Select Games to Compare
Assassin Creed Shadows vs Horizon Forbidden West
info General Information | |
Release Date | |
Mar 20, 2025 | Feb 18, 2022 |
Developer | |
Ubisoft Quebec (Lead Studio, with support from other Ubisoft studios) | Guerrilla Games, Nixxes Software (PC Port) |
Publisher | |
Ubisoft | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
Genre(s) | |
Action-Adventure, Open World, RPG, Stealth | Action RPG, Open World, Post-Apocalyptic, Third-Person |
Engine | |
Latest version of Anvil engine | Decima Engine |
stars Ratings & Price | |
Content Rating | |
PEGI 18 (ESRB M for Mature equivalent expected - C | Teen |
Avg. User Rating | |
4.0 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 |
Current Price (USD) | |
$69.99 | $59.99 |
tune Key Specs | |
Quick Highlights | |
|
|
sports_esports Gameplay & Mechanics | |
Companions/Followers | |
|
|
Key Collectibles | |
|
|
Key Themes | |
|
|
colorize Combat & Gear | |
Weapons Overview | |
|
|
Armor / Gear Sets | |
|
|
Outfits/Customization | |
|
|
public World & Exploration | |
World & Level Design | |
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). |
The Forbidden West is a vast and diverse open world, significantly larger than the map of Zero Dawn. Key regions include: The Daunt (a Carja borderland), No Man's Land (arid plains), Plainsong (Utaru farmlands), The Shining Wastes (deserts), Scalding Spear (Tenakth Sky Clan capital), The Stand of the Sentinels (Tenakth Lowland Clan territory), The Long Coast (beaches and ruins, leading to San Francisco), Isle of Spires (ruined San Francisco, Quen landing site), and underwater environments. The map is rich in verticality, dense jungles, arid deserts, snowy mountains, and submerged ruins. The 'Burning Shores' DLC adds a new volcanic archipelago region (former Los Angeles). |
Playable Vehicles | |
|
|
book Story & Characters | |
Main Characters | |
|
|
Example Missions | |
|
|
people Multiplayer | |
Multiplayer Details | |
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'. |
Horizon Forbidden West is a purely single-player experience. There are no multiplayer modes. |
extension Editions & DLC | |
Available 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. |
Available in Standard Edition, Special Edition (SteelBook, digital soundtrack, artbook), Digital Deluxe Edition (cosmetic outfits/weapons, digital artbook/soundtrack/comic), Collector's Edition (Tremortusk & Aloy statues, SteelBook, artbook, all Digital Deluxe content), and Regalla Edition (Regalla Tremortusk statue, canvas map, art prints, replica Focus, all Collector's content). The PC version is often the 'Complete Edition' including the Burning Shores DLC. |
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. |
One major story expansion, 'Burning Shores,' has been released (exclusive to PS5 and PC). It takes Aloy to a new volcanic archipelago region (former Los Angeles) to pursue a new threat. Numerous free updates have added features like New Game+, Ultra Hard difficulty, transmog, and quality-of-life improvements. |
help_outline FAQ | |
Frequently Asked Questions | |
|
|
build Technical Details | |
Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
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). |
Powered by an updated version of the Decima Engine, the game is renowned for its stunning visual fidelity. It showcases incredibly detailed machine designs, lifelike character animations, lush and diverse environments (from dense jungles to arid deserts and underwater biomes), advanced lighting, volumetric clouds, and realistic weather systems. The level of detail in flora, fauna, and tribal settlements is exceptional. Offers multiple graphics modes on PS5. |
Audio & Soundtrack | |
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. |
Original score composed by Joris de Man, The Flight, Niels van der Leest, and Oleksa Lozowchuk, featuring epic orchestral themes, tribal chants, and ethereal melodies that capture the beauty and danger of the Forbidden West. Sound design is intricate, with unique vocalizations for each machine, realistic environmental sounds, and impactful weapon effects. |
User Interface (UI/UX) | |
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. |
Features an immersive HUD with health, Focus meter, weapon/ammo selection, and contextual prompts. The Focus (AR device) highlights machine weak points, tracks, and hackable objects. Menus for inventory, crafting, skills, map, and collectibles are detailed. The world map is extensive with various filters. Dynamic HUD options allow for customization. |
Accessibility Options | |
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. |
Offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility options, including fully remappable controls, extensive subtitle and caption customization, difficulty settings (including Custom mode), aim assist options, options to simplify QTEs, options for motion blur/camera shake, co-pilot mode, dead zone adjustments, auto-sprint, auto-heal, auto-concentration, and various visual/audio cues for gameplay elements. |
