Assassin's Creed Shadows Has A Few Major Features Being Added To Its Vast Open World

Assassin's Creed Shadows has revealed more details about the exploration mechanics, which will include a few mechanics completely new to the franchise. This installment of the Assassin's Creed franchise takes players to Japan's Sengoku period (which took place in the 15th through 17th centuries), where they'll play the roles of the shinobi Naoe and the historical African samurai Yasuke. Developer Ubisoft has already shared details about the combat and stealth elements of the game (players will be able to switch between the two).

In a new update on the Ubisoft website, the developer shifts gears to discuss the exploration aspect of the upcoming Assassin's Creed game. Several videos show an early look at the form that exploration will take in Shadows.

The game features a large open-world map, made up of many mountains, valleys, and settlements, and learning to navigate them will be key for players. The title will, of course, include all the staples of an AC title, like synchronization points, but many elements will work differently, offering a unique take on the long-standing franchise.

Open World Activities Are Coming To Assassin's Creed Shadows

Ubisoft's take on exploration in Assassin's Creed Shadows will place a much stronger emphasis on free exploration and route planning. Unlike in previous titles, the synchronization points, called Viewpoints in Shadows, won't automatically unveil the surrounding area's map. Instead, players will have to "observe" their surroundings, using their high vantage point to spot areas of interest with quests or activities that can be highlighted the map to check out. These areas will remain unnamed until they're visited, a change that's meant to "give players a more intentional and active way to find their next adventure."

The game encourages players to plan their adventures ahead, and knowing where a point of interest is won't be enough to actually get there. In Shadows, there is no companion Eagle to get an overview of the surrounding area, and instead "now, you are the Eagle." This means climbing and finding good vantage points is key to traversing the often treacherous landscape.

Ubisoft also encourages players to be mindful of their surroundings and "avoid false shortcuts that would increase your travel time." A Pathfinder feature can be toggled on or off if players need some assistance getting to their destination.

Scouting And Planning Ahead Will Be Integral To Assassin's Creed Shadows

Smuggling, Scouting, and Safe Houses All Play An Important Part In Gameplay

As players explore the land of Assassin's Creed Shadows, they'll have plenty of opportunities to get help on their journeys. Safehouses called kakurega will be available to find some solace from enemies to rest and restock. Players will also be able to recruit scouts along their adventures, which will be useful for getting around, too. According to Ubisoft, Scouts will be able to "locate quest objectives, gather resources to upgrade your Hideout, and even cover your tracks by resetting Provincial alerts."

There will even be opportunities to smuggle goods over time and track tasks through an objective board, adding complexity to the ambitious open-world title. To add to all these new features, having two very different protagonists also gives players two very different ways to traverse the world. Fans can try all the new exploration mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows when the game released on March 20, 2025.

Source: Ubisoft