Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, as the game promises a main campaign that will take you on a journey lasting around 30-40 hours. During the AC Shadows' Showcase Event in Kyoto, Creative Director Johnathan Dumont shared insights into what fans can expect from this highly anticipated title.
Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours
Dumont revealed that completing the main storyline of *Assassin's Creed Shadows* (AC Shadows) will take players approximately 30-40 hours. For those looking to explore beyond the main quest, there's an additional 80+ hours of side content to dive into. Excitingly, the development team is considering the addition of a New Game+ mode and other features based on player feedback. This is particularly thrilling news for fans who were disappointed by the absence of New Game+ in *AC Valhalla*.
Dumont also highlighted several innovative features in AC Shadows, including a dynamic world with changing seasons and weather systems, new gameplay mechanics, and an expanded customizable hideout. The game will also introduce a new Animus story that connects to future *Assassin's Creed* projects.
Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game
The team's passion for creating a game set in Japan was evident in Dumont's comments. He explained that the natural movement of Japan's landscapes was crucial to their vision, and with current technology, they could bring this to life alongside a compelling narrative. The game draws inspiration from iconic Japanese films like *13 Assassins*, *Sekigahara*, *Zatoichi*, and works by Kurosawa, yet it maintains the unique *Assassin's Creed* flair.
Dumont acknowledged the online controversy surrounding the inclusion of Yasuke, the black samurai, in the game, which has sparked debate due to its historical and cultural implications. Despite this, the team remains committed to delivering an exceptional gaming experience and showcasing their dedication to their Japanese audience.
Deep Dive Into The Hideout
Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu
On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows provided a detailed look into the Hideout's features and mechanics on their official website. Nestled in the secret valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout serves as the players' base of operations for building the Brotherhood. Systems Associate Director Dany described it as an ambitious project, saying, "After fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, café-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, assassin bureaus... We knew that if we wanted to make anything new on that front, we had to take a bold step forward. That meant giving players the option to build their homebase with complete freedom."
Players will have an acre of land to customize, allowing them to place buildings, pavilions, pathways, and local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized, "We really want players to make the Hideout their own." As players progress through the game, they'll unlock more customization options, reflecting their journey.
A League of Your Own
The Hideout will also be home to various characters who assist the player, each with their own backstories and challenges. These characters will interact with the Hideout based on the placement of buildings and areas, such as fighters spending time in the Dojo or others enjoying sake in the Zashiki. This setup allows for new dialogues and interactions, making the Hideout a dynamic and lively hub for your allies.
Dany highlighted the importance of character development within the Hideout, stating, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development. We gathered the writers (from 4 different studios all over the world) in a meeting and had them create interactions inspired by questions like, 'What would happen if these two characters suddenly became roommates?' I really love all the cool little moments they came up with. It makes the Hideout feel like the beating heart of the league."
With its rich features and mechanics, *Assassin's Creed Shadows* is poised to deliver an authentic Japanese experience, infused with the signature *Assassin's Creed* style.
*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new chapter in the *Assassin's Creed* saga.
