Ubisoft Announces Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Unveils First Gameplay Trailer Featuring Dual Protagonists in Feudal Japan

After years of anticipation and fan speculation, Ubisoft has officially unveiled *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the next major entry in its long-running stealth-action franchise. Set in 16th-century feudal Japan, the game introduces a bold new direction for the series, featuring two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a skilled shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a real historical figure and African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga.

During today’s Ubisoft Forward showcase, fans were treated to the first official gameplay trailer, highlighting the game’s emphasis on dual playstyles, culture-rich worldbuilding, and strategic stealth. Naoe exemplifies the series’ classic stealth formula, using parkour, silent takedowns, grappling hooks, and smoke bombs to infiltrate castles and evade guards. On the other hand, Yasuke offers a more brute-force approach to combat, wielding a massive kanabo club, slicing through enemies with katana and raw power.

The game’s environments appear highly detailed and reactive, showcasing bustling village markets, serene Buddhist temples, and war-torn towns. Ubisoft promises a living world that responds to the player’s actions and choices, with a dynamic weather system and seasonal changes that affect both exploration and strategy.

Narratively, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* delves into the chaos of the Sengoku period, weaving historical events and figures into its reimagined timeline. Ubisoft elaborated that the dual protagonist system not only shifts gameplay but also offers intersecting personal stories with decisions that impact both characters’ fates and the broader narrative.

“Players have been asking for a Japan setting for years, and we wanted to deliver an experience that honors that history while evolving our gameplay design,” said Jean-Luc Sala, Creative Director at Ubisoft.

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set for release on November 15, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with pre-orders available now. The game will also include early access and DLC content as part of its premium Gold and Ultimate editions.

With its ambitious setting and long-requested theme, *Shadows* is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated entries in Assassin’s Creed history.