Assassin's Creed Shadows: Gameplay, Protagonists, Feudal Japan

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

Ubisoft's highly anticipated next chapter in the legendary franchise, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to transport players to the tumultuous world of 16th-century feudal Japan. Launching on November 15, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the game represents a significant evolution for the series, introducing a dynamic open world, refined stealth mechanics, and a groundbreaking dual-protagonist system.

Here’s a complete breakdown of everything confirmed for this ambitious new title.

Meet the Protagonists: The Shinobi and the Samurai

For the first time in a mainline Assassin's Creed game, players will seamlessly switch between two distinct protagonists whose stories are deeply intertwined: Naoe, the shinobi, and Yasuke, the samurai.

Naoe

A skilled shinobi assassin from the Iga Province, Naoe embodies the classic stealth gameplay core to the franchise. Her character is focused on agility, infiltration, and silent takedowns. Equipped with a versatile grappling hook, a kusarigama (chain-sickle), and an arsenal of shinobi tools, her gameplay emphasizes using light and shadow to her advantage. Players can crawl prone, extinguish lights to create darkness, and utilize a refined Eagle Vision to stalk their prey from the rooftops and rafters.

Yasuke

A powerful samurai of African origin, Yasuke is based on the real-life historical figure who served under the warlord Oda Nobunaga. His gameplay is built around direct, brutal combat. As a formidable samurai, Yasuke can block, parry, and execute powerful attacks with weapons like the katana, kanabo, and yari. He can break down doors, engage multiple enemies at once, and his presence is meant to be intimidating and commanding. While less adept at stealth, his sheer strength offers a completely different approach to objectives.

Evolved Gameplay and a Dynamic World

Assassin's Creed Shadows is being built on an upgraded version of the Anvil engine, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive world than ever before. A central theme is the interplay of light and shadow, which is not just a visual element but a core gameplay mechanic.

Dynamic Seasons

The game world will progress through all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. This isn't just a cosmetic change; seasons directly impact gameplay. For example, in winter, icicles can fall and create noise, while frozen ponds can be broken to plunge enemies into icy water. In spring, tall grass provides better cover for Naoe.

Advanced Stealth

Shadows introduces a comprehensive light and shadow system. Staying in the dark makes Naoe nearly invisible, while carrying a lantern or entering a well-lit area increases her visibility. Players can extinguish torches and lanterns to create pockets of darkness for infiltration.

Shinobi Hideout and Spy Network

Players will build and customize their own shinobi hideout, which serves as a central hub. From here, you can upgrade Naoe and Yasuke's gear and skills. You will also build a network of spies that can be sent on missions to gather intel, revealing enemy locations, targets, and mission opportunities across the map.

Post-Launch Content and Expansions

While Ubisoft has not yet detailed the full post-launch roadmap, the Gold and Ultimate Editions of Assassin's Creed Shadows include the Season Pass. This pass confirms players will receive access to two major expansions following the game's release. These expansions are expected to introduce new storylines, locations, and characters, further building upon the rich setting of feudal Japan. Additionally, a bonus quest, 'Thrown to the Dogs,' will be available at launch for Season Pass holders. More specific details on the narrative and scope of these expansions will likely be revealed closer to or after the game's November launch.