Assassin’s Creed Shadows Playthrough Duration Revealed

Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), as the main campaign promises an engaging playthrough lasting around 30-40 hours. This revelation came during the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, where Genki Gamer had the chance to speak with the game's Creative Director, Johnathan Dumont.

Dumont shared that the main campaign will captivate players for 30-40 hours, with an additional 80+ hours of side content to explore. The team is also considering adding a New Game+ mode in future updates, a feature that fans have been eagerly anticipating, especially after its absence in AC Valhalla.

Beyond the campaign, Dumont highlighted AC Shadows' dynamic world, featuring seasons and weather systems, new gameplay mechanics, and a significantly expanded and customizable hideout. The game will also introduce a new Animus story that sets the stage for future Assassin’s Creed titles.

Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game

The team at Ubisoft has long dreamed of creating a Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan, and with AC Shadows, that dream is becoming a reality. Johnathan Dumont explained that the setting demanded a living, breathing natural world, and now, with advanced technology, the team can bring this vision to life alongside a compelling narrative.

The game draws inspiration from iconic Japanese films like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and works by Kurosawa, yet it retains the unique Assassin’s Creed flair. Dumont acknowledged the controversies surrounding the game, particularly the inclusion of Yasuke, the black samurai, a topic that has sparked debate within Japanese culture and history. Despite this, the team remains focused on delivering a game that honors their vision and pays tribute to their Japanese audience.

Deep Dive Into The Hideout

Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows provided a detailed look at the Hideout, set in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu province. This area will serve as the player's base of operations, where they will build and expand the Brotherhood.

Dany, the Systems Associate Director for AC Shadows, expressed the team's ambition to innovate with the Hideout. "After fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, assassin bureaus... we knew we had to take a bold step forward," he stated. Players will be given an acre of land to customize, allowing them to place buildings, pavilions, pathways, and even local flora and fauna, making the Hideout uniquely theirs. As players progress through the game, they will unlock more customization options, ensuring their Hideout reflects their personal journey.

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will not only be a customizable space but also a home for various characters who will join the player's cause. Each character comes with their own backstory and challenges, and their placement within the Hideout will depend on their interests and the layout of the buildings. For instance, fighters may be found in the Dojo, while others might enjoy a drink in the Zashiki.

This setup fosters dynamic interactions and new dialogues among the characters, making the Hideout feel like a vibrant community. Dany emphasized the importance of character development, stating, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development. We gathered writers from four different studios worldwide and had them create interactions based on scenarios like, 'What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?' The results are truly special and make the Hideout the beating heart of the league."

With its detailed features and mechanics, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a game that offers an authentic Japanese experience wrapped in the iconic Assassin’s Creed style.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new addition to the Assassin’s Creed series.