Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Everything You Need to Know Before Launch

A New Assassin’s Creed Journey Begins

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is set to take players to feudal Japan for the first time with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, launching on 20 March 2025 for PlayStation 5. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, Shadows introduces a dual-protagonist system, a dynamic open world, and new gameplay mechanics that aim to blend the franchise’s signature stealth and action elements in a fresh way. With the game just a few weeks away, here’s a detailed look at everything you need to know before its release.

A Historic Setting – Feudal Japan in the Azuchi-Momoyama Period

For years, fans have been asking for an Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan, and Ubisoft has finally answered. Shadows is set during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1600), a time of political upheaval and unification under warlords like Oda Nobunaga. Players will be able to explore locations such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and the Iga province, with a map designed for greater realism. Castles, fortresses, and villages will be fully explorable, and key locations like Takeda and Fukuchiyama castles serve as detailed dungeons. The game’s world reacts to changing seasons, meaning landscapes will shift as time progresses, influencing gameplay and exploration.

Dual Protagonists – Play as a Shinobi or a Samurai

The story follows two protagonists, Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a samurai warrior. Their contrasting playstyles offer players a mix of stealth-based gameplay and direct combat, allowing for different approaches to missions.

• Naoe – A member of the Assassin Brotherhood, she excels in stealth, agility, and deception. She wields tools like the Hidden Blade, shuriken, kunai, and a grappling hook for traversal. She can go prone and crawl, making her one of the most stealth-oriented protagonists in the series.
• Yasuke – Inspired by the historical African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke is a heavy-hitting warrior, using weapons like the katana, kanabō war club, and yari spear. His brute strength allows him to break through obstacles and overpower enemies in melee combat.

Players will be able to switch between Naoe and Yasuke depending on the mission, giving them the freedom to tackle objectives using stealth or direct confrontation. Some enemies will react differently depending on which character is being played, showing fear towards Yasuke while being more aggressive towards Naoe.

Stealth, Combat, and Gameplay Innovations

The game introduces new stealth mechanics, such as dynamic lighting and shadow manipulation, allowing players to interact with their environment in more tactical ways. Weather conditions also affect gameplay, with rain masking movement sounds and strong winds altering enemy perception.

Ubisoft has incorporated several features to enhance immersion. The dynamic world evolves over time, with changing seasons affecting gameplay. In winter, lakes will freeze over, creating new paths, while in spring, tall grass will grow, providing better hiding spots.

Shadows introduces a base-building system, where players can construct and customise their own Hideout. This location serves as a headquarters where allies can be recruited, weapons upgraded, and new abilities unlocked. Players can also send out scouts to gather information and complete side missions.

A new Canon Mode provides a more structured narrative experience, removing major story choices and offering a developer-intended storyline. This feature is designed for those who prefer a linear experience, similar to the approach taken in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Players will also be able to engage in relationships, forming connections with various NPCs. This element adds a personal dimension to the game, allowing for deeper interactions within the world.

Optimised for PlayStation 5 Pro

The game has been optimised for PlayStation 5 Pro, delivering enhanced visuals, smoother frame rates, and improved environmental details. The PS5 Pro’s power allows for faster load times, more immersive world-building, and better lighting effects, making the dynamic weather and seasonal changes even more visually impressive. Ubisoft has also confirmed that players will have access to HUD customisation options and an immersive mode, which removes unnecessary UI elements for a more cinematic experience.

Pre-Orders and Available Editions

With the combination of historical accuracy, evolving environments, diverse combat styles, and deep RPG elements, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise.

Pre-orders are now live at KOODOO.co.za, where you can secure your copy ahead of launch. The game will be available in multiple editions:

• Collector’s Edition – R7,799
• Special Edition – R1,499
• Standard Edition PS5 – R1,399
• Standard Edition Xbox – R1,399

When Assassin’s Creed Shadows officially releases on 20 March 2025, you will be able to purchase it directly from KOODOO.co.za. Whether approaching missions from the shadows or facing enemies head-on, players will be able to experience Feudal Japan like never before.