Ubisoft Unveils Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Reveals Dual Protagonists and Feudal Japan Setting

Ubisoft has finally lifted the veil on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the highly anticipated next chapter in its long-running stealth-action franchise. Set in feudal Japan, the game introduces a new, dual-protagonist dynamic featuring both a shinobi assassin and a samurai warrior—marking a bold evolution for the series that fans have been demanding for years.

Unveiled during today’s Ubisoft Forward showcase, Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to the late Sengoku period, a time defined by civil war, political intrigue, and the clash between rigid tradition and growing foreign influence. The two new protagonists—Naoe, a stealthy kunoichi (female ninja), and Yasuke, a powerful African samurai loosely based on historic accounts—will offer distinct playstyles, storylines, and moral perspectives, letting players choose their approach to every mission.

Ubisoft confirmed that players will be able to freely switch between characters much like in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, but with deeper RPG elements and evolving relationships influenced by player choice. This dual-character system aims to blend the franchise’s classic stealth elements with complex, choice-driven storytelling found in more recent entries like Odyssey and Valhalla.

The reveal trailer showcased sweeping vistas of Kyoto, bamboo forests shrouded in fog, and explosive combat sequences that highlight the contrasting philosophies of the protagonists. While Naoe favors the shadows with traditional ninja tools and swift, silent takedowns, Yasuke commands the battlefield with thunderous melee attacks and samurai precision.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is being led by Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Odyssey, and utilizes their revamped Anvil engine for greater environmental detail and character animations. In a developer interview, creative director Yuki Tanaka emphasized the team’s commitment to historical authenticity, including consulting with Japanese historians and cultural experts.

Set for release in Fall 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already stirring excitement among fans who have long dreamed of a Japanese setting. With a fresh perspective, cultural depth, and new gameplay innovations, Shadows may not just be the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed yet—it might be the one to finally merge its past and future.