Ubisoft Confirms Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date and Details New Dual Protagonist System

After months of speculation and leaks, Ubisoft has officially unveiled Assassin’s Creed Shadows— the next entry in their long-running stealth-action franchise. The game will launch globally on November 15, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

As expected, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, a setting fans have long clamored for. But what really sets this title apart is its innovative dual protagonist system. Players will alternate between two distinct assassins: Naoe, a shinobi trained in stealth and subterfuge, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai warrior inspired by the real-life African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century.

Each character offers a drastically different gameplay experience. Naoe’s missions emphasize the series’ trademark stealth—complete with rooftop parkour, smoke bombs, and silent takedowns. Yasuke, on the other hand, brings a more visceral, combat-focused approach with swordplay, heavy armor, and a range of traditional Japanese weaponry. Ubisoft promises seamless switching between the characters in certain missions, allowing players to approach objectives with either shadows or steel.

Game director Rio Itsuno describes this dynamic as “a convergence of discipline and rebellion, giving players the choice to tackle each challenge through raw power or cunning deception.”

In terms of world design, Ubisoft has crafted a sprawling open-world recreation of 16th-century Japan, complete with bustling cities, sprawling countryside, and dynamic weather systems. The developers are leaning heavily into historical authenticity, with notable figures such as Oda Nobunaga playing significant roles in the narrative. A new “Historical Moments” feature will also provide curated content that blends storytelling with real-world history, offering deeper immersion into the era.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents the first next-gen exclusive entry in the franchise, allowing for more complex AI behavior, environmental detail, and loading-free transitions. With its dual-character innovation and long-awaited Japanese setting, Ubisoft appears to be positioning Shadows as both a return to the series’ roots and a leap forward in storytelling and gameplay depth.

Fans can expect more gameplay footage at Ubisoft Forward this June. Preorders are now live across all major platforms.