Ubisoft has finally taken a bold step by setting the next chapter of the Assassin’s Creed franchise in feudal Japan. Titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this installment is one of the most highly anticipated releases in the series. Fans have long requested a Japanese setting, and Ubisoft delivers by combining its historical narrative style with a setting filled with samurai, shinobi, and political turmoil.
The game blends the traditional elements of stealth, parkour, and open-world exploration with new mechanics tailored for the Japanese setting. From lush landscapes to authentic architecture, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises a deep, immersive experience that reflects the beauty and brutality of Japan’s Sengoku period.
The Setting: Feudal Japan in the Sengoku Period
Historical Backdrop
The story unfolds in 16th-century Japan, during the Sengoku era, a time of political upheaval, rival warlords, and constant battles for power. This was a period where samurai honor clashed with the shadowy tactics of shinobi (ninjas), making it the perfect setting for an Assassin’s Creed narrative.
Ubisoft has recreated iconic Japanese landscapes, from bustling villages and vibrant castles to serene bamboo forests and snow-covered mountains. Players will also witness historical events and interact with real figures who shaped Japanese history, creating a dynamic mix of fiction and reality.
A Living, Breathing World
Environmental storytelling is emphasized by the developers. NPCs have realistic daily routines, weather impacts gameplay, and seasons change dynamically. For instance, lords hold political gatherings in their castles, guards switch shifts, and villagers work the land during the day. This degree of specificity improves immersion and increases the enjoyment of exploration.
Dual Protagonists: Samurai and Shinobi
Yasuke – The Samurai
One of the protagonists is Yasuke, a historical figure who was an African warrior serving under Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most powerful warlords. Ubisoft builds on his legacy, portraying him as a samurai navigating loyalty, honor, and survival in a foreign land.
Yasuke’s gameplay style emphasizes direct combat. He wields traditional samurai weapons such as katanas, spears, and heavy armor. His strength lies in head-to-head battles, duels, and large-scale confrontations. Playing as Yasuke appeals to players who enjoy straightforward, powerful fighting styles.
Naoe – The Shinobi
The second protagonist is Naoe, a fictional female shinobi who represents stealth, agility, and infiltration. Her gameplay focuses on the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula-blending into crowds, using shadows, scaling rooftops, and eliminating targets quietly.
Naoe utilizes tools like kunai, smoke bombs, grappling hooks, and poisoned darts. She can disappear into the environment, climb traditional Japanese castles, and strike unseen. Playing as Naoe captures the essence of the Assassin brotherhood’s stealth heritage.
Gameplay Mechanics in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Exploration and Parkour
Ubisoft has refined the parkour system for Japanese architecture. Players can scale pagodas, castles, and bamboo forests, while grappling hooks add verticality to movement. Unlike earlier games, shadows and hiding spots play a bigger role, as players can extinguish lights to create cover.
Combat System
The combat mechanics are designed to feel distinct between the two protagonists:
- Yasuke fights with power, precision, and heavy weaponry. He can parry, block, and break enemy defenses.
- Naoe relies on speed and agility. She dodges, counters quickly, and uses stealth-based assassinations to avoid confrontation.
Both styles give players the freedom to approach missions according to preference.
Stealth Enhancements
Stealth has been expanded to reflect ninja-inspired gameplay. Players can hide under floorboards, crawl through tall grass, or climb rooftops to eliminate targets silently. Light and sound are crucial-running or stepping on certain surfaces alerts guards, while extinguishing lanterns creates more shadows to hide in.
RPG Progression
Like recent Assassin’s Creed titles, Shadows features role-playing progression. Players can upgrade skills, unlock new abilities, and customize gear. Each protagonist has unique skill trees: Yasuke focuses on combat mastery, while Naoe specializes in stealth techniques and ninja tools.
Story and Themes
The Conflict of Ideals
The conflict between honor and secrecy is examined in Assassin’s Creed:d Code’s story. While Naoe personifies the idea of the shadows-behaving unseen for greater justice-Yasuke stands for samurai honor and devotion to one’s lord.
The larger themes of the Assassin and Templar conflict-freedom versus control, light versus shadow, tradition versus rebellion-are reflected in this duality.
Historical Figures
Ubisoft incorporates real-life figures such as Oda Nobunaga, the ambitious warlord seeking to unify Japan. His controversial methods make him both a visionary and a tyrant, positioning him as a central figure in the story.
Visuals and Audio Design
Stunning Japanese Landscapes
Ubisoft’s use of advanced technology has made Japan come to life. Rain-soaked villages, snow-capped mountains, elaborate castles, and cherry blossoms all showcase the artistry of the environment. Dynamic seasons change how players explore; for instance, snow slows movement, rain makes it easier to stealth, and sunlight makes shadows visible.
Authentic Music and Sound
The soundtrack incorporates traditional Japanese instruments such as shamisen and taiko drums, blending with modern orchestration for dramatic effect. Sound design plays a tactical role-players must listen carefully for enemy footsteps, rustling grass, or distant samurai patrols.
Release and Platforms
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release in November 2025. It will be available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Ubisoft Connect & Epic Games Store)
Ubisoft has confirmed that the game will not be available on older consoles, ensuring full optimization for next-generation hardware.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is a groundbreaking installment in the franchise, finally fulfilling fans’ long-standing dream of a Japanese setting. By introducing dual protagonists-Yasuke the samurai and Naoe the shinobi-Ubisoft offers two contrasting yet complementary gameplay experiences. The game’s emphasis on dynamic environments, refined stealth, and historical storytelling ensures it will be a standout title in the series.
For fans of open-world adventures, stealth mechanics, and Japanese culture, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to deliver one of the most immersive Assassin’s Creed experiences yet.
