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

Ubisoft has finally pulled back the curtain on its most anticipated Assassin’s Creed entry in years: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. Set in the heart of Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period, the upcoming title promises to blend the hallmark stealth-action gameplay with the rich cultural and political tapestry of 16th-century Japan.

Revealed in a cinematic teaser earlier today, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows introduces two playable protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi aligned with the Iga clan, and Yasuke, a powerful African samurai based on the real-life historical figure who served under Oda Nobunaga. Ubisoft is leaning heavily into historical authenticity with this iteration, integrating real-world events and figures alongside the traditional Animus-driven narrative.

In a press release accompanying the reveal, Ubisoft described Shadows as a “dual-protagonist experience where players can alternate between stealth-oriented and combat-heavy playstyles depending on the mission and character.” Naoe will excel in vertical traversal, espionage, and silent takedowns, while Yasuke is optimized for open combat with mastery over various samurai weapons.

The decision to set an Assassin’s Creed title in Japan has long been a request from fans, and the announcement has already generated massive buzz across social media. Gameplay footage is still under wraps, but Ubisoft confirmed that Shadows will feature an open-world map spanning several prefectures, dynamic weather and seasons, and a revamped parkour system adapted to traditional Japanese architecture.

While specific release details are still sparse, Ubisoft stated the game will launch in early 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with next-gen graphics enhancements and support for ray tracing. A special “Shogun Edition” collector’s bundle will also be available, featuring a detailed Naoe statue, traditional Japanese artbook, and early access to DLC missions.

After a mixed reception to recent entries like Valhalla and Mirage, the Assassin’s Creed series seems poised to return to form with Shadows. If the final product lives up to the atmospheric presentation and promises of dual-playstyle depth, it could very well become the defining AC experience of the generation.