video_library Media Links | |
Gameplay Video | |
launchWatch | launchWatch |
Walkthrough/Guide | |
launchView | launchView |
settings_applications System Requirements | |
720p (HD) - Minimum (720p ~30 FPS, Very Low Preset) (Very Low Preset) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for lower settings. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Modern i5/Ryzen 5 U or H series recommended. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for lower settings. GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 4GB VRAM is absolute minimum. RAM: Minimum RAM requirement (game is RAM intensive). Storage: SSD is mandatory. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT (4GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-7300HQ / AMD Ryzen 3 3200U equivalent or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile (4GB) / GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB). **Even an RTX 3050 Mobile would be a significant step up for stability.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB SSD |
1080p (Full HD) - High (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset) CPU: CPU for 1080p/60FPS High. CPU (Laptop): High-end laptop CPU. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p/60FPS High. GPU (Laptop): Performance laptop GPUs. 8GB VRAM ideal. RAM: 16GB RAM recommended. Storage: NVMe SSD strongly recommended. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-10750H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Mobile (8GB, High TGP) / RTX 4060 Mobile (8GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Ti Mobile or RTX 4070 Mobile (High TGP) will provide excellent 1080p High performance.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB NVMe SSD |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) (Medium Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely needed.) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU. CPU (Laptop): Recommended laptop CPU for a smooth 1080p/60FPS experience. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1080p Medium/High. **Ensure high TGP for NVIDIA cards.** 8GB VRAM is strongly recommended. Upscaling will significantly aid in achieving stable framerates. RAM: 16GB RAM in dual-channel. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) or Intel Arc B580 (12GB, ReBAR ON) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or newer equivalent performance mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB, High TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10GB), AMD Radeon RX 6800S (8GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU to avoid severe bottlenecks at this tier. Performance varies by laptop design. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~30 FPS at 1080p Low. **Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance') is highly recommended.** 6GB VRAM is a practical minimum for laptops; 4GB VRAM cards will likely face issues. TGP and cooling are critical. RAM: Minimum RAM, dual-channel configuration is essential. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) or Intel Arc A580 (8GB, ReBAR ON) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-9750H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or newer equivalent mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB, High TGP - may struggle, 6GB version better); OR AMD Radeon RX 5600M (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 6600S. An RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, lower TGP) could also fit here. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~30 FPS, Medium Preset) (Medium Preset) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p/30FPS Medium settings. CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range laptop CPUs. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p/30FPS Medium. GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 6GB VRAM recommended. RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended. Storage: SSD strongly recommended. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (8GB/12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-8750H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H equivalent or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 3050 Ti Mobile (4GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3060 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile (High TGP) is a better target for 1080p Medium/High.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB SSD |
