Ubisoft Announces Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Next Major Entry Set in Feudal Japan

Ubisoft has officially unveiled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the long-anticipated installment in the publisher’s flagship franchise, set in feudal Japan. Previously code-named “Red,” the game will launch this fall and introduces a dramatic new setting that marks a departure from recent entries in the series.

Set during the turbulent late Sengoku period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will feature two main protagonists: a shinobi assassin named Naoe and a real historical figure, Yasuke, the African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. Ubisoft confirmed that players will be able to switch between the two characters, each offering distinct playstyles — stealth and agility for Naoe, and brute strength and combat precision for Yasuke.

This dual-character system represents one of the game’s fundamental innovations, aimed at delivering an experience that blends the best of classic stealth gameplay with the more recent RPG elements the franchise has embraced. According to the cinematic reveal trailer, both characters will have unique story arcs that interweave as the narrative progresses, shaped by player choices and historical events.

The game will feature an open world that spans multiple regions of Japan, from war-torn countryside villages to bustling early Edo-period cities. Dynamic weather, seasonal shifts, and destructible environments were highlighted as major upgrades to the game’s engine, building on the system seen in Assassin’s Creed Mirage while pushing the visuals and immersion to new heights.

Ubisoft Quebec is leading development, bringing back several team members from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The studio promises that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not only honor the intricate culture of Japan’s past but also deliver a “more grounded and purposeful” story, moving away from some of the controversial bloat and tonal inconsistencies seen in previous entries.

The game is set for release on November 15, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A deluxe edition featuring early access and bonus missions will also be available.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows may finally deliver what fans have been requesting for over a decade — a proper ninja experience rooted in historical authenticity. With its compelling dual protagonists and a rich new setting, this could be the franchise’s most ambitious leap yet.