Assassin Creed Shadows Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Assassin Creed Shadows Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Latest version of Anvil engine |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World, RPG, Stealth |
| Initial Release | 2025-03-20 |
| Developer | Ubisoft Quebec (Lead Studio) |
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Setting | Feudal Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama period, late 16th century) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC (Ubisoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store), Amazon Luna, Macs (Apple silicon) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player Only |
| Unique Feature | Dual protagonists (Naoe - Shinobi, Yasuke - Samurai) with distinct playstyles, Feudal Japan setting, dynamic weather & seasons impacting gameplay, spy network, customizable hideout. |
Assassin Creed Shadows System Requirements
Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low
tune Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.
Recommended_1080p_60FPS_Medium
tune Recommended (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) – Medium Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely needed.
RT_Minimum_1080p_30FPS_High
tune Ray Tracing Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, High Preset with RT) – High Preset, Ray Tracing Low/Medium, DLSS/FSR Required (likely 'Performance' or 'Balanced')
Enthusiast_1440p_60FPS_High
tune Enthusiast (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.
RT_Recommended_1440p_60FPS_High
tune Ray Tracing Recommended (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset with RT) – High Preset, Ray Tracing Medium/High, DLSS/FSR Required (likely 'Quality' or 'Balanced')
Enthusiast_4K_60FPS_High
tune Enthusiast (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Ultra Performance') essential.
Assassin Creed Shadows Laptop Recommendations
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage Up to 64GB DDR5
2799
Model: Dell Alienware M16 Gaming Laptop with RTX 4080
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX (Score: 2078)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 12500)
storage RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
save Storage: 4000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit versions only)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is mandatory.
- save_altStorage Note: 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory)
An SSD is required for installation and optimal performance due to the large open world and detailed assets. NVMe SSD recommended for faster load times.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2. Frame Generation technologies are also supported. Essential for achieving target framerates at higher resolutions and settings, especially with Ray Tracing.
Key Settings: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Clutter Density, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, World Detail, and Ray Tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) have a significant impact on performance.
Assassin Creed Shadows: Map Size and Regions
The open world of Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows is described as comparable in size to that of Assassin's Creed Origins (approximately 80km²). It features diverse regions including spectacular castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and pastoral landscapes across central Japan. The world is designed with a more realistic scale for mountains and castles, and features dynamic weather systems and changing seasons that can affect gameplay (e.g., ponds freezing over).
Assassin Creed Shadows: Post-Launch Content / DLC
A Year 1 roadmap has been revealed, featuring free content like new story quests (e.g., 'The Works of Luis Frois'), parkour system enhancements, Photo Mode updates, and New Game+. A major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' is planned for late 2025, offering over 10 hours of new content on the island of Awaji with new enemies and a Bō staff weapon for Naoe. This expansion is included in the Gold and Ultimate Editions (via Season Pass) or can be purchased separately. Ubisoft is not using a traditional season pass model but focusing on standalone expansions and free updates.
Assassin Creed Shadows: Game Editions
Multiple editions are available: Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD - includes Sekiryu Character Pack for Naoe and Yasuke, Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 skill points, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter in Photo Mode), Gold Edition (includes base game and Season Pass with two upcoming expansions), and Ultimate Edition (includes base game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack with Sekiryu Character/Hideout Packs, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter). A Collector's Edition ($299.99 USD for PS5/Xbox) includes Ultimate Edition content, steelbook, Naoe & Yasuke diorama statue, artbook, Naoe's katana tsuba replica, world map, and creed wall scroll.
Assassin Creed Shadows: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
The game is single-player focused. Cross-progression is typically supported via Ubisoft Connect across platforms for save games and owned content. No cross-play multiplayer as there are no multiplayer modes.
Assassin Creed Shadows Specific Game Elements
Assassin Creed Shadows Weapons
- securityEnvironmental Weapons / Tools (Situational)
Players can likely utilize elements of the environment for combat or distraction, such as explosive barrels, cutting down bamboo, or using natural cover provided by the dynamic weather and lighting.
- securityNaoe's Arsenal (Shinobi) (Stealth, Agile Combat)
Includes the iconic Hidden Blade for assassinations, a Kusarigama (chain-sickle) for versatile melee and ranged attacks, Tanto, Shuriken, Kunai, Smoke Bombs, and a grappling hook for enhanced mobility and infiltration.
