Ubisoft Unveils New Assassin’s Creed Game, Set in Feudal Japan

In a surprise reveal during its summer showcase, Ubisoft has officially announced the next major installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise: *Assassin’s Creed: Shadows*, set in Feudal Japan and launching in 2025. The long-teased fan-requested setting brings ninjas, samurai, and a stealth-driven narrative to the forefront — a dramatic shift in tone and style compared to recent RPG-heavy entries.

The game will follow dual protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi whose village was destroyed by samurai invaders, and Yasuke, a real historical figure — the legendary African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. Ubisoft says *Shadows* will allow players to switch between these characters dynamically, offering two distinct playstyles reminiscent of *Assassin’s Creed Syndicate* but infused with modern open-world systems and improved parkour mechanics.

Longtime fans have awaited a Japanese setting for years, and Ubisoft promises the wait will pay off. “Feudal Japan gives us the perfect canvas for deep stealth gameplay, rich cultural exploration, and some of the most visually stunning environments we’ve ever built,” said Jean-Luc Sala, Creative Director of the project. Missions will feature multiple infiltration paths, revamped AI patrol systems, and larger vertical sandbox areas, ensuring each assassination feels deeply personal and strategically complex.

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is also making headlines for its technical ambitions. Built on the new Anvil Pipeline, the game will support real-time weather effects that influence enemy behavior and stealth options — for instance, using heavy rainfall to mask footsteps or hiding in dense fog for cover. The title is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with Ubisoft confirming there will be no last-gen versions.

With this announcement, Ubisoft looks poised to rekindle enthusiasm for the series after criticism over franchise fatigue and bloated game worlds. *Assassin’s Creed: Shadows* appears to strike a balance between the stealth roots of the series and the expansive freedom of recent entries like *Odyssey* and *Valhalla*.

Fans can expect more details this fall, with a full gameplay showcase slated for Ubisoft Forward 2024.