Assassin’s Creed Shadows, promises to take gamers on an unforgettable journey through Feudal Japan. This blog post will dive deep into everything you need to know about this title: release date, gameplay, story, characters, and more.
Update 20.03.2025: Assassin’s Creed Shadows premiere
After several delays, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has officially arrived on shelves as of March 20. The long-awaited Japan-themed entry proves to be a solid and fun installment in the series from Ubisoft. On GAMIVO, you can purchase this exciting title cheaper!
The game features two dynamic protagonists, each bringing a unique and engaging twist to the gameplay. Naoe, a stealth-focused heroine, excels in strategy and subtlety, while Yasuke, a formidable and skilled warrior, thrives in direct and intense combat. Together, they offer a thrilling balance of finesse and brute strength.
Moreover, players enjoy a professionally voiced, multilingual script. You can choose to experience the entire game with English voice acting or opt for the more immersive, period-appropriate Japanese and Portuguese audio with subtitles, a feature the game refers to as immersive mode. Speaking of immersion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows looks truly stunning.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been widely praised by reviewers as a thoroughly enjoyable game that delivers hours of immersive entertainment. With its captivating storyline, varied gameplay mechanics, and breathtaking visuals, it stands out as a remarkable addition to the Assassin’s Creed series.
Update 26.09: Assassin’s Creed release date postponed
Regrettably, fans eager to play Ubisoft’s latest title will need to wait a bit longer, as the new release date is now set for February 14, 2025. However, there’s some good news too: the game will also be available on Steam at launch. Those who pre-ordered the game will receive a refund. Moreover, there won’t be a Season Pass feature and no early access, meaning everyone will play the game on the same day. The reason behind moving the release date is pretty simple: the developers decided that some elements of the game have to be polished before the release.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows story
Set in 1579, Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in a pivotal moment in Japanese history. This era marks the transition from the Sengoku period to the relative peace of the Edo period. The game offers a richly detailed open world, featuring everything from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and pastoral landscapes.

This game will feature a non-linear story, offering freedom of choice when it comes to picking the next objectives. You can take out your marks in any order, each offering unique challenges and requiring different strategies for infiltration and assassination.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows gameplay
The newest entry in the iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise offers a unique dual-character gameplay experience. Players can choose between two protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi assassin from the Iga Province, and Yasuke, a loyal samurai serving under Oda Nobunaga. Each character brings their own set of skills, progression paths, and gear, allowing for varied gameplay styles.

A feature that might add a lot to the depth of the game will be seasons. The season system is going to greatly influence the gameplay. During certain seasons, stealth-based gameplay can be more or less difficult.
Spy Network is another addition that will make AC Shadows unique. Players will be able to recruit and train spies that will gather crucial information such as enemy movements. Hopefully, the spy network will make the huge world of Shadows a lively and dynamic environment.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows characters
Ubisoft’s games always try to focus on memorable characters that will make every entry in the franchise unique. Shadows introduces two main characters, each offering a distinct gameplay experience. Quests can be completed mostly with any of the protagonists, but each character will have their own, unique missions.
Naoe Fujibayashi
Trained as a shinobi assassin from Iga Province, Naoe embarks on a quest for revenge to honor an impossible promise. Agile and quick-witted, Naoe uses noise, light, and shadows to evade detection, distract guards, and infiltrate enemy bases. Her arsenal includes kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook, making her a master of stealth.

Yasuke
Once a loyal samurai for Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke now confronts the demons of his past. As a legendary and charismatic warrior, Yasuke strikes his foes with brutal precision and power. His combat skills include attacking, blocking, and parrying. His skill set differs from Naoe’s greatly. Yasuke is believed to come from Mozambique; he was a real historical figure, however, there aren’t many details concerning his life.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date and platforms
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date was set for November 15, 2024. Those who own Ubisoft+ Premium can enjoy the Ultimate Edition from November 12. This exclusive early access offers devoted fans a prime chance to immerse themselves in the game ahead of the crowd. The newest AC game will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Editions:
- Standard Edition: includes only the game
- Gold Edition: includes a 3-day early start, the season pass,
- Ultimate Edition: includes a 3-day early start, the season pass, and the ultimate pack (skins, 5 skill points, and a red dragon photo filter)
Pre-ordering the game also grants a bonus quest: Thrown to the dogs.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows trailers
The official cinematic trailer provides an in-depth look at the game’s rich world, dynamic gameplay, and compelling story. The trailer showcases both Naoe and Yasuke in action, highlighting their unique skills and the breathtaking landscapes of Feudal Japan.
Conclusion
This title is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases in the franchise’s history. With its dual-character gameplay, non-linear campaign, and richly detailed setting of Feudal Japan, this game promises to offer a unique and immersive experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Mark your calendars for November 15!