both Yasuke and Naoe can go prone to avoid detection, a new mechanic in the Assassin's Creed series.
14. Hidden Blade: Players must upgrade both characters' Hidden Blade abilities to successfully assassinate high-level enemies.
15. Combat Styles: Yasuke prefers direct combat, but he can also take out enemies covertly at range with his bow. Players can deliver powerful assassination moves by slipping behind enemies while controlling him.

Open World and Environmental Interactions

The game features a vast open world with dynamic elements that affect gameplay.

16. Open World: The game features an open world comparable in size to Assassin's Creed Origins, with a realistic mountain scale and detailed environments.
17. Seasonal Progression: The game's open world progresses through seasons, each affecting gameplay. For example, winter brings frozen water and icicles, while spring features long grass and blooming plants.
18. Dynamic Lighting and Environmental Interactions: The game uses an upgraded version of Anvil, incorporating dynamic lighting and environmental interactions such as breakable props.
19. Manipulating Shadows: Players can manipulate shadows to their advantage, making the player character invisible to enemies. This can be done both indoors and outdoors, especially at night when every shaded spot becomes a dynamic hiding spot.
20. Hiding in Shadows: Hiding in shadows is a key stealth mechanic, allowing players to move quietly through enemy territory without being seen. This can be achieved by destroying light sources to create new hiding spots.

Non-Linear Missions and Spy Network

The game encourages players to explore and complete missions in their own way.

21. Non-Linear Missions: Missions are non-linear, encouraging players to track and eliminate targets freely. Vantage points will exist in the world but only to help the player scan the environment for points of interest, rather than populating the player's map with objective markers.
22. Spy Network: Players can recruit and train a spy network to gather intelligence, alongside bribing officials to ascertain the whereabouts of targets.

Historical Events and Figures

Assassin's Creed Shadows incorporates real historical events and figures into its narrative.

23. Historical Events: The game features key historical events such as Oda Nobunaga’s assault on the Iga province in 1581, a significant battle involving the Iga ikki known for their ninjutsu arts.
24. Oda Nobunaga’s Role: The game includes Oda Nobunaga at the height of his power following his victory over the Takeda clan using arquebus firearms.

Canon Mode and Romance Options

The game offers a unique mode and personal touches to enhance the player's experience.

25. Canon Mode: Assassin's Creed Shadows will feature a "Canon mode" that makes choices for the player, aiming to restore the balance between historical and modern stories in the series. This mode is expected to be between 30 and 60 hours long.
26. Romance Options: The game includes romance options for both protagonists, adding a personal touch to the player's experience.

Combat and Stealth Upgrades

Players must regularly upgrade their characters' abilities to keep up with the challenges of the game world.

27. Combat Upgrades: Players must upgrade their characters' combat skills regularly to keep up with the challenges of the game world.
28. Shinobi League: Players can create their own shinobi league, recruiting and training allies to aid in missions.
29. Hideout Customization: The game allows players to customize their hideout, making it a personal sanctuary within the game world.

Historical Fantasy and Exploration

The game offers a rich historical fantasy setting and opportunities for exploration.

30. Historical Fantasy: The game is built to feel weighty and true to life, with a rich historical fantasy setting that immerses players in feudal Japan.
31. Physics-Based Grappling Hook: Naoe’s physics-based grappling hook allows for dynamic traversal, giving her a significant advantage in navigating the game world.
32. Exploration: The game offers a chance to explore one of the most-awaited settings in the series, allowing players to live a powerful Shinobi fantasy.

Dual Playstyles and Unique Abilities

The game balances old and new Assassin's Creed elements by giving players the chance to utilize both combat styles in one game.

33. Dual Playstyles: The game balances old and new Assassin's Creed elements by giving players the chance to utilize both combat styles in one game, combining stealth and direct combat seamlessly.
34. Yasuke’s Combat Style: Yasuke’s playstyle favors the slick arts of the samurai, making him a heavy-hitter in combat.
35. Naoe’s Stealth Style: Naoe’s quiet, deft work in the shadows more closely resembles the AC series’ stealthy origins, making her a classic assassin.
36. Shuriken and Kunai Usage: Both Yasuke and Naoe can use Shuriken and Kunai effectively, but Naoe has more tools at her disposal for stealth missions.
37. Smoke Bombs and Shinobi Bells: Naoe’s use of Smoke Bombs and Shinobi Bells provides a strategic advantage in stealth missions, helping her evade detection.
38. Eagle Vision and Observation Skills: Naoe’s access to Eagle Vision and Observation skills allows her to identify hard-to-see things like hiding places and enemies concealed behind walls.
39. Prone Position Mechanics: Going prone reduces visibility even more than crouching, making it an effective way to avoid detection.
40. Noise Traps: The game includes noise traps that can attract attention if players are not careful, such as creaking floors and hitting noisy objects.
41. Crouching Mechanics: Crouching remains an effective way to avoid notice, but going prone takes stealth to a new level by allowing players to get even closer to the ground.
42. Dynamic Hiding Spots: Shadows become dynamic hiding spots at night, allowing players to move quietly through enemy territory without being seen.
43. Shuriken Destruction: Players can use Shuriken to destroy lit lanterns, creating opportunities like taking down enemies silently or disrupting enemy patrols.
44. Naoe’s Unique Abilities: Naoe can roll over sideways while crawling to dispatch enemies silently and effectively, adding a new layer of stealth to her abilities.

Historical Accuracy and Cultural Context

The game aims to be historically accurate, incorporating real events and figures from Japanese history into its narrative.

45. Historical Accuracy: The game aims to be historically accurate, incorporating real events and figures from Japanese history into its narrative.
46. Feudal Japan Setting: The game’s setting in feudal Japan offers a unique blend of historical and fantastical elements, immersing players in a rich cultural context.

Weapons and Open-World Exploration

The game features a variety of Shinobi and Assassin weapons and offers a vast environment for players to explore.

47. Dual Protagonists’ Strengths: Both Yasuke and Naoe have different strengths and combat styles, allowing players to choose their preferred playstyle.
48. Shinobi and Assassin Weapons: The game features a variety of Shinobi and Assassin weapons, including Shuriken, Kunai, and Smoke Bombs, which are essential for stealth missions.
49. Open-World Exploration: The game’s open world allows players to explore a vast environment, complete with seasonal changes and dynamic lighting effects.
50. Release Date: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on February 14, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Assassin’s Creed series.

Final Thoughts on Assassin's Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a game-changer in the series. Set in feudal Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it offers a rich historical backdrop. Players will control dual protagonists: Yasuke, the first Black samurai, and Naoe, a skilled Shinobi. The game blends stealth and combat, allowing seamless switching between characters. Dynamic lighting, seasonal changes, and open-world exploration enhance the immersive experience. Unique mechanics like manipulating shadows and prone positioning add depth to gameplay. Historical events and figures, such as Oda Nobunaga, are woven into the narrative, providing a compelling story. With a release date set for February 14, 2025, fans have much to look forward to. Whether you're into stealth or direct combat, Assassin's Creed Shadows promises a thrilling adventure in a meticulously crafted world.