Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft. As the fourteenth major entry in the long-running Assassin’s Creed series, Shadows follows the traditions of the franchise while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a setting deeply rooted in the history of feudal Japan. The game is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, and iPadOS.

Set during the late 16th century in Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place in a time of great conflict and transformation. The narrative follows two protagonists: Fujibayashi Naoe, a female shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai inspired by the historical figure of the same name. The game delves into the classic struggle between the Assassin Brotherhood, who fight for freedom, and the Templar Order, who seek control in the name of peace. Through these two distinct characters, players experience different approaches to combat, stealth, and exploration, making Shadows a multifaceted experience.

The gameplay retains the series’ hallmark action-adventure and stealth elements, but with several innovations tailored to the Japanese setting. Shadows utilizes an upgraded version of Ubisoft’s Anvil engine, allowing for dynamic lighting, environmental interactions, and new stealth features. Players can use breakable objects, a grappling hook for parkour, and even manipulate shadows for stealth advantages. Seasonal changes in the game world introduce gameplay variations, such as frozen water in winter or dense foliage in spring, altering tactical possibilities. Missions are designed with non-linear approaches, letting players decide how they track and eliminate their targets, while recruiting spies and bribing officials to gather intelligence.

Combat and character abilities further distinguish the two protagonists. Yasuke specializes in direct, powerful combat with heavy weapons like the katana, kanabō, and arquebus firearms, while Naoe excels in stealth-based tactics, using tools like shuriken, kunai, and smoke bombs. Her combat style also includes the series’ iconic hidden blade, and she can employ the kusarigama for both offensive and traversal purposes. A major innovation in Shadows is the refined stealth system, where hiding in the dark provides true invisibility, and players must be mindful of lighting conditions to avoid detection. The return of Eagle Vision allows players to mark enemies, but without revealing them through walls, making stealth play more tactical than in previous entries.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows faithfully recreates key historical events and figures from the era, including Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most powerful warlords. The game’s world spans locations such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and the Iga province, featuring historically accurate castles and dungeons for players to explore. With the presence of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries influencing the narrative, the game offers a rich depiction of Japan’s shifting cultural landscape in the late 1500s. Parkour and vertical exploration play a significant role in navigating these diverse environments, with bustling urban centers, samurai districts, and fortified strongholds offering a variety of challenges.

Despite excitement for the game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced some controversy and delays. Initially set for a 2024 release, Ubisoft postponed the launch twice to allow further refinements. Additionally, criticism arose over the inclusion of Yasuke as a central character, with some questioning his historical accuracy as a samurai. Ubisoft defended this choice, arguing that Yasuke’s unique perspective allows players to experience Japan through the eyes of an outsider. Furthermore, concerns over cultural sensitivity emerged due to design choices related to shrines and in-game representations of historical sites. Despite these debates, Shadows remains one of the most anticipated releases in the Assassin’s Creed franchise and was nominated for the Most Wanted Game award at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024.