"Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Playable Without Prior AC Experience"

If you're diving into the expansive world of Assassin’s Creed, Shadows stands as a monumental entry that immerses players in a rich historical narrative. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century Japan, this game ventures into uncharted territory within the franchise, offering a standalone experience while still weaving in subtle nods to its storied past. Whether you're a newcomer eager to explore the series or a seasoned fan revisiting familiar themes, here’s what you need to know.

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Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered

Image via Xbox Wire.
The Assassin’s Creed universe spans centuries and continents, with each title typically standing alone in terms of plot and setting. Since Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, the series has embraced more self-contained narratives. Shadows takes place in Japan during the 16th century, a significant departure from earlier settings like Italy and Constantinople in the early 1500s. Given the vast temporal and geographical gap, there are no direct ties between Shadows and previous games.

Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered
In the early iterations of the series on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the modern-day storyline connected various titles through characters like Desmond Miles. However, recent entries have shifted focus, and Shadows introduces a fresh modern-day narrative aimed at reigniting interest. Rest assured, you won’t need prior knowledge of the franchise’s modern-era plots to enjoy this installment. That said, the modern-day elements remain sparse and shrouded in mystery.

Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series? Does It Matter If You’ve Played It Before?

Naoe receives her Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft.
Though Shadows doesn’t directly follow any specific game, Ubisoft ensures longtime fans feel connected. Subtle Easter eggs, references, and iconic imagery subtly honor the franchise’s legacy without overwhelming newcomers. Key elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars are present, yet their roles unfold gradually over time. New and returning players alike can ease into Feudal Japan without feeling pressured to catch up on earlier lore.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.