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

After years of fan requests and mounting speculation, Ubisoft has officially revealed Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the next major installment in its long-running stealth-action franchise. Set in feudal Japan, the game marks a bold new direction for the series, introducing a dual-protagonist system and a dynamic open world steeped in samurai culture.

Announced during the Ubisoft Forward showcase, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will follow the intertwined stories of Naoe, a shinobi with deadly agility and mastery of stealth, and Yasuke, a towering African samurai inspired by the real historical figure who served under warlord Oda Nobunaga. Players will be able to switch between the two characters, each offering distinct playstyles—stealth and agility for Naoe, brute strength and disciplined combat for Yasuke.

Gameplay footage shows off new mechanics, including reactive environments, dynamic weather systems, and evolving settlements. Shadows also brings back fan-favorite features such as parkour-based movement, open-ended assassinations, and a focus on historical intrigue. Ubisoft promises a more grounded narrative experience, reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey, but with tighter pacing and enhanced character development.

Fans have long clamored for a proper Japanese setting, and Ubisoft’s decision to spotlight a lesser-known historical period during the Sengoku era marks a refreshing change. The game’s art direction showcases detailed castles, cherry blossom-draped villages, and breathtaking mountain ranges, hinting at a world that balances beauty, danger, and cultural authenticity.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release in late 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Ubisoft confirms that Shadows will not feature multiplayer at launch, focusing instead on delivering a polished single-player narrative. The publisher has also teased post-launch expansions that could explore other Japanese provinces and historical conflicts.

With this announcement, Ubisoft is aiming to reinvigorate the Assassin’s Creed brand by returning to historical roots while pushing the series forward with ambitious gameplay innovations. If Shadows delivers on its promises, it might become the defining Assassin’s Creed experience of the current generation.