After much anticipation, Ubisoft has finally brought fans what they’ve long hoped for: an Assassin’s Creed installment set in feudal Japan.
Whether you’re already convinced Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be a standout in the series, or you’re cautiously optimistic about what’s to come, read on for the full scoop from the Displate gaming team.
What To Expect from Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Originally introduced under the working title Assassin’s Creed: Codename Red, the game was first mentioned publicly in September 2022. The official name, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, was confirmed in May 2024, along with a first-look trailer that offered fans a glimpse into its setting, characters, and rich lore — all of which we’ll dive into below.
Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the fourteenth main installment in the series. Voice talents Masumi Tsunoda and Tongayi Chirisa will bring to life the dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke — a setup that feels like a subtle nod to Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.
The Setting
Since the debut of the first Assassin’s Creed game over 15 years ago, the franchise has taken players to more than 10 different global settings — but until now, Japan hadn’t been one of them.
That changes with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which transports us to feudal Japan in 1579, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period — the final stage of the Sengoku era. It’s a time of shifting powers, civil unrest, and the dawn of a new age.
Ubisoft’s aim was to deliver an immersive and historically rich experience with an Assassin’s Creed Origins-sized open world, powered by an enhanced version of the Ubisoft Anvil engine. And boy did they deliver!
The addition of a dynamic season system brings a new layer of realism, where gameplay is directly affected by seasonal changes. For example, lush summer foliage provides new stealth opportunities, while frozen lakes in winter may open or block key paths. Even NPC behavior will adapt to the seasons, offering fresh narrative routes and exploration options throughout the campaign.
This attention to detail is supported by Ubisoft Quebec’s ongoing commitment to authenticity. As with previous titles, the team consulted historians and primary sources to ensure cultural accuracy. From understanding the nuances of a tea ceremony to visiting Japan and studying the landscape firsthand, it’s clear that every effort is being made to bring this world to life in a respectful and compelling way.
The Gameplay
According to Marc-Alexis Côté, VP Executive Producer of the Assassin’s Creed franchise at Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will continue the evolution of the series into action-RPG territory, putting a strong focus on player choice—both in narrative direction and gameplay mechanics.
This marks a shift from the more linear structure seen in titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023), and a return to the open-ended design embraced in games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Players will step into the shoes of two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a skilled female shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on the historical figure. Each brings unique abilities, fighting styles, and narrative arcs to the experience. Starting on opposite sides of the conflict, their paths gradually intertwine, allowing players to switch between them – similar to the character dynamic in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.
Adding further depth, Assassin’s Creed Shadows reintroduces a romantic dimension first explored in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018). As the seasons progress, players will navigate evolving relationships, with Yasuke and Naoe each encountering—and potentially forming connections with—a variety of characters. This brings another layer of personalization to the journey.
In terms of combat, the two heroes offer contrasting playstyles. Yasuke wields a fearsome kanabō, a traditional spiked war club capable of powerful, close-quarters takedowns. His brute strength even allows him to break through doors and barriers, delivering a more direct and forceful approach to gameplay. Naoe, in contrast, leans into stealth. Armed with a katana, a versatile grappling hook, and, in the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion, a Bō staff, she moves with swift precision, making her a master of infiltration and evasion.
Together, they offer players a dynamic and diverse way to experience feudal Japan, through both strength and subtlety.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date
Assassin’s Creed Shadows was released on 20th March 2025.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on PC, PS5, Mac, and Xbox Series X. While current-gen platforms included, legacy consoles like PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch are not included in the initial lineup. However, speculation is growing that Assassin’s Creed Shadows may be among the titles revealed for Nintendo’s next-gen hardware later this year — though no official comment has been made.
Bring Feudal Japan to Your Home with Displate
Dive headfirst into the shadowy world of feudal Japan with Displate’s epic Assassin’s Creed metal posters. From the stealthy strikes of the shinobi to the power of the samurai, explore the world of Shadows through three stunning collections: the bold, stylized art of AC Shadows Manga, the brushstroke elegance of AC Shadows Ink, and the atmospheric, blood-red visuals of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Each piece captures the honor, intrigue, and intensity of the era — perfect for bringing a touch of mystery to your walls.
