Assassin's Creed Shadows: 40-Hour Campaign, New Game+ Planned

Completing the main story of Assassin's Creed Shadows will take approximately 30 to 40 hours, with the developers considering a New Game+ mode for a future update. Learn more about the team's creative vision and explore a detailed look at the Hideout feature.

Game Length for Assassin's Creed Shadows Officially Announced

Main Storyline Estimated at 30-40 Hours

The primary campaign of Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) is designed to offer 30 to 40 hours of gameplay. During the AC Shadows Showcase Event in Kyoto, Genki Gamer interviewed Creative Director Johnathan Dumont about the game's scope.

Dumont confirmed that players can expect to spend roughly 30 to 40 hours completing the main story, alongside more than 80 hours of optional side activities. The development team is also evaluating the addition of a New Game+ mode and other features in response to community input. Many players were disappointed that Assassin's Creed Valhalla did not include New Game+, making this a highly anticipated potential addition.

Dumont also highlighted several key features of AC Shadows, including a dynamic world with changing seasons and weather, new gameplay mechanics, an extensively customizable hideout, and more. The game will introduce a new Animus narrative that connects to upcoming Assassin's Creed titles and related projects.

Fulfilling a Dream to Develop a Japanese-Themed Assassin's Creed

Dumont shared that the team was passionate about creating a game set in Japan, a long-held ambition for many developers. He explained that capturing the essence of Japan required a living, natural environment, and the studio now possesses the technical capability to realize this vision alongside a powerful narrative.

Inspiration was drawn from Japanese cinema, including films like "13 Assassins," "Sekigahara," "Zatoichi," and the works of Akira Kurosawa, with the team incorporating the unique storytelling elements of the Assassin's Creed franchise. Dumont acknowledged the online discussions surrounding the game and stated the team takes constructive feedback seriously. The inclusion of Yasuke, a historical black samurai, has been a particular point of discussion and debate within the context of Japanese history and culture.

Despite this, Dumont affirmed the team's commitment to delivering a high-quality game and showcasing the dedication poured into the project for their Japanese audience.

Exploring the Hideout in Depth

The Secret Valley of Izumi Settsu

On March 5, 2025, the official AC Shadows website published an in-depth exploration of the Hideout's features and mechanics. This base of operations is hidden away in the secret valley of Izumi Settsu province, serving as the player's headquarters for establishing the Brotherhood's presence in the region.

Dany, the Systems Associate Director for AC Shadows, explained, "This is a highly ambitious undertaking. After designing fortresses, villas, homesteads, pirate coves, cafe-theatres, moving trains, ships, settlements, and assassin bureaus... we knew we had to make a significant leap forward to create something fresh. This means providing players with complete freedom to design their home base."

Players are granted an acre of land to fully personalize, allowing them to place buildings, pavilions, paths, native plants and animals, and much more. Dany stressed, "We genuinely want players to make the Hideout their unique space." He added, "As you advance through the game, most customization options progressively unlock, ensuring your Hideout evolves as a reflection of your personal journey."

Building Your Personal League

The Hideout will serve as a home for various characters who will aid the player, each with their own personal histories and quests. These allies will populate different areas of the Hideout based on their preferences—for example, combat-oriented characters may frequent the Dojo, while others might relax with sake in the Zashiki.

This system also enables players to uncover unique conversations between characters, making the Hideout feel dynamic and like a genuine home for your companions. Dany emphasized, "Having all our allies in a single location fosters deeper character development." He continued, "We brought together writers from four different global studios and tasked them with brainstorming interactions based on scenarios like, 'What would these two characters talk about if they were roommates?' The resulting moments are fantastic and make the Hideout feel like the vibrant core of your league."

Based on the features and mechanics detailed by the developers, Assassin's Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a compelling experience for players seeking an authentic Japanese setting delivered in the signature style of the franchise.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest news and updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, be sure to read our article below.