Delayed Respawnse
  • About
  • Articles
  • Games
  • Franchises
  • Respawnses
  • Tier Lists
Find Your Next Game
  • Home
  • About
  • Articles
  • Games
  • Xbox
  • Playstation
  • Nintendo
  • PC
  • Franchises
  • Respawnses
  • How We Score Games
  • Tier Lists
  • Take Our Quiz
  • Join the Community
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Games
  4. /
  5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Overall Rating: 3.25 • 57 reviews

Step into a stunning vision of feudal Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where intrigue and adventure await around every corner. Master stealth, strategy, and swordplay as you uncover hidden secrets in a world brimming with danger and beauty.

Get It Now Join the Community

Details

Some of the particulars and information about Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Developer: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 20, 2025
How Long to Beat: 34 hrs

Ratings

Some of the ratings and scores for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
81 Metacritic
8 IGN
B Our Score

Genres

Action
Adventure
Open World
Role-Playing Game

Systems

Here's where you can find Assassin’s Creed Shadows and play.

ESRB: Mature

Language
Blood and Gore
Intense Violence
Users Interact
Respawnse

Our Take on Assassin’s Creed Shadows

For years, fans have dreamed of an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan. Ubisoft finally delivered with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a bold new chapter that explores a stunning world of samurai honor, shinobi stealth, and political intrigue.

It is a game of contrasts. You play as Naoe, a shinobi who strikes from the shadows, and Yasuke, a samurai who embodies strength and discipline. Two perspectives, two playstyles, and one deeply realized setting that stands among the best in the series.

While Shadows refines much of what made the modern Assassin’s Creed formula work, it also plays things safe in certain areas. The result is a strong entry that blends the best parts of the franchise’s identity with a more focused world and tone. It is not revolutionary, but it is undeniably satisfying.

Read Full Respawnse
Overview
Why Play?
How Much Time?
Overview

Assassin’s Creed Shadows invites players into a bold new chapter of the beloved franchise, offering a captivating blend of stealth, action, and narrative intrigue.

Why Play?

If you’re looking for a game that seamlessly blends entertainment with a sense of discovery, Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands out as a rewarding choice.

How Much Time?

Curious about how much time you’ll need to set aside for Assassin’s Creed Shadows? You’ll find that Assassin's Creed Shadows is designed to be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Vivid Feudal Japan Setting

Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to the heart of feudal Japan, a long-awaited setting that brings a fresh atmosphere to the franchise. Richly detailed landscapes blend lush countryside with bustling villages and imposing castles, allowing for a deep sense of immersion.

The game’s world is designed with a wide variety of environments, ranging from serene bamboo forests to intricate urban landscapes, encouraging exploration at your own pace. The dedication to historical authenticity mixes seamlessly with signature Assassin’s Creed elements, providing a vibrant backdrop where culture, politics, and folklore intertwine to create an engaging playground for adventure.

Dual Protagonist Dynamic

What sets Assassin’s Creed Shadows apart is its innovative dual protagonist system. Players switch between a skilled shinobi assassin and a resilient samurai warrior, each offering unique gameplay approaches and personal narratives. This dynamic lets you experiment with stealth and precision as the shinobi or dive into direct, strategic combat as the samurai.

Meaningful choices and tailored missions for each character add replay value and provide a variety of experiences, ensuring that your play sessions can remain fresh, even with limited time to invest.

Streamlined Mechanics for Immersive Play

With an eye toward accessibility and enjoyable gameplay, Assassin’s Creed Shadows refines many of the series’ core systems. Parkour feels smoother, and the combat system accommodates different play styles without overwhelming complexity. Side activities such as crafting, hunting, and gathering information are designed to fit easily into shorter play sessions, so you can make meaningful progress whenever you play.

All of this ensures that immersion is front and center, making it easier for players to get lost in the world without the need to master an exhaustive list of mechanics or invest dozens of hours just to get started.

Rich Storytelling with Emotional Depth

One compelling reason to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows is its focus on nuanced, character-driven storytelling. The narrative explores the complexities of loyalty, honor, and personal ambition as experienced by its protagonists.

As you progress, you’ll encounter morally challenging decisions that impact not only the main storyline but also the characters’ growth and relationships. This emphasis on emotional storytelling adds a layer of depth that draws players in, helping you form genuine connections with the protagonists and the vibrant world they inhabit.

Dynamic World Interactions

Assassin’s Creed Shadows incorporates a living world that responds organically to your actions. Whether you choose to blend into crowds, interact with local craftsmen, or influence power dynamics among rival factions, the environment evolves based on your involvement. These responsive systems create a sense of agency, making your choices feel impactful and rewarding.

It’s not just about completing missions; the world feels reactive and alive, encouraging experimentation and exploration beyond the main objectives.

Stunning Audio-Visual Presentation

The immersive experience in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is elevated by its breathtaking audio and visual design. The game showcases meticulously crafted environments, atmospheric lighting, and detailed character animations that together bring feudal Japan to life.

The soundtrack and ambient sound effects further enhance the sense of place, from the quiet rustle of bamboo forests to the lively energy of market streets. These sensory details make every session memorable, ensuring each visit to the game world feels like a new adventure waiting to unfold.

