Ubisoft has officially announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the next major installment in the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, will be released on November 15, 2024.
Pre-orders for the game are now open, with fans eagerly awaiting their chance to explore the new setting of feudal Japan, a location that has been highly requested by the series’ fanbase.
This latest installment follows the more compact Assassin’s Creed Mirage, released in 2023, and promises a return to the expansive, open-world format for which the series is known. Originally codenamed Project Red, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will immerse players in the rich history and culture of 16th-century Japan.
Dual protagonists and diverse gameplay
One of the key features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the introduction of two distinct playable characters, each offering a unique gameplay experience. Players will take on the roles of Naoe, a swift and stealthy shinobi from Iga province, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai based on the real historical figure of the same name.
While Naoe’s gameplay will focus on classic Assassin’s Creed stealth mechanics—complete with parkour, a grappling hook, and sound manipulation—Yasuke will offer a more direct, action-oriented combat style, wielding a katana and other heavy weapons. The characters’ paths, initially in conflict, eventually converge, as they work together to shape a new era in Japan.
The game is set approximately 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima and 300 years before Rise of the Ronin, positioning it firmly within the genre of Japanese historical games. Players can expect to encounter a variety of historical figures from the period as they navigate their protagonists’ intertwined storylines.
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Expansive game world and new features
Ubisoft has promised a vast, dynamic open world in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, with fully immersive environments brought to life through the company’s Anvil engine. Players will explore a richly detailed landscape, including castle towns, bustling harbors, and peaceful villages, all of which evolve over time as the story progresses. The game will feature dynamic weather and seasonal changes that will affect both gameplay and the environment.
One major addition to the game is the espionage network mechanic, which allows players to recruit allies, establish safehouses, and gather intelligence to unlock new areas and objectives. Customizable hideouts will also serve as hubs for expanding networks and training allies, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.
Performance and platform availability
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expected to run at 60 frames per second (FPS) across all platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Mac, although the latter will likely require advanced hardware such as the M2 or M3 chip for optimal performance. Rumors suggest that the PlayStation 5 Pro version will offer the best display quality, according to a recent post on X (formerly Twitter).
With its innovative gameplay features, a richly detailed setting, and the return to a large-scale open world, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of Ubisoft’s biggest releases in recent years. Fans can now pre-order the game, as they eagerly await its official launch in November.
