Assassin's Creed Shadows Playthrough Duration Revealed

Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours

If you're eager to dive into the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows), get ready for a substantial journey. At the AC Shadows' Showcase Event in Kyoto, Creative Director Johnathan Dumont shared insights into what players can expect. The main campaign is set to take around 30-40 hours to complete, ensuring a deep and immersive experience. Beyond the main storyline, there's an impressive 80+ hours of side content to explore, offering even more adventures and challenges.

Excitingly, the team is considering adding a New Game+ mode in future updates, a feature many fans have been requesting since its absence in AC Valhalla. Dumont also highlighted AC Shadows' rich features, including a dynamic world with changing seasons and weather systems, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an extensively customizable hideout. The narrative will tie into future Assassin's Creed games and projects, expanding the Animus story universe.

Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game

The creation of AC Shadows is a dream come true for the development team, centered around the captivating setting of Japan. Dumont explained that the natural movement of Japan's landscapes was crucial to their vision, and with today's technology, they can bring this to life alongside a compelling narrative. The game draws inspiration from Japanese cinema classics like 13 Assassins, Sekigahara, Zatoichi, and films by Kurosawa, but with a unique Assassin's Creed twist.

The team is aware of the online controversy, particularly around the inclusion of Yasuke as a black samurai, a sensitive topic in Japanese history. Despite this, Dumont emphasized their commitment to delivering a high-quality game that respects and showcases their dedication to Japanese culture.

Deep Dive Into The Hideout

Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, AC Shadows provided a detailed look at the Hideout's features and mechanics on their official website. Nestled in the secret valley of Izumi Settsu province, the Hideout serves as the player's base of operations for building the Brotherhood. Systems Associate Director Dany described it as a bold step forward, 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."

Players will have an acre of land at their disposal to customize freely, placing buildings, pavilions, pathways, and local flora and fauna. Dany emphasized, "We really want players to make the Hideout their own," adding that customization options unlock as players progress, reflecting their journey through the game.

A League of Your Own

The Hideout will not only be a customizable space but also a home for various characters who aid the player's cause. Each character has their own backstory and challenges, and their placement within the Hideout reflects their preferences, such as fighters spending time in the Dojo or others enjoying sake in the Zashiki.

This setup fosters new dialogue and interactions between characters, making the Hideout a dynamic and vibrant community. Dany noted, "Having our allies in one place creates opportunities for character development," and shared how a collaborative effort from writers across four different studios crafted unique interactions, turning the Hideout into the "beating heart of the league."

With its detailed features and mechanics, Assassin's Creed Shadows promises to deliver an authentic and engaging Japanese experience, true to the Assassin's Creed style.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news on Assassin’s Creed Shadows by checking out our article below!