- securityYasuke's Arsenal (Samurai) (Direct, Powerful Combat)
Wields a variety of traditional samurai weapons including Katana, the heavy Kanabō (club), Odachi (greatsword), Yari (spear), Naginata (polearm), Bows (Yumi), and potentially early firearms (Teppo). His combat style is focused on parries, powerful strikes, and battlefield control.
Assassin Creed Shadows Vehicles
- directions_carHorse (Mount / Land Traversal)
Horses will be available for faster travel across the large open world of Feudal Japan, a staple in the Assassin's Creed series.
- directions_carSmall Boats / Skiffs (Water Traversal)
Given Japan's geography with rivers and coastlines, small boats or skiffs will likely be available for navigating waterways and reaching certain locations.
Assassin Creed Shadows Characters
- personAssassin Brotherhood Members - Allies / Faction
Naoe is an Assassin, implying the presence and activities of the Brotherhood in Japan, fighting for freedom against Templar control. Players will likely interact with and build up the local Assassin cell.
- personFujibayashi Nagato (Implied) - Naoe's Father / Legendary Shinobi
Mentioned as Naoe's father and a legendary shinobi master, his fate likely fuels Naoe's motivations.
- personNaoe Fujibayashi - Protagonist / Shinobi Assassin (playable)
A kunoichi (female shinobi) from the Iga Province. She is agile, resourceful, and driven by a quest for vengeance after her home is destroyed. Specializes in stealth, parkour, assassination, and using an array of shinobi tools. Daughter of a legendary shinobi master.
- personOda Nobunaga - Major Historical Figure / Antagonist / Ally (Complex Role)
The powerful daimyo aiming to unify Japan. He is a central figure in the narrative, influencing both Naoe (as a target of vengeance) and Yasuke (as his lord). Portrayed as a complex character with both ruthless and progressive aspects.
- personTemplar Order Members - Antagonists
The recurring antagonists of the Assassin's Creed series, operating behind the scenes in Feudal Japan, seeking to impose their vision of order and control, likely influencing various daimyos and factions.
- personYasuke - Protagonist / Samurai Warrior (playable)
A powerful samurai of African origin, based on the historical figure who served Oda Nobunaga. He is skilled in direct combat, wielding heavy weaponry with brutal precision. His story explores themes of identity, honor, and his place in a foreign land.
Top 3 Characters:
The agile shinobi Assassin, driven by a personal vendetta, offering a classic stealth-focused playstyle. 2. Yasuke: The powerful samurai of African origin, providing a direct and brutal combat experience, grappling with his unique position in Japanese society. 3. Oda Nobunaga: A pivotal and complex historical figure whose ambitions and actions heavily influence the game's narrative and the paths of both protagonists.
Assassin Creed Shadows Missions / Objectives
- flagAssassination Contracts & Infiltration Missions
Objective: Missions focused on Naoe's shinobi skills, requiring stealthy infiltration of enemy strongholds, gathering intelligence, and eliminating key targets using a variety of tools and assassination techniques.
- flagDual Protagonist Main Story Quests
Objective: A series of narrative missions following the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke. Players will experience key historical events, pursue personal vendettas (Naoe) and duties (Yasuke), and uncover the Templar conspiracy in Japan. Many quests can be approached with either character, offering different gameplay solutions.
- flagExploration & World Activities
Objective: Discovering and completing various activities throughout the open world, such as synchronizing viewpoints, finding collectibles, clearing enemy outposts, and engaging with dynamic world events influenced by weather and seasons.
- flagHideout Development & Crew Quests
Objective: Building and upgrading your customizable shinobi league hideout, which may involve recruiting specialized allies and undertaking quests for them to improve the hideout's capabilities and unlock new resources or gear.
- flagSamurai Battles & Stronghold Assaults
Objective: Missions emphasizing Yasuke's samurai prowess, involving direct combat against groups of enemies, duels with skilled warriors, and potentially leading small skirmishes or assaulting fortified positions.
- flagSpy Network Operations
Objective: Developing and utilizing your network of spies to gather information, identify targets, reveal hidden locations, and potentially trigger unique side missions or opportunities.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Conceptual based on announcements):
Castles & Fortresses: Utilizing Naoe's shinobi skills or Yasuke's samurai strength to breach heavily guarded enemy strongholds. 2. Unraveling Historical Conspiracies: Investigating the Templar influence and their machinations within the warring clans of Japan. 3. Character-Specific Story Quests: Delving into the personal motivations and development of Naoe (vengeance for her clan) and Yasuke (finding his place and purpose).
Assassin Creed Shadows Companions / Summons
- groupHideout Crew Members (Human (Artisans, Trainers, Informants))
Ability: As players develop their customizable hideout for the shinobi league, they will likely recruit various individuals who offer services like gear crafting, training, information, or unique missions.
- groupSpy Network Recruits (Human (Spies, Allies))
Ability: Players can build a network of spies who act as eyes and ears across locations, unveiling new areas and helping to hunt down targets. Recruitable allies with specialized skills can assist in missions, though likely not as direct controllable companions in the style of some RPGs.
Assassin Creed Shadows Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkGear Schematics & Crafting Materials
Location/Use: Discovered in chests, looted from enemies, or earned as quest rewards. Used to craft and upgrade weapons, armor, and tools for both Naoe and Yasuke.
- collections_bookmarkHistorical Codex Entries / Data Fragments
Location/Use: Found by exploring, interacting with landmarks, or completing objectives. Provide lore about Feudal Japan, historical figures, locations, and the Assassin-Templar conflict.
- collections_bookmarkKamon Crests / Origami Butterflies / Tea Bowls (Example Collectibles from IGN)
Location/Use: Specific types of themed collectibles scattered across Japan, potentially tied to side quests, achievements, or unlocking cosmetic items.
- collections_bookmarkShinobi Texts / Samurai Scrolls (Skill Unlocks)
Location/Use: Collectibles that might unlock new skills, abilities, or combat techniques for Naoe and Yasuke respectively.
- collections_bookmarkTreasures & Valuables
Location/Use: Hidden chests and stashes containing currency, rare materials, or unique items scattered throughout the open world.
- collections_bookmarkViewpoints (Synchronization Points)
Location/Use: High vantage points that, when synchronized, reveal parts of the map, points of interest, and unlock fast travel locations.
Top 3 Collectibles (Expected):
Artifacts & Codex Entries: Items providing lore about Feudal Japan, its culture, and the Assassin-Templar conflict. 2. Gear & Weapon Blueprints/Materials: For crafting and upgrading Naoe's and Yasuke's equipment. 3. Viewpoints & Shrines: Classic AC collectibles for map synchronization and potentially character buffs or fast travel points.
Assassin Creed Shadows Armor
- shieldCosmetic Outfits & Gear Sets
Focus/Stats: Various outfits and gear pieces will be available for both Naoe and Yasuke through progression, exploration, or as part of special editions (e.g., Sekiryu Character Pack from Deluxe Edition). These can alter appearance and provide different stat bonuses or perks.
- shieldNaoe's Shinobi Attire
Focus/Stats: Lightweight, flexible armor and clothing designed for stealth, agility, and silent movement. Offers customization options and likely provides bonuses to stealth-related abilities. Can be upgraded.
- shieldYasuke's Samurai Armor
Focus/Stats: Heavier, more protective samurai armor (yoroi) providing significant defense for direct combat engagements. Offers customization options and likely provides bonuses to combat prowess and resilience. Can be upgraded.
Assassin Creed Shadows Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCasual / Civilian Attire
Details: Both characters may have options for less conspicuous attire for blending in or for use in the hideout and non-combat scenarios.
- checkroomSamurai Armor (Yasuke)
Details: Yasuke can equip different sets of samurai armor (yoroi), ranging from lighter to heavier configurations, affecting defense and appearance. Customizable through different armor parts, materials, and insignias.
- checkroomShinobi Outfits (Naoe)
Details: Naoe will have access to various shinobi shozoku and lighter armor sets designed for stealth and agility. Customizable through dyes, patterns, and individual gear pieces.
- checkroomSpecial Edition Outfits (e.g., Sekiryu Pack)
Details: Exclusive cosmetic outfits and weapon skins available through Deluxe, Gold, or Ultimate editions, such as the Sekiryu Character Pack.
Assassin Creed Shadows Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. It does not feature any co-op or competitive multiplayer modes at launch. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed experience codenamed 'Project Invictus'.
