Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an immersive and expansive experience, with the main campaign estimated to take between 30-40 hours to complete. For those seeking more after the credits roll, Ubisoft is actively considering a New Game+ mode for future updates, based on community feedback. This addition would allow players to carry over their progress into a new playthrough—something that was notably absent in previous entries like *Assassin’s Creed Valhalla*, much to the disappointment of fans.

Beyond the core narrative, the game offers over 80 hours of additional content, ensuring that players who enjoy exploration, side missions, and world-building will find plenty to keep them engaged. The title also introduces a dynamic open world featuring real-time weather and seasonal changes, along with new gameplay mechanics and an all-new Animus storyline designed to connect future Assassin’s Creed titles and projects.

A Dream Project: Bringing Assassin’s Creed to Japan

Creative Director Jonathan Dumont shared his enthusiasm for the project during the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, expressing how the development team saw this as a dream opportunity to bring the franchise to Japan. With modern technology now capable of capturing the natural beauty and movement of Japan's landscapes, the developers were able to craft a rich, atmospheric setting paired with a compelling narrative.

The game draws inspiration from classic Japanese cinema such as *13 Assassins*, *Sekigahara*, *Zatoichi*, and the works of Akira Kurosawa, blending historical aesthetics with the signature elements of the Assassin’s Creed universe. While the game has faced some online criticism—particularly around the portrayal of Yasuke, the black samurai—the team remains focused on delivering a high-quality experience that resonates with both longtime fans and Japanese audiences alike.

Inside the Hideout: Your Personal Base of Operations

One of the most exciting features of AC Shadows is the Hideout, located in the secluded Izumi Settsu valley. This base serves as your central hub for building up the Brotherhood and is described by Systems Associate Director Dany as “pretty ambitious.” Unlike past games that featured fortresses, villas, cafés, and even moving trains as bases, this iteration aims to offer full creative freedom in construction and customization.

Players are given a generous plot of land where they can place structures, pavilions, pathways, and even local flora and fauna. As you progress through the game, more customization options become available, allowing your Hideout to evolve alongside your journey. The goal is clear: give players the tools to create a truly personal space that reflects their playstyle and choices.

A Living Community of Allies

The Hideout isn’t just a static base—it’s alive with characters, each with unique backstories and roles. Depending on how you build and where you place certain areas, characters will naturally gravitate toward spaces that align with their personalities or skills. Fighters may gather in the Dojo, while others might relax in the Zashiki with a cup of sake.

This design allows for organic character interactions and evolving dialogue, creating meaningful opportunities for storytelling and development. According to Dany, the writing team—which spanned four different studios globally—was brought together to brainstorm scenarios such as, “What if these two characters became roommates?” The result? A vibrant, dynamic Hideout filled with small but memorable moments that make it feel like the true heart of your league.

With its deep world-building, expanded customization, and commitment to delivering a culturally inspired Japanese setting, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series yet. Scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, the game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.