Main Story Completion Time

The amount of time it takes to finish the main storyline in Assassin’s Creed Shadows will depend on your approach, but most players can expect to spend around 25 to 35 hours on the core narrative alone. This estimate focuses on advancing through the principal missions while occasionally engaging with side content that naturally appears along the way. If your gaming time is limited or you prefer shorter sessions, you’ll still be able to make steady progress, as the story is divided into digestible chapters that can be enjoyed at your own pace.

Exploring Side Activities and Optional Quests

For those who enjoy venturing off the beaten path, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a wealth of optional activities that can significantly extend your playtime. Taking part in side quests, uncovering hidden secrets, and engaging in character-specific missions can easily add 15 to 20 hours or more to your total time spent in the game. These extra objectives are designed to be accessible whether you dedicate just a few moments or several hours at a time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world’s detailed environments and stories without feeling overwhelmed.

Total Completion and Replay Value

If you’re determined to see and experience everything Assassin’s Creed Shadows has to offer, including collecting every secret, maxing out character abilities, and completing all achievements, you may find your playtime reaching 60 hours or longer. The game’s dual protagonist system adds even more replay value, presenting opportunities to revisit earlier missions and explore alternative outcomes with different characters. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re in it for a focused adventure or a deeply explorative journey, the game can easily fit the amount of time you’re comfortable investing.

Trailer

A Quick Look at Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Curious what Assassin’s Creed Shadows is all about? The trailer gives you a great first look at the world, the vibe, and the kind of story you're stepping into.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trailer
Videos

Related videos for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

These videos give some tips and pointers on getting started with Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin's Creed Shadows: 10 BIGGEST Changes You NEED TO KNOW

gameranx

Assassin's Creed Shadows: 8 Things You Need to Know

IGN

DON'T BUY!! Assassin's Creed Shadows Before Watching..

Blakwoodz

The Absolute Disaster Of Assassin's Creed Shadows

The Critical Gamer
Backbone Pro

Competing For the TV at Home? Here’s the Next Best Thing

You don’t have to compete with the family for the TV to play console games anymore. With the Backbone One, your phone becomes your Xbox or PS5 controller, giving you the freedom to pick up and play when life gives you a spare moment. It’s how we get most of our playtime in.

Backbone
Get Yours Today
Screenshots

Screenshots of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Want to see what Assassin’s Creed Shadows actually looks like in-game? These screenshots will hopefully give you a feel for what the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is like.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Articles

Read More About Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

November 6, 2025

What Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Do Differently Than Previous Assassin’s Creed Games?

When Assassin’s Creed Shadows was first announced, fans had one collective reaction: “Finally.” After more than a decade of requests, Ubisoft’s stealth-action series has finally…

October 30, 2025

How Long Does It Take to Beat Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings the series to feudal Japan, a setting fans have wanted for more than a decade. With two protagonists, an open world…

October 2, 2025

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Worth Playing?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of the most anticipated entries in Ubisoft’s long-running series. For years, fans begged for a mainline Assassin’s Creed set in…

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

How do the gameplay mechanics work in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a dynamic combat system that allows players to switch seamlessly between stealth and open combat. The game utilizes a combination of parkour-style movement, stealth takedowns, and a variety of weapons to create engaging and varied gameplay. Players will find intuitive controls that cater to both new and experienced fans of the series.

What are the technical requirements to run Assassin's Creed Shadows smoothly on PC?

To enjoy Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PC without performance issues, players should have at least an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 970 graphics card or equivalent. The game is optimized for modern systems, but higher-end hardware will provide a more immersive experience with enhanced graphics and smoother frame rates.

How long does it take to complete the main story in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

The main story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows can typically be completed in around 20-25 hours, depending on the player’s pace and playstyle. For those who enjoy exploring every corner and completing side quests, the game offers additional content that can extend playtime significantly, providing a rich and comprehensive gaming experience.

Does Assassin's Creed Shadows have multiplayer or online features?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows primarily focuses on the single-player narrative, but it does offer some online features, including leaderboards for specific challenges and events. While there is no traditional multiplayer mode, players can engage with the online community to share achievements and strategies.

On which platforms is Assassin's Creed Shadows available, and are there platform-specific differences?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. While the core gameplay and story remain consistent across all platforms, there may be slight graphical differences, with next-gen consoles and high-end PCs offering enhanced visual fidelity. Players can purchase the game digitally or as a physical copy from major retailers.

Franchise

Explore More From Assassin's Creed

There's more to Assassin's Creed than Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Check out some of the other games in the franchise.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Assassin’s Creed Rogue
Assassin’s Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed III
Assassin’s Creed Revelations
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed II
Learn More About the Franchise
Related Games

Other Games You Might Enjoy

If you like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, then you may like these ones as well.

It's Never Too Late to Start Playing.

Not What You're Looking For?

Great games dont have an expiration date. Take our quiz and we will find you the perfect game.

Take the Quiz
Delayed Respawnse

Some of the links on this site are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to help support the site and keep the game recommendations coming. Thanks for your support!

Copyright © 2025 Delayed Respawnse. All Rights Reserved.

Platforms

  • Xbox
  • Playstation
  • Nintendo
  • PC

About

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sitemap

Find Your Next Game

  • Take Our Quiz
  • Quiz Results
  • How We Score Games