1440p (QHD/2K) - Enthusiast (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.) CPU: Listed desktop CPU. A stronger CPU is advised for consistency at 1440p High. CPU (Laptop): High-performance laptop CPU crucial for 1440p gaming to avoid bottlenecks. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p High. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1440p High. **Max TGP versions and excellent cooling are essential.** 8GB VRAM (RTX 4070 Laptop) is the minimum, 10GB+ is ideal. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Balanced' or 'Performance') will likely be necessary. RAM: 16GB is listed, but 32GB is highly recommended for smoother 1440p gameplay. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Same as 1080p/60 Rec, but higher-end CPU like i7-12700K/Ryzen 7 5800X would be better) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or newer high-performance mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel HX series, AMD HX/HS series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop (12GB, Max TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (12GB), AMD Radeon RX 7900S. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
1440p (QHD/2K) - Very High (1440p ~60 FPS or 2160p/4K ~30 FPS, Very High Preset, DLSS/FSR Quality/Balanced) (Very High Preset (DLSS/FSR Quality or Balanced recommended for these targets)) CPU: CPU for 1440p/60FPS or 4K/30FPS Very High. CPU (Laptop): High-end laptop CPU. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p/60FPS or 4K/30FPS Very High. GPU (Laptop): High-end laptop GPUs. 10GB+ VRAM critical, 8GB absolute minimum with aggressive upscaling. RAM: 16GB RAM essential, 32GB beneficial for 4K. Storage: NVMe SSD required. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 3800X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB) / RTX 4070 (12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT (16GB) / RX 7800 XT (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS or better. **Modern i7/Ryzen 7 H/HX series or higher.** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Mobile (10GB/16GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 4080 Mobile would be better for consistent performance at these demanding targets.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB NVMe SSD |
2160p (UHD/4K) - Enthusiast (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Ultra Performance') essential.) CPU: High-end desktop CPU for 4K. CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs required to support 4K gaming attempts. GPU: High-end desktop GPU for 4K. GPU (Laptop): Only the absolute top-tier laptop GPUs with maximum TGP and exceptional cooling can attempt 4K. **Expect to use DLSS/FSR in 'Ultra Performance' mode.** Native 4K at high settings and 60 FPS is generally beyond current laptop capabilities for such demanding titles. RAM: 32GB RAM is strongly recommended for 4K gaming. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-12900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX or newer flagship mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel 13th/14th Gen HX, AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 HX series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP). Even then, 4K/60FPS High will be extremely challenging and heavily reliant on aggressive upscaling. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) | — |
2160p (UHD/4K) - Ultimate (2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultimate/Max Preset, DLSS/FSR Balanced/Performance) (Ultimate/Max Preset, DLSS/FSR Balanced or Performance) CPU: Flagship CPU for attempting 4K/60FPS Ultimate. CPU (Laptop): Absolute top-tier laptop CPUs. GPU: Flagship desktop GPU for 4K Ultimate, heavily reliant on DLSS/FSR. GPU (Laptop): The absolute best laptop GPU, will be pushed to its limits for 4K Ultimate. DLSS is mandatory. RAM: 32GB RAM highly recommended for 4K Ultimate. Storage: NVMe SSD required. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X/7900X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (24GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-12900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX or better. **Modern flagship Intel/AMD HX series (e.g., 13980HX, 7945HX3D).** laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile (16GB, Max TGP). **Even this will require DLSS Performance/Ultra Performance for playable 4K Ultimate at ~60FPS. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (e.g., RTX 5090 Mobile or AMD equivalent) would be needed for a more comfortable native experience. (Highly Speculative)** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 150 GB NVMe SSD |
save Overall Storage | |
Spec: 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) Note: 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. Type: SSD | Spec: 150 GB available space (SSD Required). Note: An NVMe SSD is strongly recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming, fast loading, and to minimize texture pop-in in the vast open world. Type: SSD |
desktop_windows Operating System | |
Spec: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is mandatory. | Spec: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or higher) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required. |
gamepad DirectX Version | |
N/A | Spec: DirectX 12 Explanation: DirectX 12 API is required. |
info_outline Other Game Notes | |
|
|
build Optimization Details | |
|
|
laptop Laptop Considerations | |
|
|
info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For Assassin Creed Shadows Specifically
For Horizon Forbidden West Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.