Ready for a new adventure? Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows immerses you in feudal Japan with dual protagonists, dynamic seasons, and thrilling samurai and ninja gameplay.

Ubisoft has finally answered fans' calls for a feudal Japan setting in the Assassin's Creed series with the announcement of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Set in the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japanese history, this game introduces players to the era of samurai and shinobi, complete with katana duels and ninja arts. Here are 30 facts to enjoy about this upcoming anticipated title:

The Setting

• Time Period: The game is set during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, beginning in 1579 and continuing into the early 1580s.
• Historical Figures: Key historical figures include Oda Nobunaga, the "great unifier" of Japan, and Fujibayashi Nagato, a master ninja of the Iga clan.
• Dual Protagonists: Play as Naoe, the fictional daughter of Fujibayashi Nagato, and Yasuke, a real historical figure and the first African samurai in Japan.

Stealth and Parkour

• Dynamic Light and Shadows: A new global illumination system allows for hiding in shadows and creating darkness by destroying light sources.
• Light Meter: The UI features a light meter showing how concealed you are, from fully visible to completely hidden.
• Servants: New NPCs that can call reinforcements and raise alarms, with their own patrol routes and lanterns.
• Non-Lethal Takedowns: Players can opt for non-lethal takedowns for a more pacifist playthrough.
• Prone Position: Players can now crawl on the ground to maintain a lower profile and access small openings.
• Grappling Hook: Naoe's grappling hook allows for dynamic swinging and quick ascension to high places.
• Ceiling Spaces: Use the grappling hook to climb into ceiling spaces for ambush opportunities.
• Eagle Vision: This iconic feature returns, highlighting NPCs through walls, with enemies marked in red and servants in orange.

Combat and RPG Systems

• No Shields: The era's warfare means no shields; dodging and positioning are crucial.
• Yasuke’s Combat: As a samurai, Yasuke can block and parry attacks, while Naoe deflects enemy blows.
• Durability System: Enemy armor can be broken during combat.
• Destructible Environment: Weapons can dynamically damage props, leaving accurate marks and breaking objects.
• Period Weapons: Includes katanas, kanabō war clubs, yari spears, shuriken, kunai, and kusarigama.
• Arquebus Rifles: Yasuke can use these early firearms for long-range combat.
• Weapon Skill Trees: Each weapon has its own skill tree, improving proficiency with use.
• Katana Crafting: Players can craft and personalize their katanas, with a transmog system for gear appearance customization.
• Active Combat Skills: Unlockable by finding Ninja Scrolls in the world.
• Shared Resources: Yasuke and Naoe share XP, weapons, and resources, despite having individual skill trees and gear.

Dynamic World and Seasons

• Updated Anvil Engine: Improved lighting, detailed assets, and reduced pop-in.
• Seasons System: The world changes through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, affecting gameplay and NPC behaviors.
• Dynamic Weather: Weather conditions impact enemy sight and sound, with severe weather providing stealth opportunities.
• Detailed Ecology: The environment reacts to seasons, with features like wind-blown pollen in spring.
• Map Size: Comparable to Assassin's Creed Origins, set in Japan's central region.
• Real Provinces: Includes historical provinces like Iga, Arima, and Omi.
• Reimagined Synchronization Points: Survey areas for points of interest rather than plotting numerous icons.
• Diverse Locations: Includes towns, trading posts, farmland, colossal castles, mountains, and forests.
• Target-Focused Campaign: A non-linear campaign with a focus on tracking and hunting targets in various ways.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to deliver a rich, immersive experience set in one of the most requested eras, blending historical authenticity with the beloved mechanics of the franchise. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches.