*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* invites players into a vast open world set in Feudal Japan, but the freedom to explore comes after the initial prologue. Here's when you can start exploring the open world in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*:
How Long is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Prologue? Answered
Ubisoft's tradition of providing expansive open worlds is well-known, but they often precede these with extended introductions. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* breaks from this mold slightly, offering a shorter wait before players can dive into exploring Japan.
The game begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the world and introduces the dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. This section not only introduces the Samurai and Shinobi perspectives but also acquaints players with Iga, Naoe's homeland, and her journey beyond it. Expect a mix of epic set pieces and expository dialogue, which should take about an hour and a half to complete.
Once you complete the "From Spark to Flame" Quest and establish your Kakurega (Hideout) at Tomiko’s Homestead, you'll be free to explore the open world.
Can You Go Anywhere in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Right Away? Answered
Upon gaining access to the open world, players start in the Izumi Settsu region, one of the nine explorable areas available at launch. Early gameplay will focus on this region before expanding to the Yamashiro province to the north.
While the story and certain quests may anchor Naoe and Yasuke to specific locations, you can venture into other provinces. However, two factors may deter early exploration. First, the lack of quests and activities in these areas, as they unlock progressively through the story. Second, the RPG elements of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* include level requirements for different regions. You can view these requirements on the map; regions marked with a number in a red diamond indicate that you are significantly under-leveled, suggesting potential instant death from enemies if you venture there prematurely.
In summary, while you can technically rush into higher-level regions, it's advisable to wait until you're adequately prepared to avoid a challenging and potentially frustrating experience.
