Dive into the world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, where the main campaign promises an immersive journey lasting around 30-40 hours. Announced during the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, Creative Director Johnathan Dumont shared insights into the game's extensive content and the team's ambitious vision.
Main Campaign Will Be Around 30-40 Hours
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* (AC Shadows) is set to offer players a main campaign experience that spans 30-40 hours, with an additional 80+ hours of side content to explore. In discussions with Genki Gamer, Dumont highlighted the team's consideration of adding a New Game+ mode and other features based on player feedback. This addition is particularly exciting for fans, as the absence of New Game+ in *AC Valhalla* left many wanting more.
Dumont also detailed the game's dynamic world, which features changing seasons and weather systems, along with new gameplay mechanics and an expanded customizable hideout. The narrative will weave into the broader *Animus* storyline, connecting to future *Assassin’s Creed* projects.
Working on a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed Game
The development team's passion for creating a Japanese-themed *Assassin’s Creed* game shines through, with Dumont expressing that it was a dream project. He explained that the natural movement of Japan’s landscapes is now possible with current technology, enabling a rich and compelling story. The game draws inspiration from iconic Japanese films like *13 Assassins*, *Sekigahara*, *Zatoichi*, and works by Kurosawa, yet adds a unique *Assassin’s Creed* twist.
Despite some online controversy, particularly regarding the inclusion of Yasuke as a black samurai, Dumont assured that the team is committed to delivering an exceptional game and showcasing their dedication to Japanese culture and history.
Deep Dive Into The Hideout
Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu
On March 5, 2025, *AC Shadows* released a detailed exploration of the Hideout's features and mechanics on their official website. Nestled in the secluded valley of Izumi Settsu, the Hideout serves as the players' base of operations for building the Brotherhood. Systems Associate Director Dany described it as an ambitious project, offering players an acre of land to customize with buildings, pavilions, pathways, and local flora and fauna. "We really want players to make the Hideout their own," Dany stated, emphasizing that customization options expand as players progress through the game.
A League of Your Own
The Hideout will also be home to various characters who aid the player, each with unique backstories and challenges. Their placement within the Hideout will depend on the areas they resonate with, such as fighters in the Dojo or those enjoying sake in the Zashiki. This setup fosters new interactions and dialogues, making the Hideout a vibrant and dynamic space. Dany highlighted the collaborative effort of writers from four different studios, who crafted interactions to enhance the Hideout's role as the heart of the league.
With its rich features and mechanics, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* aims to deliver an authentic Japanese experience in the *Assassin’s Creed* style. The game is slated for release on March 20, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights by checking out our latest articles!
