Abheet Gupta 
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has long been celebrated for its immersive historical settings and intricate storytelling. The upcoming installment, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, continues this tradition, transporting players to 16th-century Japan during the tumultuous Sengoku period. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, this action role-playing game is the fourteenth major entry in the series and serves as a successor to 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, Shadows will be available on PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, macOS, and iPadOS. As the release date approaches, select reviewers and critics have begun delving into early versions of the game, providing insights into its plot and features. Below, we explore some of the leaked details and other notable aspects of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows as posted on Reddit.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Plot Leaks and Story Spoilers
Note: The following section contains potential spoilers based on leaked information.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, specifically starting in 1579 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period—the final stage of the Sengoku period, a time of civil war and shifting allegiances. The game portrays Oda Nobunaga at the height of his power, having recently defeated the Takeda clan using advanced arquebus firearms. One of the key historical events depicted is Nobunaga’s assault on the Iga province in 1581, a battle that saw the near-destruction of the Iga ikki, a community of shinobi known for their mastery of ninjutsu arts.
The game’s world spans central Japan, featuring cities such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and the Iga province, with historical castles like Takeda and Fukuchiyama serving as exploration hubs and intricate dungeons. The setting reflects Japan’s growing urbanization, showcasing bustling ports, samurai districts, and elaborate architecture designed for dynamic parkour and movement. The influence of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries, who introduced Christianity and new military technologies like cannons and long guns, also plays a role in shaping the game’s environment and narrative.
Players begin their journey as Yasuke, a formidable samurai in Nobunaga’s service, before transitioning to Naoe, a shinobi from Iga. The game explores themes of betrayal and vengeance, with Naoe believing Nobunaga to be responsible for her father’s death and the destruction of her homeland. Seeking revenge, she aligns herself with Akechi Mitsuhide, unaware that he and his faction—the Shinbakufu—are the true masterminds behind the attack on Iga.
Yasuke’s path intertwines with Naoe’s when he witnesses her failed assassination attempt on Nobunaga. Recognizing the Assassin’s emblem on her hidden blade, Yasuke spares her life. Later, a dying man bearing the same symbol implores Yasuke to protect Naoe and embrace the ways of the Assassins, leading him to question his loyalty and seek a new purpose. As the story unfolds, Naoe and Yasuke must navigate the treacherous political landscape, uncover hidden truths, and challenge the rising power of the Templars within Japan.
The game features numerous motion-captured cutscenes, enhancing its cinematic quality, though some leaked sources mention minor synchronization issues with non-playable characters. The title card appears about two hours into the game, followed by a time skip that advances the story into its central conflict.
Other Important Details
Early impressions from leaked sources suggest that both main and side quests are engaging, with one player completing eight main missions within the first 10-11 hours. The game emphasizes stealth mechanics reminiscent of earlier Assassin’s Creed titles, complemented by a well-polished combat system. However, some feedback indicates that the dodging and parry mechanics may feel slower than expected.
A meditation mini-game is featured, unlocking flashback cutscenes that provide deeper character backstories. While hair customization options akin to those in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are absent, a transmog system allows players to alter the appearance of weapons and outfits.
The game boasts a total of 55 trophies on PlayStation Network, including one that challenges players to visit all cities on the map. This encourages exploration and immersion in the richly detailed environments of feudal Japan.
Overall, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is shaping up to be a standout entry in the franchise, blending historical authenticity with compelling storytelling and diverse gameplay mechanics. Fans eagerly await its official release to fully experience the adventures of Naoe and Yasuke.
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