- labelUser Interface
The UI is an evolution of modern Assassin's Creed games, providing clear information on quests, character status, abilities, and world interactions. Features an 'Immersive Mode' for reduced UI. Supports multilingual voice acting and subtitles. Includes a Photo Mode with various filters and customization options.
- labelSound and Music
Features an original score that blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with orchestral arrangements to evoke the atmosphere of Feudal Japan. Sound design emphasizes environmental realism, weather effects, and distinct combat sounds for each weapon and character.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by an updated version of the Anvil engine, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims for a visually stunning depiction of Feudal Japan. Features include detailed environments, realistic character models, dynamic weather systems, changing seasons impacting the world, and advanced lighting. Supports Ray Traced Global Illumination and Reflections, ultra-wide resolutions, uncapped framerate, and various upscalers (DLSS 3.7, FSR 3.1, XeSS 2).
- labelAccessibility Features
Ubisoft typically includes a range of accessibility options in their titles, such as customizable controls, subtitle and caption adjustments, audio cues, gameplay assists (e.g., aim assist, navigation aids), and visual filters. Specific details for Shadows include extensive customization options in the settings menu.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in late 16th-century Feudal Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama period, 1573-1600), a time of intense political upheaval and warring states. Players experience the intertwined destinies of Naoe, a kunoichi from Iga seeking revenge after the destruction of her clan by Oda Nobunaga's forces, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai who served Nobunaga. The narrative explores themes of honor, duty, cultural clashes, the unification of Japan, and the hidden war between the Assassins and Templars, featuring historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and likely others such as Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Dual Protagonists)
Players can switch between Naoe and Yasuke, each possessing unique skill trees, stats, gear, and abilities. Naoe excels in stealth, parkour, and assassination, utilizing tools like a hidden blade, kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook. Her skills include 'Melee Expert', 'Shadow Piercer', 'Smoke Bomb', 'Vault', and 'Igan Roll'. Yasuke is focused on direct, brutal combat, mastering weapons like katana, kanabo, bows, and naginata. His skills include 'Brutal Assassination', 'Sheathed Attack', 'Regeneration', 'Riposte', and 'Crescent Strike'. Players can build a customizable hideout for their growing shinobi league, train crew, and craft gear.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Naoe's Hidden Blade & Tanto: For classic stealth assassinations. 2. Yasuke's Katana & Kanabo: Representing powerful samurai combat. 3. Naoe's Grappling Hook & Shinobi Tools (Kunai, Shuriken, Smoke Bombs): For infiltration and tactical evasion. 4. Yasuke's Naginata & Bows: For versatile ranged and sweeping melee attacks. 5. Customizable Hideout & Spy Network: Strategic tools for information gathering and resource management.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Dual Protagonist System: The ability to switch between Naoe (stealth, parkour, assassination tools) and Yasuke (direct combat, heavy weapons, samurai skills), each with unique progression and approaches to missions. 2. Dynamic World & Seasons: A reactive open world with changing weather and seasons that impact gameplay (e.g., frozen ponds, different enemy patrols, visual cover). 3. Spy Network & Hideout Management: Building and utilizing a network of spies for intel gathering and target marking, along with developing a customizable hideout for your assassin league.
Assassin Creed Shadows Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline When will Assassin's Creed Shadows be released?Assassin's Creed Shadows was released on March 20, 2025.
- help_outline What is the setting of Assassin's Creed Shadows?The game is set in Feudal Japan during the late 16th century, specifically the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
- help_outline Who are the main playable characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows?There are two protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure. Players can switch between them.
- help_outline How do Naoe and Yasuke play differently?Naoe focuses on stealth, agility, parkour, and assassination using tools like the hidden blade, kusarigama, and shinobi gadgets. Yasuke excels in direct, powerful samurai combat with weapons like katanas, kanabo, and naginatas.
- help_outline Is Assassin's Creed Shadows an open-world game?Yes, it features a large open world of Feudal Japan, comparable in size to Assassin's Creed Origins, with dynamic weather and changing seasons.
- help_outline Does Assassin's Creed Shadows have multiplayer?No, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed title.
- help_outline What historical figures appear in the game?Oda Nobunaga is a central historical figure. Others from the period are likely to appear, influencing the story and the protagonists.
- help_outline Will there be DLC or post-launch content?Yes, Ubisoft has announced a Year 1 roadmap including free story updates, gameplay enhancements, and a major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' set for late 2025.