*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to the expansive *Assassin’s Creed* franchise, rich with history and intrigue. Whether you're diving into *Shadows* as your first *Assassin’s Creed* game or returning after a hiatus, here’s what you should know to enhance your experience.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered
Image via Xbox Wire. The Assassin’s Creed timeline spans continents and epochs, offering a diverse range of standalone stories, especially following Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan, a period and setting distinct from other games in the series. The closest temporal connection might be Brotherhood and Revelations, which explored Italy and Constantinople in the early 1500s. However, due to the significant distance in both time and place, Shadows stands alone without direct ties to these earlier titles.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered
In its inception during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era, the Assassin’s Creed series featured a compelling modern-day narrative thread, prominently featuring Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North. Over time, these modern-day stories have evolved and sometimes struggled to resonate with players.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to re-engage fans. You don't need prior knowledge of the franchise's modern-day arcs to enjoy Shadows. However, the modern-day elements in Shadows are subtle and intriguing, woven sparingly throughout the game.
Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You’ve Played It Before?
Naoe receives her Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Image via Ubisoft. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t a direct sequel to any specific game, Ubisoft pays homage to the series' legacy through Easter eggs, nods, and familiar iconography that seasoned fans will appreciate. These connections are designed to be enjoyable but not overwhelming for newcomers.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, yet it incorporates core elements from the franchise such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These elements are introduced gradually, allowing both new and returning players ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without being bogged down by previous lore.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
